RE: SOTW: Citroen CX Familiale
Discussion
Beautiful old thing.
A word of encouragement to anyone interested - just buy it and see the little jobs that need doing as part of an investment - because prices for these have already started to climb.
I arranged a four-car big Citroen test back in the spring. The DS, XM and C6 were easy to come by, simply because the C6 was picked up from the press office, the XM is still fairly new, and the DS is a cherished classic that's been restored by several enthusiasts.
But the CX - very, very difficult to find. Most have rusted away and we're down into the hundreds in terms of RHD survivors. However, it is a massively appealing car - much better to drive than the rather alien DS, more interesting than the XM, less to go wrong compared with the C6. I didn't say it at the time, but the CX was my favourite of all those big Citroens.
The market's picked up on certain models - GTI Turbos, Prestige limousines and the six-wheelers are the most popular right now. Point is, exactly the same thing happened to the DS - first it's the specials, the luxury-spec cars and the rally-modified examples, then it filters down to every other car and now even base-spec D-Super 4s are well over £5k for a decent one, and like I said, the CX is a much more comfortable, usable, modern-feeling (yet still uniquely Citroen) car to drive.
A word of encouragement to anyone interested - just buy it and see the little jobs that need doing as part of an investment - because prices for these have already started to climb.
I arranged a four-car big Citroen test back in the spring. The DS, XM and C6 were easy to come by, simply because the C6 was picked up from the press office, the XM is still fairly new, and the DS is a cherished classic that's been restored by several enthusiasts.
But the CX - very, very difficult to find. Most have rusted away and we're down into the hundreds in terms of RHD survivors. However, it is a massively appealing car - much better to drive than the rather alien DS, more interesting than the XM, less to go wrong compared with the C6. I didn't say it at the time, but the CX was my favourite of all those big Citroens.
The market's picked up on certain models - GTI Turbos, Prestige limousines and the six-wheelers are the most popular right now. Point is, exactly the same thing happened to the DS - first it's the specials, the luxury-spec cars and the rally-modified examples, then it filters down to every other car and now even base-spec D-Super 4s are well over £5k for a decent one, and like I said, the CX is a much more comfortable, usable, modern-feeling (yet still uniquely Citroen) car to drive.
I love the CX, particularly the 'Prestige'; the extra length really adds something! 2400 Pallas also for me, rather than the GTI, and one of the early cars with chrome bumpers and those beautiful full hub caps. They are special cars.
It is a bit sad they're only a 4 cylinder, but in every other way they are a high point for car making. I love their innate craziness and innovation,, which despite the odd awkward moment gives them huge character and reminds me in a strange way of a Tatra - another marque whose cars I love.
I do see why they split opinion: they are a unique driving experience which is not for everyone, but they are still the best riding car I have ever been in and one of the few cars which definately rides better than my Jag.
In so many ways they are the antithesis of a BMW or a Mercedes (or a Japanese car) but the CX rewards the driver in ways other than merely being efficient transport. They have a degree of character missing in all but a handful of German or Japanese cars; a true 'Futureworld' car and not the sensible choice for someone whose heart does not entirely rule their head.
Anyone who lusts after a 5 series or a Merc over one of these has not quite harnessed his inner romantic.
It is a bit sad they're only a 4 cylinder, but in every other way they are a high point for car making. I love their innate craziness and innovation,, which despite the odd awkward moment gives them huge character and reminds me in a strange way of a Tatra - another marque whose cars I love.
I do see why they split opinion: they are a unique driving experience which is not for everyone, but they are still the best riding car I have ever been in and one of the few cars which definately rides better than my Jag.
In so many ways they are the antithesis of a BMW or a Mercedes (or a Japanese car) but the CX rewards the driver in ways other than merely being efficient transport. They have a degree of character missing in all but a handful of German or Japanese cars; a true 'Futureworld' car and not the sensible choice for someone whose heart does not entirely rule their head.
Anyone who lusts after a 5 series or a Merc over one of these has not quite harnessed his inner romantic.
johnpeat said:
2woody said:
without a doubt the worst car I ever drove
That just suggests there are a s
tLOAD of cars you've not driven.I've had the "pleasure" of driving an FSO Polonez - for example - which means I have a proper benchmark
Wonderful, wonderful cars. Not sure that I want or need the "aircraft carrier" version but perhaps the Royal Navy might want to consider it? Room for at least two mothballed Harriers in the back of one of these (and still room for a game of Boules)
They give a driving experience like nothing else, the BBC used to use them for filming the gee-gee racing because of it's "magic-carpet" ride. I'd prefer the "ordinary" saloon if I'm honest but these have to start appreciating soon on the coat tails of the DS if nothing else.
magnifique n'est-ce pas?
