The young and so inventive André Citroën (1878-1935) had an ambition: to change the perception about automobile and allow people from all walks of life to afford a car. He creates a factory in Paris and begins to build the Citroên A-Type. This is the very first fully equipped grand series car with a low price. The Citroën Logo appears in 1920. It represents a double helical gearing whose power and resistance are well above average, expressing a creative and audacious vision.

The Traction Avant appears in 1934, this is the first front wheel drive car. A true revolution. It will be produced for 23 years in various different versions.

Citroën Traction Avant

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And why not use the front wheel drive to create  a van thus giving more space for loading at the rear? The H-Type is light and solid with its corrugated iron body.   It is capable of carrying 1200 kg, as much as the weight of the van itself.

Citroën Type H – 1947.

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Designed for the countryside in 1948, the small and economical 2 CV will become a symbol of freedom and non-conformism in the ’60s and ’70s.

Citroën 2 CV

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In 1955, Citroën creates an event with the DS. Its hydraulic systems control the suspension, gear box and brakes. 1200 units were sold on the very first day of the Paris Motor Show in 1955. It will be produced until 1975 with many upgraded and luxurious versions. In 1958 a landaulet version is designed for General de Gaulle. Black DS were official cars of the French Government for many years. 1.5 million units were produced. The mythic DS (goddess in French) is a landmark in automobile history.  Also check out my article:  http://quazen.com/recreation/autos/fascinating-french-classic-cars-citroen-ds/

Citroên DS

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The Méhari, an original all purpose car appears in 1968 in the 2 cylinder engines family. Its plastic body cancels any risk of corrosion and offers a good resistance in case of small shocks. 

Citroën Méhari

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It is in 1970 that Citroën unveils the SM, a luxurious coupé with a Maserati engine, offering performance and safety: power  steering, hydraulic braking system adapted to the load of the vehicle, headlamps with directional controls. The SM is the fastest front wheel drive car of the day. It is also compared to another contemporary icon: the Concord.  

Citroën SM

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SM profile

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SM interior

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For the 1974 Paris Motor Show, Citroën reveals the CX 2000 equipped with the latest technologies: disc brakes at the front and double hydraulic circuit, a single windshield brush, concave rear window and futurist dashboard. It was used as a presidential car.

Citroën CX

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The BX was produced between 1982 and 94. This model also has a hydraulic suspension. Its style is very angular. 

Citroën BX

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BX, 4 wheel drive station wagon.

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The Xantia replaces the popular BX in 1993. It quickly is a success mainly thanks to its design and comfort. In 1995, the Activa technology even more improving the efficiency of the hydro pneumatic suspension created by Citroën. This system enhances its exceptional road capabilities that can be compared with a sports car whilst ensuring the passengers with the legendary Citroën comfort.

Citroën Xantia

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1996: The Berlingo is a new concept of family vehicle. It is exceptional in terms of space and modularity. its multipurpose functions propose compartments inspired by the inside of aircrafts.  

Citroën Berlingo

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1998: Citroën presents the Xsara Picasso, an innovating vehicle combining the elegance and the performances of a sedan.

Citroën Xsara Picasso

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The limousine C6 was presented for the first time at the Geneva Motor Show in 2005. Its style is very much Citroën and its equipment luxurious. This is one of President Sarkozy’s official cars.

President Sarkozy’s hand out of his Citroën C6.

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The interior of the limousine C6.

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A front view of the C6.

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Not all Citroën models are presented here.