IDRIVEACLASSIC reviews: 80s Citroen CX Estate - Safari

[@shepshepherd]

My friend's family were the original owners of this very car and have many happy memories of life with it. They were thrilled to discover it still existed via Facebook a few months ago :)

[@nw8000]

Could you tell us why your family decide on buying it please?

[@NotAnotherWhiteBox]

Wow, I'd love to be in touch with them if they have any old photos of it or anything :)

[@shepshepherd]

@@NotAnotherWhiteBox I've just contacted him. Watch this space :)

[@Howlingd0g]

It's so heart-warming when a car's old owner finds it years later and sees it's still loved and going strong!

[@shepshepherd]

@@Howlingd0g I'm visiting said friend and his family at the weekend. I'm sure that our conversations will touch upon the CX at some point :)

[@Sprasonator]

Steph, you're gorgeous. As a gay man and true petrol head, lover of classics cars, especially maligned brands and marques, owner of an MX5 now, two time metro, one time Citroen ZX, volvo 360, 440, vw 1303, passat, Vento, jetta, Alfa 147, 156 Fiat Bravo, Peugeot 605, 406, 306 and many others, your videos are lovely, your enthusiasm infectious (not the best use of language now, I know) and Cameron is great. I'd love to be your mate. Keep doing what you do, and keep the fabulous content coming. Stay safe X

[@giulioz.4928]

You’re so right! It makes you want to be friends with them so much!!! 🤩

[@Grant0610]

One of the BEST cars EVER! I tried to get my Dad to buy a CX Gti Turbo saloon in the 1980s! He almost did! I would have been such a happy kid if he had!

[@MikeLawson-cj4kt]

One of the editors of Jalopnik wrote an article called "American Cars Just Aren't French Enough!" and I pointed out one of the things I liked about French cars was, how the rear axle is pushed further back in the chassis than most cars from other countries. The ID/DS and the CX rocked it!

[@retr0naut823]

I love my CX even if the parts are hard to find and expensive. Not the easiest car to work on but it's all worth it when cruising along on the magic carpet ride.

[@montyzumazoom1337]

These always fascinated me. They were so much ahead of their time. The only CX Safari I sat in was one at a car auction. What immediately became apparent was the ergonomics, quite unlike anything I had known before. Feet fell right on the pedals, put your hands on the steering wheel and all controls were at your fingertips. Even when I went to get out I put my arm on the door armrest and my fingers fell right on the door handle. That’s design detail of the highest degree.

[@idriveaclassic]

I’m so glad you ‘got it’ as well! It’s so hard to describe.

[@jonsimmons4150]

Engine and gearbox out to do the clutch. "Roger" the superior design.

[@RichieRouge206]

Some big Corners Of Despair being a single wiper but no at least there is no Triangle Of Doom!

[@h.s.5995]

2 corners of doom tho!!

[@RB-dj2hf]

“He’s nearly 25 now, So he’s almost dead in gay years” 😂 Hilarious 😂

[@adampowell5376]

I am gay and 47. I think that in my life one year counts as two.

[@angusnz7910]

Bugger me....I’m 53 and bent....does that make me a collectable? 😂

[@richlee509]

@@angusnz7910 I'll collect you

[@mickles1975]

"Almost dead in gay years" Oof. Steph is a savage.

[@idriveaclassic]

It’s a joke between us all. As a fat ginger woman over 30, I don’t think I’ve stirred a loin since 2005 😂

[@fintytin5771]

@@idriveaclassic I think you're a honey

[@martinparker6536]

@@idriveaclassic any lady that loves old cars is cool to me .....youre a darl !

[@tankboyful]

@@idriveaclassic don't sell yourself short hun. you are well put together, classy and quite lovely!

[@danieleregoli812]

@@idriveaclassic Steph, you are my star! Xx

[@petemoring67]

Luvverly Jubbly ....... Got married in 1970, our wedding car was a DS Safari :-) In the 80's we bought a CX2000 Safari 7 seater, had it a few years, kids got teased as their Mum took them to school in 'The GhostBuster' :-) ...... My missus managed to clout EVERY panel on the car before we got shot of it. Our 'main cars' have been Volvo's & Citroen's since.