They give a driving experience like nothing else, the BBC used to use them for filming the gee-gee racing because of it's "magic-carpet" ride. I'd prefer the "ordinary" saloon if I'm honest but these have to start appreciating soon on the coat tails of the DS if nothing else.
magnifique n'est-ce pas?
The C6 is one of very few new cars I would consider buying. It is a shame the engine choice is less than inspirational (all horrid diesels in the UK or a rather anaemic petrol V6--a Maserati pairing for old time's sake surely would be a hit) and the trim is pretty boring too: black and cream unfortunately impossible, although black over black might be nice.
Lead said:
Didn`t Clarkson use one of these as a basis for his `motorhome` in last years series? Seem to remember that it stood up well to having a three storey construction placed upon it but just don`t mention cliffs!
Call me a curmudgeon if you wish, but I think that was a terrible thing to do to a lovely car. why not use something a bit less rare?!? 
(can't think what, though)I too can confirm the huge carring capacity of the standard estate,heres a chrome bomper saloom for sale.I think from memory the 7seater had non folding middle row seats,also no auto option on the early models (semi auto).
http://www.ruylclassics.nl/citroencx_eng.htm
http://www.ruylclassics.nl/citroencx_eng.htm
W124Bob said:
I too can confirm the huge carring capacity of the standard estate,heres a chrome bomper saloom for sale.I think from memory the 7seater had non folding middle row seats,also no auto option on the early models (semi auto).
http://www.ruylclassics.nl/citroencx_eng.htm
Wow, shows how much a top condition car can be worth. Maybe there *is* some value in this week's shed.http://www.ruylclassics.nl/citroencx_eng.htm
Great to see an advert with so many pictures as well.
angusc43 said:
Shedtastic - I remember passengering in a bright green metallic saloon one to the 1976 motor show in Glasgow as a 12 year old.
A few years later it oxidised in a spectacular fashion, unfortunately.
A couple of years ago I was on Carnaby Street in London, bemoaning the fact that all the '60s boutiques and record shops had vacated in favour of the usual high-street chains, only to find what seemed the last independent shop using an early CX matching that description (but pristine) as a delivery vehicle. Perfect.A few years later it oxidised in a spectacular fashion, unfortunately.
the fury said:
Mark34bn said:
My uncle had a couple of CX's in the late 70's. Couldn't have been more different to the Viva dad had at the time...
I like these but would never be brave enough to actually own one (if there are any still about)
I'd rather have a W124 estate but one can dream....
That 6 wheeler is simply the coolest thing EVER!I like these but would never be brave enough to actually own one (if there are any still about)
I'd rather have a W124 estate but one can dream....
http://www.thejoyofcx.co.uk/
W124Bob said:
I too can confirm the huge carring capacity of the standard estate,heres a chrome bomper saloom for sale.I think from memory the 7seater had non folding middle row seats,also no auto option on the early models (semi auto).
http://www.ruylclassics.nl/citroencx_eng.htm
Now that is absolutely stunning.http://www.ruylclassics.nl/citroencx_eng.htm
Egbert Nobacon said:
the fury said:
Mark34bn said:
My uncle had a couple of CX's in the late 70's. Couldn't have been more different to the Viva dad had at the time...
I like these but would never be brave enough to actually own one (if there are any still about)
I'd rather have a W124 estate but one can dream....
That 6 wheeler is simply the coolest thing EVER!I like these but would never be brave enough to actually own one (if there are any still about)
I'd rather have a W124 estate but one can dream....
http://www.thejoyofcx.co.uk/
Great SOTW!, Can you think of a better way to travel your family or 7 of mates about?, It would stand out in the supermaket car park amongst all the S Max/Scenic/Zafria parked in it wouldn't it!.
Or just add another set of wheels FTW!
1989 Citroen CX 28 TRi Safari Estate 6 Wheel by Trigger's Retro Road Tests!, on Flickr
Or just add another set of wheels FTW!
1989 Citroen CX 28 TRi Safari Estate 6 Wheel by Trigger's Retro Road Tests!, on Flickr
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