Penned by automotive design wizard Robert Opron, the Citroen CX (the French abbreviation for drag coefficient) made its global debut to the automotive press in August 1974 in Sweden, followed by a public airing at the Paris Motor Show in October. Primarily, the CX was manufactured at a new, purpose-built factory at Aulnay-sous-Bois north of Paris.

Styling of the sleek CX followed that of the GS, with the vertical cut-off tail and the part-covered rear wheels, but the larger car had more generous proportions, including a longer bonnet and front overhang. It featured an unusual concave rear window that claimed to be self-cleaning. 

With delays in the manufacture of right-hand drive models, the UK launch of the Citroen CX took place almost a year later in June, 1975 with the arrival of the CX 2000. It heralded the end of the iconic DS and the start of a new era of big Citroens in the UK.

Citroen UK quickly expanded the CX model line-up with the introduction of the more powerful CX 2200 and the first estate model, the CX 2000 Safari, which was itself followed by the high-spec CX 2200 Pallas during early 1976.

The CX was initially a huge success for Citroen in Europe, with more than 132,000 produced in 1978 alone – its best sales year. A little over 7,000 of those found UK homes that same year. With more than a million models produced – thus ensuring its rightful place in French automotive history – the Citroen CX remained in production until 1991. 

As the CX matured towards the end of its production life, Citroen introduced the Croisette trim grade as offered here. It was a special and rare model in the Citroen CX range, derived from the CX 22 TRS. It was only offered during 1988 to Belgian, German, Netherlands, Austrian and the UK markets – just one year before its XM successor was launched.

This highly presentable CX 22 TRS Croisette rolled off the production line on Wednesday 27th July, 1988 and received its first UK registration on 19th August. During the intervening 34 years, the car has been lovingly enjoyed by ten former keepers – the tenth of which had the car for 17 years.

The former custodian – a frequent visitor to France and former keeper of several Citroens – acquired the car towards the end of March, 2021 with a view to using it to continue making those trips to France for the next few years. However, ill-health has sadly put paid to those plans and the car has reluctantly been put up for sale. The current vendor purchased the car earlier this year to add to a large collection, however a delay in getting planning on their new indoor space means the collection is having to be reduced for now.

A rummage through online MoT records shows the only fail in the previous 16 tests was its most recent. With the identified issue suitably remedied, it passed three days later and is valid to 16th January, 2023. When not in use by the last owner the car was dry-stored and only removed from the garage for brief local excursions in the New Forest to keep the engine, hydraulics and mechanicals active and lubricated. For the past few months it has had to be housed outside which the present owner feels is not fair on such a cherished car so is now being sold with very reasonable reserve.

Incidentally, this 34-year-old CX has been driven just over 15,000 miles in the past fifteen years.

Accompanying the sale will be the V5C, the valid MoT, two sets of keys and a file of past paperwork which details spares acquired and maintenance undertaken in recent years.

In addition, there is an owner’s manual, an HPI check dated July last year, a wiring diagram, an original CX brochure of the period and a Haynes Manual together with a CD-ROM containing open manuals for the entire CX model range from 1974 to 1991.

While a little removed from showroom condition, the fully original interior of this French automotive gem reflects a ‘lovingly used’ aspect which still promises to be a delightful place in which to spend some immersive road time. The overall presentation throughout is commensurate with its age and mileage.

The super-comfortable front and rear furniture is swathed in plush black and grey sawtooth fabric similar to that applied to the door cards, all of which present in remarkable condition for their 34 years. There is a set of more practical rubber mats in the footwells.

All of the instruments and switchgear work as their French designers intended and the roof liner presents in very good condition. There is a secondary water cooling fan coupled to a digital water temperature gauge installed to the right of the dash by the previous owner to more accurately monitor the water temperature under towing conditions.

On the rear parcel shelf is a pair of manual sunshades which work well at cutting out excessive sun rays for the rear occupants. The original roof lining was removed by the previous owner and the mounting card has been painted black. It should be noted that no interior blemishes were encountered inside this fine Citroen CX example.

Along with the smart and tidy interior, the car’s exterior is also highly presentable, although it would benefit from a little cosmetic TLC by its new keeper.

The silver paintwork gleams to a high standard and all the brightwork shines as intended. The front and rear lights are clear and all electrics are said to be in working order and both undersides of the boot lid and bonnet are in in good condition.

A brief glance down each flank of the car shows no evidence of damage and the front number plate, bumper and valance – for all their vulnerability – remain in good condition. 

The front, rear and side sills of the car are blemish-free, as are each of the door under-sills. The condition of the car highlights the love and care afforded it over the years. The car rides on a good set of Hankook I’cept RS winter tyres.

As with all ‘yings’ come a few ‘yangs’. As intimated, the car's paintwork and window trim would benefit from some TLC. There are a few scratches to the front bumper and the rear bumper chrome strip has encountered an errant tow ball in a former life. All exterior blemishes are evidenced at the end of the photo gallery.

At the photo location, the trusty 2,165cc four-pot fired up each time at the first ask and settled into an appreciative burble. The five-speed manual gearbox connected smoothly and the clutch engaged with no drama, requiring a just gentle rev to get underway.

Supported by the valid MoT, the latter custodian reported the car to be very good mechanical condition with steering, brakes, engine, drivetrain and running gear performing as well as their respective engineers intended nearly four decades ago.

The current owner wishes to point out a number of things that may be of interest to potential bidders: There is a battery disconnect switch fitted, along with a new audio unit, new exhaust system, replacement windscreen washer pipe, ISR security etching, new fuel lines and filter, new air filter, new high-power HT leads and spark plugs and a new Exide battery.

A selection of consumable spares will accompany the sale and include a selection of light bulbs, front and rear brake pads, oil level sensor, sump gasket, timing belt, two spare 14-inch alloys with tyres and a litre of LHM hydraulic brake and levelling fluid.

The engine bay is very tidy and clean and, like the immediately visible parts of this Citroen CX, the underside of the car presents in good order with the usual degree of natural oxidation that may reasonably be expected on a car of this age and mileage.

More French than garlic-flavoured Gauloises, the Citroen CX was a revolutionary car in its day. As an introduction to the classic car lifestyle of the late 20th Century, the Citroen CX is a good choice, providing a spacious, comfortable and stylish car with well-documented good handling, a cosseted ride and on-road civility.

It was said of the CX that, after 10 minutes you never want to drive one again…after an hour, you never want to drive anything else again.

In F610 LKJ, we have a healthy and well-presented 1988 example of one of Citroen’s finest creations as the CX matured towards the closing years of its production life. This rare Croisette variant presents in very good condition inside, outside and under its sleek and aerodynamic skin.

In addition, membership of the UK Citroen Owner’s Club is open to everyone with historic, current and future interest in the marque and its members are as knowledgeable and enthusiastic as they come.

G’won…because you’re here, pop on a cheeky bid. You know you want to!