Today, Citroen is counted among the most successful car manufacturers in rallying.
However, one of the French marque’s early forays into the WRC, using the BX, ended in disaster.
Now an example of the BX 4TC Evolution, one of the rarest Group B rally cars ever made, has sold for more than £350,000.
Racing to be ready
Citroen began the BX 4TC Evolution programme with Group B rallying already underway. It meant the team was immediately playing catch-up to other manufacturers.
A number of prototypes were built, but a shortage of cash saw Citroen opt for a conventional design. This meant a traditional monocoque chassis, combined with a front-engined layout.
The turbocharged four-cylinder engine produced 380hp, with the BX 4TC weighing in at 1,150kg. This put it above the minimum weight limit for Group B, and with less power than its competitors.
Although four-wheel drive was fitted, the lack of a centre differential would compromise how effective it could be. Tarmac stages in particular would pose a major challenge.
Limited time to impress
To keep the BX 4TC in touch with the road-going version, Citroen fitted its trademark hydropneumatic suspension system. It meant the BX 4TC would impress on gravel stages, but lacked reliability.
On its debut in 1986, the BX 4TC Evolution failed to finish the season-opening Monte Carlo Rally. A sixth place for Jean-Claude Arudet on the Swedish Rally would be Citroen’s only high-point.
A development break saw the car sidelined for several rounds, reappearing at the Acropolis Rally.
This came just after the decision to freeze the development of Group B cars, and ban them from rallying for 1987.
A grande retreat
Citroen chose to quickly cancel the BX 4TC programme, and attempted to close the lid on its embarrassing competition record.
This extended to buying back a number of the road-going homologation versions in order to crush them. Examples of the BX 4TC Evolution rally car were also disassembled, leaving just six or seven to survive.
It made the car offered at the recent Artcurial Sale Automobiles sur les Champs auction a genuine motorsport rarity.
Motorsport museum piece
Purchased directly from Citroen after its short-lived competition history, the BX 4TC had been preserved in The Manor of the Automobile museum.
Being the 4TC Evolution driven by Jean-Claude Andruet added to its desirability. It makes it extra-special, even amongst the handful of Group B BXs that remain in existence.
The winning bid secured the car for €417,200 (£352,200), making it notably cheaper than other Group B icons sold at auction.
ALSO READ:
‘DOMINANT’ 1990 FORD SIERRA RS500 RACERS TO BE REBORN
LAMBORGHINI RECREATES 1971 COUNTACH LP 500 CONCEPT
COLIN CHAPMAN’S ESPRIT ‘COMPANY CAR’ TO BE RESTORED BY LOTUS
