Citroen CX

                         
Today's Car Lust could not be more different than yesterday's; while the Dodge Charger is a blunt object of a muscle car, the Citroen CX is a smooth, slick, sophisticated tourer with a particularly Gallic spin on the curiously bulbous hunchbacked shape that is such a Car Lust favorite.

When it debuted in the mid-1970s, the CX, like the SM and DS before it, was a ground-breaking vehicle. Hugely technologically advanced, with fantastic aerodynamics for the time and with a funky and futuristic interior (check out the single-spoke steering wheel!), it thoroughly modernized the typical French quirkiness into an extremely compelling tourer.

The tiny engine compartment only allowed four-cylinder engines, so the CX wasn't exactly a sprinter. However, its advanced aerodynamics and long-legged nature made it an excellent top-speed cruiser for devouring the Continent. The traditional Citroen floaty ride came courtesy of a self-leveling hydro-pneumatic suspension which made for an excellent ride/handling compromise.

Combine that with the practicality of the four-door wagon body and--my favorite part, of course--its distinctive streamlined hunkered-down hunchbacked shape, and you have a car I have lusted after for the past two decades.

Thanks to Wikipedia for the images. Below is--in the glorious spirit of Citroen--a truly bizarre CX commercial, featuring the always frightening Grace Jones.

--Chris H.

Comments

[pops on January 27, 2008 at 04:24 PM]

This has got to be the ugliest car in history. I can't imagine anyone being proud to be seen in this car. I have to admit I have never driven one, but I don't think I would ever want to be seen in one either!!

The only reason I can think of that might cause folks to buy one would be that it had some fantastic performance attributes. I don't think that is the case because when I see them in movies, it appears they are nearly at their cornering limits when still at slow speeds.

Help!! What is the value of this ugly car????

[Chris Hafner on January 29, 2008 at 11:28 PM]

pops: "This has got to be the ugliest car in history."

Blasphemer!

[mochi mochi on February 02, 2008 at 11:10 AM]

While it may be an acquired taste and is certainly not geared towards mainstream US tastes, The Citroen CX is a rare beauty. For the record the ugliest car in history is the Aztek.

[Ralph L on February 02, 2008 at 02:22 PM]

Nominations for ugliest car? The later, monochromatic Azteks were borderline quirky-cute.

My car collector friend bought a Citreon SM about 20 years ago, thinking it was a sporty car (We were 11 when it came out to raves, and the impression lasted). Frightening boat to drive faster than 10 mph, but it did have a slow hydraulic leek that didn't help. The brake was a button on the floor. The single spoke wheel was befitting a carnival ride. He resold it in a hurry and probably a loss.

[Ralph L on February 02, 2008 at 02:24 PM]

I mean "leak". The leeks didn't help the smell either.

[SCOTT H on April 02, 2008 at 12:09 PM]

My Uncle had an earlier 4 door Citroen when I was very young. I remember even at that age being unable to get past its odd appearance. He traded it in the late 60's for a beautiful Mercedes 280 SEL.

[Michael S on June 03, 2008 at 12:49 AM]

I own a citroen and while not the most reliable of cars at least its not boring or bland

[Yepster on August 26, 2008 at 01:36 PM]

Pops; you have absolutely no idea of beauty... this car is considered one of the most specially designed cars in Europe. Citroën is known for its special design and futuristic technical innovations. Maybe you just need to get used to special European design that is considered the 'hottest design' nowadays. Just take a longer look at the Citroën DS and the Citroën CX as described, open your yourself to difference and take a second look. It's so easy to react only based on what you've been presented so far by American manufacturers. Chris Hafner knows beauty!

[eoers on September 20, 2008 at 01:39 AM]

I own a 26 year old Citroen Cx Break, it is a one of the coolest car ever, earning me admiring glances all the time. My dream is to buy an SM one day, which is an excellent sports car, so if your friend had a problem with it, the reason must have been a technical issue.

[Jason Carpp on December 01, 2008 at 07:38 AM]

I've always loved Citroens. Sure they're unusual. Sure they're ugly, but it's not always a bad thing. I'd love to have a Citroen CX. I'd love to have a DS/ID. Awesome vehicles.

[CJinSD on May 11, 2009 at 12:31 AM]

European design is where the modern emperor gets his new clothes.