1986 Citroen CX2500 GTi Turbo 2

Details

Citroen is one of the world’s most iconic and innovative automobile manufacturers. Founded by André-Gustave Citroen in 1919, the company produced its first motor vehicle, the Citroen Type A, immediately following the First World War. Prior to this and during the War, Citroen supported France by manufacturing armaments from its then modern factory. Throughout the War, Citroen realised that he had to plan for the future and decided he would manufacture motor vehicles once peace returned to Europe.

In the early years, Citroen’s plans were to bring mass production to Europe using the principles developed by Henry Ford. In 1934 Citroen introduced the 7CV or Traction Avant which today is recognised as one of the most important automobiles ever built. The Traction Avant pioneered unitary body construction (with no separate chassis), four wheel independent suspension and front wheel drive. The early 1930’s were tough times for Citroen and the company ultimately filed for bankruptcy in December 1934. Andre Citroen passed away in July 1935 after losing his battle with cancer at the relatively young age of 57. Michelin subsequently took over Citroen and the company went on to become a power house of French industry.

The Citroen brand is synonymous with innovation, however, their cars were also well built and very reliable. Other key milestones in Citroen’s history were the introduction of the Deux Chevaux or 2CV in 1948 and the Goddess DS Series cars in 1955 (which featured a hydro pneumatic self-levelling suspension system, a high pressure hydraulic system, disc brakes and later swivelling headlights). What is often overlooked is that Citroen has a rich motorsport pedigree, particularly in rallying, where it has won many events and championships over the years.

Citroen always had a vision to build a sporting version of their iconic DS series cars. The missing piece of the puzzle was found following Citroen’s acquisition of Maserati in 1968. Citroen decided to use a Maserati engine to power their new sports saloon. The result was the Citroën SM, first shown at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1970. It went on sale in France in September of that year.

The early 1970’s were a tough time for Citroen and it went bankrupt for the second time in 1974. The French government intervened fearing significant job losses and shortly thereafter Citroen merged with Peugeot to create what ultimately became the PSA Group (where PSA is an abbreviation for Peugeot Société Anonyme). Good times were ahead for Citroen and the CX, which was first introduced in 1974, won the European Car of the Year in 1975. The CX become the backbone of the company for years to come before it was ultimately replaced by the XM in 1989. The Citroen CS is often referred to as the last ‘real Citroen’.

Oldtimer Australia is delighted to offer for sale an ‘oh so cool’ 1986 Citroen CX2500 GTi Turbo.

This particular car is a UK delivered, factory right hand drive example that was brought into Australia as a private import in 1991. The current owner acquired the car in 1993.

The CX was used regularly over the years, often as a daily driver, as well as its owner enjoying many long distance trips from Brisbane to Sydney and Melbourne. The car’s long term owner passed away recently and his family have made the difficult decision to move it on to a new home. Today the odometer reads 217,072 miles, however, the overall condition of the car belies that mileage. Its condition is more consistent with a car that has travelled 117,000 carful miles. Since arriving into Australia the car has been cherished and well maintained by marque specialists.

Today this Citroen CX still presents beautifully. The paintwork is still fresh with a strong depth of colour. There are some blemishes and imperfections evident, but you would not think that this very original car is 33 years ago! All of the exterior trim (with the exception of the front bumper), glass and lenses are in good condition, consistent with the rest of the car. The front bumper shows a number of stone chips and marks and repainting it would lift the overall presentation of the car.

The interior is ‘fabulous and just so ‘80’s’, showing the slightest amount of patina. The seats are a French version of a pascha interior found on a similar period Porsche and they are all in excellent condition. All of the instruments and controls are in good condition and everything is in working order, even the air conditioning which blows cold air. The steering wheel deserves a special mention which, along with the upholstery, is a real feature on a Citroen CX. The controls are subtly different, hence, the owner’s manual is a ‘must read’ before take off!

The car has just been serviced and fully sorted by a local Citroen specialist with in excess of $5,800 spent to ensure the car is offered for sale in excellent roadworthy condition. Turn the key and this car starts easily. The engine idles smoothly and it almost purrs in a Jaguar-like way. In a short time the Citroen hydraulic system charges and the car adjusts its ride height. It’s quirky but very cool! Driving any Citroen is a unique experience, but this car is really quite refined. Like its predecessors, all of the controls are very sensitive, yet incredibly precise and direct. You get the hang of it quickly and the self-centring steering is actually really good. After a few miles you feel right at home. This is a very good example. It is easy to drive, yet it has plenty of performance on tap when needed. The real surprise is just how incredibly smooth it is to drive . . . the ride, the handling and the gear change (yes, ithas the desirable 5 speed manual gearbox) are all silky smooth. Interestingly the car has a slightly firmer ride than its older siblings the DS and SM.

You open the bonnet to reveal a very original but clean and tidy engine bay. Under the rear hatch the boot is also clean and tidy.

Importantly the car is mechanically sorted and the hydraulics work as they should. The car has just been serviced and it is now ready for a new owner.

Accompanying this car is an original owner’s manual, spare wheel and Citroen jack stand.

Citroen is celebrating its 100^th Anniversary in 2019 and these cars are certainly in vogue. The CX2500 GTi Turbo offers a huge amount of car for the money. We love it!

 

 

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