[@martinparker6536]

i often wondered why these old Citroen's always had dented doors, bumpers etc etc lol !

[@jasongomez5344]

Looks good with the Alfa 164 wheels. Love CXs, especially Series 1 with the metal bumpers.

[@adeh503]

Vintage French dashboards ...... Space 1999 😁😁

[@eddiebrock118]

Very underrated car. Never driven one of these but this car has always been of interest to me. Stay blessed Steph. Oh this car had great suspension gave one of the best rides, so I heard.

[@MarkfromNewYork]

if i survive the apocalypse i want to import one of these to here in NYC

[@idriveaclassic]

We will survive. Keep doing the best you can and looking after those around you ❤️

[@wanderinggentile]

A few CX saloons made it to the United States in the mid-late 1980s. They were marketed under the name CX Automotive (better for not running afoul of PSA who were still selling Peugeots), and there were agencies in several large cities. There was an agency outside Atlanta with multiple units in stock. A few federalised cars may still remain in the United States.

[@jinger9980]

You will survive! And mine is up for sale! Same engine, body no rust, everthing works. Yet, white with blue interior and LHD!

[@emjayay]

@@wanderinggentile I think that after 25 years you can import non-federalized cars into the US. Of course, finding a Citroen specialist might be a bit difficult.

[@wanderinggentile]

@@emjayay This is true. I keep forgetting that 1986 isn't 10 years ago...

[@brianiswrong]

Brings back fond memories of my parents 1978 CX 20 in metallic blue. I learnt to drive in it and on driving a " normal " car I realised how special the CX was. I was whipping up the M1 one day when it made a big bang and started misfiring (in the outside lane) Pulled over and had a look, it had blown a spark plug clean out the engine and put a big jump in the bonnet. So I scratched my head and opened the boot,to my delight my dad (old skool,born in 1942,) was bought up in a time when breakdowns were a consequence of driving,so he carried an emergency kit, plyers,hammer,cable tie,1 spark plug and emergency fan belt😀 So I managed to get the plug in and made it home.

[@s_class7027]

Anyone that doesn't appreciate a CX or GSA is not a car lover in my eyes. Excellent video.

[@ashleygraham8781]

BBC used these as camera cars for their horse racing coverage - as they did with the DS Safari.

[@BennysBenz]

Did you see that on the Bigcar channel?

[@ashleygraham8781]

Yes, but knew it beforehand. Seen both of them at race meetings moons ago.

[@qrm8772]

You look comfortable driving it like it has a "just right" feel.

[@idriveaclassic]

It was gorgeous!

[@tankboyful]

good review. car seemed smooth and quiet. Steph you are improving on your analysis, and i loved the bit in the bushes. that was hilarious! do that kind of quirky stuff more!

[@idriveaclassic]

Thanks James! Cameron’s suggestions on the bushes front. I wanted to die filming it 😂

[@niklaswejedal463]

I wouldn´t worry for the safety of the CX - someone I know was involved in an accident in one and walked away almost without any injuries at all, just a few minor cuts from broken glas. Her mother, who was driving, crashed into the back a stationary lorry...

[@Patrick-en5bq]

In 1978 my father bought a CX 2400 Super Familalle C Matic. It was a superb 7 seater car. we have traveled to Europe several times, Wow that was 42 years ago. !!!

[@astonmartin4360]

In these bad times, you made me smile whilst isolated.Love your style.Stay safe. 👍 👍

[@24th1879]

Wow, thank you Steph, great video and so nostalgic for me. I had a saloon version back in the late 80's. I loved that car it was such a comfortable and smooth ride way ahead of its time back in the day...

[@torresalex]

I love this car so much. I practically grew up in these since my dad owned around 8 or 9 CX estates (all were Safaris but there was one Familiale). Congrats on the video about such a wonderful car

[@idriveaclassic]

Thanks lovely xxx

[@kieranwhite6647]

Great video, Steph! I love the wackiness of an old Citroen and Cameron's car choices are fantastic!

[@andygreen1a]

Great review as usual Steph. My uncle had a new one of these new in 1977. KEEP SAFE and look after yourself.

