Citroën BX 16RS Barn Find: Forgotten for 38 Years in Garage 2026

A Citroën BX 16RS that belonged to a Royal Air Force engineer who helped set the Thrust 2 land speed record has been discovered in a Lincolnshire barn after 38 years. The car, a 1983 model, was parked in 1988 and left untouched until this year.

The story connects a humble French hatchback to one of the most famous moments in British engineering history. It also reveals how a planned restoration can stall for decades.

The Engineer Behind the Thrust 2 Record

In October 1983, John Watkins was the engineer in charge of the Rolls-Royce Avon engine that powered the Thrust 2. According to his wife Veronica, who appeared on The Late Brake Show, Watkins was chosen for the role because he had worked on the same type of engine in the RAF's Lightning fighters.

On October 4, 1983, Richard Noble drove the Thrust 2 across the Black Rock Desert in Nevada. The car reached a peak speed of 650.88 mph (about 1,047 km/h) on its fastest run, setting a new land speed record.

That same month, Watkins bought his own new car: a Citroën BX 16RS. It was a stark contrast to the jet-powered record-breaker, but it was his personal transport.

What Kind of Car Is the Citroën BX 16RS?

The BX 16RS was a mid-range model in the BX lineup. It used a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine producing 92 horsepower, and it weighed around 940 kg. Performance was modest: 0 to 100 km/h took about 13.5 seconds.

Despite its ordinary specs, the BX was known for its hydropneumatic suspension and distinctive styling. The 16RS trim added a few creature comforts over the base model, making it a popular choice for families and professionals.

Watkins' car was a 1983 model, meaning it was one of the earlier BX models built. It would have been a practical and comfortable car for a working engineer.

Why Was the Car Parked?

According to Watkins' daughter, he bought another car and kept the BX with the intention of fixing a few small issues. He planned to give it to his younger sister when she passed her driving test. But the car never left the barn.

Life got in the way, and the BX sat undisturbed for 38 years. The barn environment helped preserve it from the worst of the weather, but it still suffered from neglect.

Jonny Smith, host of The Late Brake Show, found evidence that Watkins had started to work on the car. There were signs of partial disassembly, suggesting that the restoration had begun but was never completed.

Condition of the Barn Find

The car is not roadworthy. It will need a thorough restoration to bring it back to life. The body appears solid, but mechanical systems will need attention after nearly four decades of inactivity.

Key areas that typically need work on a long-stored BX include the hydropneumatic suspension, the braking system, and the engine's rubber components. The interior may also have suffered from damp and pests.

Despite the work required, the car's provenance makes it special. Its connection to the Thrust 2 project adds a layer of historical interest that few BX models can match.

What Makes This Barn Find Significant?

Barn finds are always exciting for car enthusiasts, but this one has a unique backstory. The original owner played a direct role in a world-record-setting engineering achievement. That human connection elevates a relatively common car into something more meaningful.

The Citroën BX itself is becoming a rare sight. Once a common family car, it is now a classic that is increasingly sought after by collectors. Finding one with a documented history is rare.

The car's survival is also a reminder of how projects can be set aside. Many enthusiasts have a car in the garage that they plan to restore "one day." This BX shows what can happen when that day never comes. Context on how this played out before sits in Citroën BX 16RS Barn Find: Forgotten for 38 Years in Garage.

Key Takeaways

• The Citroën BX 16RS was owned by John Watkins, an RAF engineer who worked on the Thrust 2 land speed record car.
• Watkins bought the BX in October 1983, the same month the Thrust 2 set its record.
• The car was parked in a Lincolnshire barn in 1988 and remained there for 38 years.
• It was intended as a gift for Watkins' sister, but the restoration was never completed.
• The BX 16RS is a 92-hp, 1.6-liter model that is now a rare classic.

Specifications at a Glance

What Happens Next?

The future of the BX is not yet clear. It could be restored, sold, or kept as a static display. Given its history, a sympathetic restoration would be the most fitting outcome. The background to this story is set out in Car: latest articles. A related thread runs through Retired Engineer Builds Dream Porsche 904 From Scratch at 68.

For now, the car remains a fascinating time capsule. It tells the story of a man who helped push the boundaries of speed and then drove home in a practical French hatchback. Earlier coverage in Mandatory Driver Monitoring Camera in New Cars: What Happens to Your Data shows how the argument developed. A closer look at the same subject appears in Ebro Resumes Car Manufacturing at Barcelona Zona Franca Plant.

The discovery also highlights the importance of documenting a car's history. Without the connection to Watkins and the Thrust 2, this BX would be just another old Citroën. With it, the car becomes a piece of motoring heritage. Anyone following the wider picture can start with Renault Twingo E-Tech Electric: A Surprising Ally for Rural Spain. The same theme surfaces in Wireless 3-in-1 Air Pump: The Car Gadget That Solves 3 Common Emergencies, which takes a different angle.