Citroën CX Familiale
ENGINE 2473cc/4-cyl/OHC POWER 138bhp@5000rpm TORQUE 155lb ft@4000rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 116mph 0-60MPH 11.9sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 19-28mpg TRANSMISSION FWD, three-speed automatic MoT August 2020 ODOMETER 43,829 miles
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
The hydropneumatic suspension rises as it should at start-up and the car pulls away smoothly. The automatic gearchange works perfectly in both self-shifting and manual modes and the suspension would soak up a canyon. The car also corners as it should – imagine an aircraft carrier listing sharply to left or right. The power steering feels sensitive but surprisingly accurate and the car shows no hesitation throughout its power range, performing exactly as it should. The seats – including the head rests – are remarkably soft and cossetting and this, together with the lack of any untoward noises, makes driving this car a very relaxing experience.
BODYWORK CHECK
The car’s unusual – to put it mildly – purple-cum-brown metallic paint is in generally excellent condition. It has been Dinitrol rustproofed from new and appears to be as sound as a French franc underneath. There is, however, rust in the door bottoms, though it is quite well camouflaged by the unusual paint colour. Otherwise, everything is in good order, including the brightwork, lights and wheel trims. The tyres look as though they have plenty of life left in them, too.
HOW’S THE INTERIOR?
The cabin is in absolutely superb order, from the space-age steering wheel to the suspension adjustment switch and the headlining – you’ll struggle to find a better example for this sort of money. The carpets are plush and immaculate and all eight seats appear to be factory fresh, which is impressive given that the material looks vulnerable to the attentions of children and dogs. The instruments all seem to do their job and the electrics all function correctly. All of the switches are intact, as are its party-piece ‘revolving drum’ speedometer and rev counter.
UNDER THE BONNET
All is nicely kept beneath the bonnet and there are no signs of corrosion in the surrounding bodywork. Neither are there any leaks of water, oil or hydraulic fluid. The hydropneumatic suspension appears to work perfectly and creates great entertainment as people watch the car rise! The fluids look clean and the car was serviced 100 miles ago. The engine shows no sign of overheating or wear. Generally, everything appears to be in extremely good mechanical order.
THE CCW VIEW
This is surely a unique opportunity. This CX spent the past few years in the James Hull collection – later snapped up by Jaguar Land Rover – before being recommissioned. The interior is in incredibly good order and the car doesn’t appear to want for anything, apart from getting the limited door corrosion attended to.