[@idriveaclassic]

You too Andrew! X

[@chrisgee7631]

I’ve just started watching your reviews and can honestly say they are the best I’ve seen. Keep them coming!

[@adid.5585]

Thank you for showing us this amazing piece of machinery. :)

[@mattw8332]

Wow! One of my favourite cars. Love it.

[@Travelbeatcreations.official]

I have the 1985 Series 2 CX25 RD and a 2003 Citroën C5. XM and DS is the only big cars that I'm mising out on so far. I also have a few things from BX and GS/GSA including dash cluster and so on. And your 10/10 doesn't cover the fact that 1. Puncture in the front wheels does not affect the steering, car will still go straight without you having to fight the force 2. It can drive on 3 wheels, left rear taken off, it can still be moved out of harms way, same goes for right side rear. 3. You covered the steering already 4. Being front heavy, it can traverse steep bumps while dipping the nose down, rear will come up on one side if you clip it on the other side in the front. 5. You can be lazy, changing the wheels enables you to take whatever support you can find along the roadside to keep the car lifted, put it under, put hydraulics on lowest setting and rejoice to the magic of wheels that lift itself off the ground. And as I said, I have two Citroën with hydraulics :)

[@51StPi]

My folks got a silver one of these in '76, I remember we use to go out in it for the day to the lakes, it was the perfect family car. Now it does not just seem ahead of its time but from a different world, the first ones also seemed to be swisher inside with things like recessed polished metal interior door triggers, guess the later models were cheapened because of the Peugeot takeover, like Fulvias were when Fiat took over Lancia. Great to see this car still on the road and being appreciated, thank you and all take care and keep safe.

[@alexandreintouch1847]

totally obsess as a kid with the CX .... iconic and the comfort !

[@SuperFIFTHGEAR]

Oooooh a CX Estate. These have always been a car on my list of cars to seek to buy at some point. Lovely lovely car. Great video Steph! Love all of Cameron's cars. Has he got anything that we haven't seen yet?

[@Stevieweevietv]

What a great video to wake up to Steph! Citroen have always been my favourite carmakers, and the CX is my favourite ever car. My favourite Matchbox car was a blue CX Estate! I love the looks, the spaceage, quirky interior. Beautiful car. Good to see the lovely Cameron as well obvs. If hes dead in gay years I must be a fossil! 🤣

[@DavidHall-ge6nn]

My favorite of your videos so far! Many thanks to you and Cameron for a bright day of sunshine in this gloomy time. All the great, informative content we've come to expect plus the added bonus of stalking your prey and Cameron's marvelous stories. The Citroen lurking in the garage and plotting against him was hilarious. And take it from someone who is a classic himself, you two still have plenty of shelf life before your sell-by date. Stay well. Big hugs to all from Big D (little A-double L-A-S).

[@ragnarragnarson5184]

Excellent video Steph, dont forget to come and test drive my 1957 2cv when you can

[@pit_stop77]

In the 80's a friend of mine let me briefly drive his dads CX. It was like a space ship and I wanted one ever since, but never happened.😥

[@idriveaclassic]

We’ve still got time ❤️

[@julienbee3467]

This is a huge car

[@emjayay]

@@julienbee3467 The XM is bigger and the C6 is bigger than that, but both look smaller to me than the sprawly looking CX.

[@johnsaunders4342]

Bought one brand new in 1989, it was a Family 8 seater. Wonderful thing but tractor engine. No problems but clutch operating arm broke off. A case of Gallic welding!

[@Driven247]

Love your videos, very interesting and love these old Citroen’s! Love how you present your videos, very good!

[@diescastdreams]

Great review Stephanie, as always... I love this CX estate, I remember doing some trips from Porto to the Douro valley in one just like that but with 2 rows of back seats, full with kids and the car always smelled horribly inside because during the trip, as it would be through quite twisty roads, a lot of us kids would become nauseated and start to vomit, sometimes before the car would stop... except from that I remember it was very advanced for the time and extremely confortable!

[@martinevans1256]

Great video Steph I love Citroen cars they are so different from your run of the mill and it’s great to see you back stay safe .

[@jrbs]

Such a cool car. Also love the DS.

