50 Years of the Magnificent Citroën CX

Launched in 1974 to replace the iconic DS which, in turn, succeeded the Traction, the CX is still remembered today as the great Citroën of the Seventies and Eighties.

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Like its two prestigious predecessors, the CX featured numerous technical innovations which, throughout its seventeen-year career, gave it exceptional qualities and still set it apart in 2024. Its unique styling gives it an elegant, low-slung, aerodynamic identity that is instantly recognisable. The CX was replaced in the summer of 1989 by the XM, launched the previous May. However, its estate versions continued to be produced until the summer of 1991. 

The CX, making the most of progress

The CX was officially launched on 26 August 1974, exactly two months after the announcement of the merger between Automobiles Citroën and Automobiles Peugeot. Presented to the press in Sweden the previous July, the twenty-two CX 2000s and CX 2200s used for testing made a remarkable return to Paris, to the Citroën shop on the Avenue des Champs-Elysées, as part of a 3,400-kilometre, six-day tour called the Raid Arctique 1974. At the wheel were twenty-two young people who had taken part in the Raid Afrique 1973 in a 2CV a year earlier.

Launched on 28 August 1974, the CX 2000 attracted a lot of attention at the Paris Motor Show the following October. The star of the Citroën stand, it was immediately recognised as an innovative car. From its predecessors, it took the front-wheel drive, hydropneumatic suspension and dual-circuit high-pressure power-assisted disc brakes now associated with Citroën's image.

But the newcomer also features a number of original innovations. The transverse four-cylinder engine is positioned in the front overhang and tilted forward to further optimise weight distribution and roadholding. For outstanding comfort, the monocoque body is connected to an axle frame by sixteen elastic links that filter out noise and vibration from the front and rear axles, as well as from the engine and gearbox.

Aesthetically, in addition to its particularly aerodynamic lines, as underlined by the name CX, the entire interior layout has been the subject of very detailed study. The most emblematic feature is undoubtedly the famous lunula-shaped instrument panel, which sits on the dashboard like a special vessel. Ergonomics and passive safety have not been forgotten. First of all, all the usual controls that are essential for driving, such as the headlights, indicators, windscreen wiper and horn, are accessible at the tip of your fingers, without your hands ever leaving the steering wheel. All the trim and interior components have no aggressive protrusions, and their materials are designed to be as hard-wearing as the human body's organs. Another innovation in 1974 was the retractable front seat belts.

Its many qualities obviously did not go unnoticed and, on 29 January 1975, it was awarded the 1975 Car of the Year Trophy by the European motoring press, well ahead of the Volkswagen Golf, Audi 50, Fiat 131 and Volvo 200. From July 1975, the CX also received the famous Diravi servo-assisted steering system from the SM.

This new type of power steering, with its speed-dependent hardness, ensured exceptional steering in all conditions, whether dry, wet or snowy, and at all speeds. Initially available as an option, it will later be fitted as standard across the range.

Aulnay, the birthplace of the CX

Commissioned in 1973, the Aulnay plant began assembling the CX in June 1974. At the time, it was the most modern car assembly plant in Europe. Bodywork, paintwork, upholstery and assembly were all carried out there. The use of computers and robots made it possible to automate the various stages of production to a very large extent, from the spot welding of bodywork components to the operation of the self-storage warehouse, from which the painted bodywork is transported to the assembly line according to its specific characteristics. This eliminates the need for tedious handling.

The one millionth CX was produced on 23 October 1987. Having employed up to 8,000 people on a 180-hectare site covering 410,000 m2, production of the CX ceased in July 1989. Only estate car production continued at the Heuliez bodybuilder in Cerizay.

The CX in figures

Taking all models together, a total of 1,042,460 CXs were produced between 1974 and 1991. This figure breaks down into 913,375 saloons, including 29,380 long versions, from 1974 to 1989, and 129,085 estate cars, including 900 Enterprise, from 1976 to 1991.

The fiftieth anniversary of the CX

Two French CX collectors' clubs, Agence CX and the CX Club de France, are joining forces to organise the CX Jubilee on Friday 13, Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 September at the Montigny-Le-Ganelon estate in Cloyes-Les-Trois-Rivières in the Eure-et-Loir region. Crews from all over France and Europe are expected to take part in what promises to be an unforgettable event. During these three days of passion, there will be a host of events on the programme, including an exclusive driving session on Friday on the circuit of the La Ferté-Vidame test centre. This is where the CX, like so many other Citroëns, first took to the road. Saturday will be open to the public.