Citroën AX

1987 Citroën AX 11 TRE

Engine 1124cc/4-cyl/ohc Power 54bhp@5800rpm Gearbox 5-speed manual

Work done

A thorough clean and a fair bit of welding prep!

I picked up this tidy AX months ago, but have thus far managed only to wash it. Poor thing has been stuck in a corner ever since. The previous owner had an unfortunate incident involving a bright red dash warning light, lack of coolant and an engine that quickly shuddered to a sudden halt. It hasn’t run since and, although I suspect the worst, it’ll be interesting to investigate further before a replacement engine is sourced. Shame, as it has just 60,000 miles under its belt.

This is a very early launch-spec AX – a midrange ex-citroën UK car with an immaculate interior, but rotten great holes in the boot. And probably in lots of other things, too.

Why do we do this to ourselves? Why didn’t I say no? We’re all in the same boat here, aren’t we? Too much heart and too little cash.

So, with that in mind, it was time to say farewell to my C5. My mate, Steve Doel, had been pestering me ever since he clapped eyes on it, so off it went. Proud to have rescued a rare early 2.2 model from oblivion, I was glad to see the comfy barge go to somebody who would cherish it, as was its previous owner – 92 year-old Doug Rawson. He was chuffed to hear Steve has already booked the car in for cosmetic work. Doug and I were pleased to imagine it will be frequenting classic car shows in the years to come.