[@RichieRouge206]

What a wonderfully bonkers and odd looking car. I absolutely love these, anything quirky gets my vote! This is a great video Steph. Hope you are keeping safe! Big hugs

[@idriveaclassic]

Hope you’re keeping safe too love x

[@martinparker6536]

i have a CX GTi turbo and i have to say they are bonkers to drive but in a good just different way.......well ahead of the time !

[@TheFlyingSaucePan]

An awesome host, a Citroën and a Hubnut reference? Well, you just gained a subscriber :)

[@Dan-up6do]

The CX is possibly the last real Citroen, lovely car. You should try & find an SM to test too Steph.

[@richlee509]

Rare motors the SM

[@marcelivovangerwen2926]

OMG this car, or should I say SHIP, is awesone!! Love it!.

[@martinparker6536]

yes .....like a floating space styled ship on water !!

[@oldskoowlpebblestravels]

thank you for the great Vid Steph very enjoyable

[@idriveaclassic]

Thanks!

[@Gerk8]

Steph thank you for taking us “on safari” with you. A very welcome distraction . Be well and thanks again!

[@sambettney9030]

Loved the Intro haha ❤️

[@deanbriggs9214]

Beautiful cars back in the day, these safaris were very popular with some of the top speedway riders in the 80s, they would take out the front wheel and drop the handlebars and the whole bike would be pushed backwards into the car.

[@keyboarddancers7751]

This channel has a most interesting selection of reviews!

[@colinwest3773]

Such a nice comfortable car to drive not like a crappy skateboard BMW ride had mine for years did 50,000 miles no troubles,easy to work on as well .

[@rydermike33]

Just love the thought and design flair that went into the early Citroens. You just don't see that individuality in cars today. Great review Steph. Thank you and stay safe.

[@stephenberry1205]

The CX is a worthy modern incarnation of the DS. Glad you were enchanted. The wagon and Prestige had the same wheelbase as a DS - 123 inches and rode even better than the sedan. You have to go to a longwheelbase RR Silver Shadow to equal it. The Shadow also had Citroen self levelling rear suspension under licence. The CX has two 'longerons' or subchassis with the body mounted on them with rubber mounts. The concave rear window on the sedan was self cleaning thru aerodynamics. The thing that killed CXs in Europe and the UK was rapid rusting, only matched by Alfasuds. The ventilation and air conditioning are feeble with lack of airflow thru small vents and small air intake. Otherwise fabulous. One of the best load bearing cars and tow cars ever made due to the longwheelbase and self levelling hydropneumatic suspension. In Australia my dad had a CX2400 Pallas C Matic and I had a CX2400 EFI 5 speed Prestige - magic chariot. I see the first Citroen you drove was a BX. Maybe you should try the CXs little brother - the GS. A hugely impressive small car that was quite popular in the UK.

[@cme2cau]

I came here from HubNut. In the 80's I had a business in rural South Australia. One of my suppliers was a family business in rural NSW. The husband ran the factory, and the wife was a representative. She drove a CX 2400 Saloon (I think it was a Pallas) everywhere. On her trip to see me as well as other customers she would cover around 3500 km. There was plenty of room for her samples and suitcase, and, of course, it was always level. The CX made quite an impression in small country towns. I don't think anybody had seen one!

[@hutchcraftcp]

Lovely. One of the last Citroen to be imported into the USA. The owner is not bad looking either 😉

[@alansharp1528]

Another great vid there Steph thanks. Enjoyed every year/mile in my Familiale. Taught all af my 4 children to drive.....and still on the same original clutch! It did get a new plate after 100k miles. Happy Days.

[@Tim1968-l9l]

I always loved the CX such an elegant and futuristic car

[@TAMBOREBRIO]

I love the CX break so much style, perfect shape.

[@wals-1]

Thanks Steph, another great car review. Being a 1971 Citroen D driver I approve 😎.

[@idriveaclassic]

Ooohhh if you’re UK based let’s get a review booked!

[@wals-1]

idriveaclassic New Zealand based unfortunately otherwise you would be most welcome 😊. Hubnut had a short drive in my 2CV when he was here and it was great to meet him in person 😎 . Maybe a visit to NZ is something you could plan for the future when the pandemic has cleared 😉👍🏻.

