National Motorcycle Day
This weekend was National Motor Day . I don't know what the origin of this special day is or what exact date the celebration falls on. In any case, there were a lot of nice vehicles out on the road this weekend. Sunday morning is a nice day to go for a ride without being in a hurry – and without being in the way of those who are always in a hurry. It's also a great time to go cycling. My purpose in cycling is to look at nice cars. I often stop by places where I know there are usually nice cars. Along the way, I take pictures for Terje's cars Instagram account . Many of the cars there are not published on the websites – so it's worth a look.
Large Citroens on tour
One of my goals was the car shops on Ramstadsletta. In the former premises of AutoXO Sport, a new car shop called Naka Autosport has now moved in . They don't carry as exclusive cars as their predecessor, but many of the cars are enthusiast cars that are interesting to look at - but which your father would hardly recommend.
I did, however, spot some beautiful Citroens along the service center on the other side. Large Citroens - which just slid calmly into place. No noise - neither audible nor visual. The cars gathered at Ramstad to drive together to the meet. There was a Traction Avant, a couple of nice DSs, an ID 19, a CX Prestige, a C6, an SM and equally nice owners. It is great to be able to see several generations of Citroen in the same place.
Citroen 11 Traction Avant
Self-supporting bodywork, one wheel in each corner, independent suspension on all four wheels, low center of gravity, front wheel drive and rack and pinion steering were not commonplace when the model appeared in 1934.
Citroen CX Prestige
The car in the pictures is a 1976 model. It was the first model year the Prestige was produced. It had an extended wheelbase to be able to transport prominent people such as presidents and prime ministers. Subsequent model years had a raised roof so that everyone on board could keep their hats on. But there is no doubt that the low roofline combined with the extended wheelbase makes this model very special. The car in the picture is in normal driving position. Just the right height, if you ask me.
Citroen SM
The model that got a Maserati engine and a design that can still take your breath away. A car for celebrities who drove the National 7 between Paris to the Côtes d'Azur. The pictured car has had one previous owner in France. I have taken pictures of several SMs in the past, but never seen one in motion. It moves in the same gracefully discreet manner as the other big Citroens. Although there is a Maserati engine in it.
Citroen DS
"Déesse" – goddess in French. The burgundy red car is a great DS23 Pallas. One of the last to be produced – in a design few could afford in the 70s – that was acquired by people with an above-average interest in cars. That can probably be said about today's owners of classic Citroen cars, too.
G-Class Big
I have taken a few steps over to the cars outside Naka Autosport . One car there caught my interest. It is a G 500. The special thing about this car is not only the V8 engine and the carbon material in the fenders. It is also the chassis. This is a type of car for Arab sheikhs who need to move quickly in the desert. It is what Daimler calls a 4×2². Here the axles are located under the car, which frees up space to drive over uneven sections of steppes and sand dunes – or deep snow without anything sinking in. Brilliant. Beautiful. A great vehicle for National Motor Day.
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