My childhood was always full of Citroens, particularly of the late 70's/early 80's variety. My parents had a blue GS Pallas C-matic, quickly followed by a blue GSA Pallas C-matic when it was launched the following year. An Uncle was the dealer principle of a Citroen dealer in Porchester and I used to love to hang out there as a child with all the weird french cars. I remember he always had CX's as his company cars, the ones I remember most were a Prestige, a red Reflex and a white Familialle which would transport me, my cousins and I to holidays in Dorset. Happy memories.
In January 2001 I had been considering getting a car to tinker about with after being fortunate enough to have a company car for the everyday stuff. I was at home one saturday afternoon and with nothing else to do and nothing much on TV I ended up watching a film called "Tim". Made in 1979 starring Mel Gibson, and a gold CX. I was inspired, got straight down to the newsagents to buy an Autotrader (remember those days?) and strike me down there was an advert for a series one 1979 CX. Advertised with no MOT and stood in a lock up in Leicester for 6 years. After a visit, parting with some cash and arranging a transporter to collect, it was mine. Then followed an 11 year affair!
Funny thing, I don't remember the front mudflaps...
Rollng road day...up on torque from factory figures but what REALLY brought a smile to my face was being only about 5bhp down on this lovely modified SRi Cavalier.
The CX caused quite a stir when it appeared on the rollers and would have probably been the highlight of the day...until someone showed up with a 300bhp V8!...
By far my proudest moment with FPD 866V was when I was invited by Classic and Sportscar Magazine to take the CX along for them to use as part of a group roadtest feature.
Whilst I miss the old thing after chatting with it's new keeper today it's obviously found a very good new home where it is being very well looked after and most importantly...being used and enjoyed. I will have another CX one day for sure and I am fortunate enough to still be driving a Citroen every day in the from of...erm.....
a C1.....ssshhhhh.
A good blog too