Over the years, I’ve developed a fondness for oddball vehicles. Some of you may recall my 1981 Toyota HiAce van, the 1988 Subaru XT6, a 1988 Peugeot 505 wagon, and a few others along the way. While endlessly charming, they all have some shortcomings, usually tied to parts that are no longer available or systems that can’t be repaired with a wrench and electrical tape. This 1983 Citroen CX 2000 is an earlier version of the CX Prestige and Pallas models that did make their way to the states via the gray market, and it’s listed here on craigslist in Toronto for $18,500.
Now, while the oddballs are attention-getters and certainly unique from an appearance perspective, driving them doesn’t strike you as all that different. In fact, you might even find them slightly uncomfortable or difficult to drive, as I experienced with my diesel-powered HiAce and its column-mount shifter. The CX 2000, despite clearly being an oddball, was supremely comfortable thanks to its plush accommodations inside and its nifty height-adjustable hydropneumatic suspension. While the latter can be a monster to repair, it’s a delightful feature when working well.
Citroen was famous for its space-age interiors that relied on simple designs that still looked exotic in comparison to almost anything else on the road. The steering wheel utilized a single-spoke design and behind it you’d see some absolutely stunning instrumentation, consisting of beautiful gauges and glass that acted as a magnifying surface. It fits perfectly with the high-end details that certainly make the CX even more of a stand out, but with that comes the potential for rare and otherwise irrreplaceable components to fail with no easy fix.
I found another listing for this Citroen that indicates it was imported from Greece and prepared for use in the U.S. many years ago. It apparently ended up in Ontario where it has spent the last several years. The seller notes that it shows 74,650 kilometers, so mileage is quite low and offers strong evidence for the claims of original paint. The seller notes it will come with numerous spare parts, which is essential for keeping cars like these on the road and the 4-cylinder, 2000cc humming happily (105 b.h.p. and 122 lb.-ft. of torque for the curious.) Thanks to Barn Finds reader Tony Primo for the find.
Perfect car to drive to the winery on a crisp autumn weekend. Squint your eyes as you look at the scenery and pretend you are in France.
I drive one of these around San Andreas from time to time, they pull pretty good.
No one ever complained about the ride in a Citroen. But repairing a DS21 was enough for me to say “no thanks” to having to work on one any more. I understand the why as far as the ride and adjustable suspension goes and the goofy brake feel. It doesn’t mean I have to like it. I’m not nessarily against French cars. (I have soft spots for Renault) but since they have a different way (than I’m used to) of doing things. Over complicating seems to be their joy in life.
Even though I like different, and I appreciate the ride and aerodynamics of the body design. I’m not impressed enough to even consider one of these.
No one ever complained about the ride in a Citroen. But repairing a DS21 was enough for me to say “no thanks” to having to work on one any more. I understand the why as far as the ride and adjustable suspension goes and the goofy brake feel. It doesn’t mean I have to like it. I’m not nessarily against French cars. (I have soft spots for Renault) but since they have a different way (than I’m used to) of doing things. Over complicating seems to be their joy in life.
Even though I like different, and I appreciate the ride and aerodynamics of the body design. I’m not impressed enough to even consider one of these.
Im sure its because of my French ancestry but ive love the Citrogen and AlpineA110. French cars are unique ans many were not only ahead of their time but also highly competitive.
I surely owned well North of 20 CX back in the 80’s and 90’s, I had gas and diesels with and without turbos. Sedans, wagons and even the stretch Prestige. They were pretty durable cars, never had any significant issues. Interiors didn’t age well, so a nice interior is proof of a well kept car. My favorite would be a -88/89 CX25GTi with Auto. The later cars are not quite as good looking, but they were better built, less sensitive to russt, and the front seats were comfier.