Citroen knew that replacing the DS would be a difficult job. The car had been in production for 20 years, and in certain aspects of ride and refinement it still had few peers in the big car class. It was with some relief, then, that Citroen fanciers greeted the new CX in 1974, in every respect, it was a worthy successor. Outwardly its sleek, fastback shape looked as aerodynamic as it actually was, although it was a surprise to find that it wasn’t a hatchback. Under the skin, front wheel drive was still employed, but this time the four cylinder engines, essentially the same pushrod units found in the last of the DS models, were mounted transversely and drove through new four and five speed transmission. Self leveling hydropenumatic suspension remained adjustable between three positions via a lever between the front seats, combining the magic carpet ride comfort with surprisingly agile handling. Roomy and comfortable, with a futuristic interior to match the styling, the CX was an immediate success, finding much favor as a long distance express. Later came a huge estate version, called the Familiale with either an extra row of seats or a massive load area, whilst for those looking for a ultimate in Citroen luxury, there was always the leather trimmed long wheelbase Prestige.
There were thrifty diesel and 2 liter petrol models and, perhaps best of all, the 168 bhp Gti Turbo, the fastest Citroen since the demise of the SM. More than one million CXs were built before the car was replaced in 1989 by the XM, a model which has proved much less popular and charismatic.
