The production of the CX was far from smooth at the start. This gave the model a bad reputation. Undeserved, - because eventually everything went much better.
Followed the legend DS
It cannot have been easy for Citroen to create a sequel to the legendary Citroën ID/DS. It did not improve when Citroen was taken over by the Peugeot/PSA group in an attempt to save the company from bankruptcy. This happened just before the launch of the new CX. It became necessary to make last-minute changes to the engine choice. Citroën had then spent a lot of money on developing an engine solution based on Wankel technology. All this work was shelved after the takeover. I wrote a post where I question whether the CX is a legend in line with its predecessors. The CX has had its problems, just like its stable brothers in PSA, the Peugeot 164 and Talbot Tagora. In retrospect, however, CX appears to be more successful than these.
Facelift
The main picture is a Series 2 model after a facelift in 1986, - in fact the only one throughout the entire production period (1974-1991). Then the CX got more aerodynamic and colour-matched bumpers, channel skirts, fender skirts, new mirror housings and the instrument panel with the special rotating drums was replaced with ordinary clocks.
Break
In Norway, the CX Break became popular as a 2-seater van, especially at the end of the model's life cycle. CX van with 2,5 turbodiesel gave a lot of car for the money. At 492 cm, the estate version is a full 25 cm longer than the sedan, and longer than the vast majority of cars at the time. Another advantage is that it can withstand a lot of weight, as the hydraulic suspension keeps the car constantly level. The best CX is probably a type 2 station wagon (Break) with a 2,5 turbodiesel, provided you can find one that hasn't gone too far. CX Break were typical used cars and difficult to find in such good condition as the car in the picture above.
Prestige
In 1976, Citroën made a separate version of the CX with the same extended wheelbase as the Break edition. The "Prestige" model was intended for chauffeur-driven cars that would carry prominent passengers. As you know, French heads of state are only driven in French limousines. The CX was the Peugeot group's (PSA) largest car - and a natural starting point for a presidential limousine. In the first year, the CX Prestige was produced with a normal roof height. The following year, the roof was raised so that no one had to take off their hats. The pictured model has a normal roof height - and together with the extended car, it looks very stylish. Vinyl roof was standard.
Gallery
About the pictures
CX Saloon
The grey-blue car in profile - in a lowered position - is a French Citroen CX Turbo photographed at a car meet in Perpignan, France, 2023. The light green Series 1 car is photographed at Maritim, Oslo. It is a Series 1 car. The grey-blue Series 2 car is pictured at Frogner in Oslo. It is a GTI edition. The red CX 2400 GTI is pictured at a Cars & Coffee meeting at Øvrevoll gallop outside Oslo.
CX Break
The silver gray station wagon took part in Citronnades-2024 in Sainte-Marie-la-Mer, France. The grey-blue station wagon was photographed at a Cars & Coffee meeting at Øvrevoll gallop.
Prestige
The Prestige model is pictured on Ramstadsletta west of Oslo. It has a 2,4 liter engine and was registered as new in Norway. It is said to have transported several high-profile Norwegian politicians.
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See
Citroen CX – a legend?
Norwegian CX Club
