Iconic cars of the 1980s: Citroën BX

Once strange, now beloved: these five models inspire with 1980s desig piese auto online.

Iconic cars of the 1980s: Citroën BX

It often takes a while to “swallow” a certain car design. For example, cars from the 1980s, bearing the characteristic features of that era in terms of technology, aerodynamics and ambitious claims.

We are talking about models like the Volvo Tundra – Gandini’s edgy project, which later appeared as the Citroën BX. Or the Alfa 75, named on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the brand, with a transaxle principle and sharp edges as the character of the car. The Subaru XT with its cockpit a la airplane and an almost utopian technology for that time such as a hill start assistant. The Mazda 626, imposed in its second generation as an indestructible Japanese technology. And also the Bitter SC: on the outside almost like a Ferrari, and on the inside with solid Opel technology – a vision of Erich Bitter, which is distinguished by noble shapes and beautiful ideas.

Citroën BX

Production period: 1982 to 1994

power: 55 to 200 hp

used prices: from about 5,000 BGN.

It only exists in France! The design studio developed by Gandini was originally intended for Volvo. But the Swedes found the shapes of the Tundra prototype too wild. And so the project ended up with Citroën as the BX. With its futuristic look, combined with Citroën's legendary hydraulics, the BX continues to cause excitement today. The approximately 1.1-ton mid-size car rides smoothly even on uneven asphalt.

In addition to the generous space, the station wagon offers a very practical folding rear seat. And although the roofline provides more headroom in the back, you still have to bend down to get in – the doors are taken from the hatchback. It’s not practical, but the rearmost side window is a nice addition. The GTI and 16V versions (without catalytic converter up to 160 hp) are really interesting.

Weaknesses: The BX was more solid than its predecessors, but rust on the rear, underbody in the trunk area, and along the creases ravaged the available examples. The 1.9 is reliable, but oil consumption is usually due to damaged valve seals.

Car parts AutoPower
Car parts AutoPower

It often takes a while to “swallow” a certain car design

We are talking about models like the Volvo Tundra – Gandini’s edgy project, which later appeared as the Citroën BX