Citroën and Hermès, two French names synonymous with style and fashion have come together to demonstrate their skills to the Japanese, with the production of a one-off Citroën for display in Japan, the Citroën C3 Hermès.

Hermès has been renowned for the quality, purity and style of its hand crafted products since Thierry Hermès started making saddlery products in 1837. His son, Emile-Maurice went on to start producing the clothing products for which the company is now famous, including handbags, scarves and clothing. The company's search for quality is renowned, for example only two per cent of leathers shown to Hermès are of sufficient quality to be used in Hermès products. Hermès employees a team of 150 skilled craftsmen to produce just two of its most famous women's handbags, taking 20 man hours to produce each handbag. It was this team who have transformed the interior of the Citroën C3, painted in the unique Hermès colour, 'Rouge Hermès', that is used on its famous range of handbags, such as the 'Birkin' which can cost $20,000 - if you can buy one.

Taurillon Clemence leather in Tourterelle has been used to trim the seats, the steering wheel, gear knob, door trims, the centre arm rests, the sun visors, the roof lining and even the rear vision mirror. The entire interior has been hand stitched - no sewing machines were used - and carry the famous Hermès logo and hidden markings to guarantee authenticity. Hermès is renowned for its use of the 'saddle stitch' which takes talented craftsmen years of training and practice to master. One linen thread and two needles are needed to create just one stitch, which though not apparent to the eye, is knotted in the middle providing added strength and durability.

With this quality of workmanship, the use of only the finest materials, the relentless search for perfection and the fact that there is a considerable waiting list, not to mention high prices for Hermès existing range of leather products it is clearly indicated that the Citroën C3 Hermès is not about to join the rest of the Citroën range in a local dealer!

No, the Citroën C3 Hermès is a unique, one-off car that will be auctioned for charity in Japan in December following a national display tour. With Hermès 'Birkin' hand bags selling at auction for up to $80,000, it is only possible to imagine what a Citroën C3 with an interior handcrafted to the same standards as other Hermès will reach at auction!