Unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in 1974, the CX is one of Citroen’s most instantly recognisable cars. Some enthusiasts consider it the final ‘real’ Citroen, as the last car launched before the company was acquired by Peugeot (in what became PSA).
The CX combines many of the features that made upmarket Citroens so beloved, including idiosyncratic design, hydropneumatic self-levelling suspension, a quirky interior and a low drag coefficient.
The latter was so important, in fact, that Citroen named the car after it. ‘CX‘ is the scientific notation used to represent drag coefficient in fluid dynamics.
Back to the future
All this outside-the-box thinking didn’t seem to deter buyers, and the CX found success as a versatile executive saloon. It later went on to claim the title of European Car of the Year in 1975.
This car has only covered 68,000 miles in the hands of its five former owners and has clearly been scrupulously maintained. The original owner’s manual, service books, MOT certificates (the car is now exempt, of course) and even handwritten maintenance notes from the 1970s and 1980s are all supplied as part of the sale.
From an era when Citroen was at its most forward-thinking, the CX also comes with disc brakes, power steering and a robust 110hp 2,175cc engine, all of which are in fine fettle.
Sacré bleu!
The CX’s famously zany interior is also pristine, allowing its next owner to marvel at the rocker-switch indicators, single-spoke steering wheel and bright blue velour upholstery. Frankly no staid-and-sensible German car of the 1970s can compete.
Rarer than the iconic Citroen DS, but with much of the same charm and significance, the CX is a futuristic French fantasy made real.
Car & Classic’s auction for this 1976 Citroen CX 2200 Pallas, in association with Retro Motor, goes live today and runs until 13 September 2023. When bidding closes, the car is expected to fetch between £15,000 and £20,000.
Can’t get enough of ‘real’ Citroens? Car & Classic has another Citroen CX coming up for auction on Saturday.
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