[@martinparker6536]

@@idriveaclassic go and visit Graham Morton Vehicles in Holmfirth......he always has a couple of D's in .....i restored mine there but sadly sold it . after this Pandemic has cleared i'm sure he'd oblige, he's a top guy and his colleague Andy....also his garage is full of other stuff and memorabilia mainly French, he has a 1930 Citroen truck there....its like a museum ...check it out hun !

[@TheZXGuy]

Great Video steph I saw you advertise your channel on the citroen Facebook page and so far this is the 3rd video of yours that I have watched and love your content. I started doing content on KZbin myself due to corona virus and the fact my little ZX needed to be re-commissioned to be back on the road, it is still a work in progress but I would love an honest review / opinion on my citroen zx. If you would be willing to do that it should be ready to be driven again in about a months time. Kind regards Harrison (TheZXGuy P.S you have a new subscriber 😉

[@mikewysko2268]

The interior looks comfortable. The many uniquely French quirks and,features ad to the joy of every day driving. Enjoyed the review. Thanks Steph! ☺

[@simes205]

We had one in period - best car my dad owned.

[@andreaduncan1042]

Another good one. Keep good, keep safe yourself.

[@ovelhaperdida]

Simply love your reviews🙏🦄👑💖💗 kiss from Portugal 🙀😸😺😽😻

[@francis2811]

The smoothest of rides... I remember seeing one completely filled up with bricks and paving slabs! They were used as ambulances in France. Unfortunately, you're the last one to know if your car's got a puncture! By the time you find out, there's no tyre left!

[@MrTruth111]

Everyone talks about the design and the suspension, but the real gem in the CX are the engine, they are some of the most reliable, maintenance free high mile engines out there, quite the same quality as a Volvo 940 or first and second generation V70, I once heard a story of a citroen specialist said he has never revisioned a CX engine for the lack of need of it. But correct me please if I am wrong.

[@steves4639]

one of the most disturbing car ads ever was with Grace Jones driving a CX in some sort of desert dystopia. it still scares me. cool car tho.

[@steves4639]

and nice to see Cameron again, with his great taste in classics

[@timbre7999]

Really nice video, love the Sad Flaps story!

[@stephenhowell5611]

I had several of these, and a GTI, great cars. On everything I've had since I've had to seasonally clean up salty and partially seized brake calipers, never had that problem on these. Nothing drives like a big Citroën.

[@TheQuirkyGarage1999]

Bonjour, i Don’t know if you remember me but I’m French and the Cx have a big place in my heart 😉

[@tasospappas6627]

Power steering became standard in 1978. The non-power stering versions aren't very bad to steer but they are quite heavy too.

[@mendhamsmusicmoviesmovemen8075]

I've always loved the shape of the Citroen. When I was a child in the sixties, seventies and eghties, they were something special. The aerodynamics, the hydraulic suspension, etc, etc, etc, so futuristic through 'the eyes of a child.' However, even now, 50 odd years later, they still look like no other car on the road!

[@ianallan44]

Good to see you again steph , another fine video of an unusual but cool car ! X😊

[@sandysnare2503]

Another great review - Thank you Steph. Citroens in general are like most cars - You either love them or hate them. A lot of people are scared off by the unique suspension and designs which were years in advance of the others. If properly maintained, Citroens are as good if not better than any of the others from that period. I have owned 2 GS Clubs and I loved them. Again, thanks again for a very informative review.

[@spriggy40]

made me laugh steph about being a hubnut fan and the wiper test :)

[@neilwalsh4058]

I love a single wiper, so very 1980's. Good enough reason for me owning four XJ40's.

[@drwho534]

Love big Citroens! Amazingly unique style and quirky features, especially the suspension. Almost bought a late 60's DS sedan but dad said 'no', so never did get my hands on one 😔. Another great video, thanks!

[@Roger_Ramjet]

It's not too late ....

[@martinpruckl8091]

You present this Cars so Lovely...cause You are A Lovely Person!!

[@christopherhunter2892]

Loving your videos. The CX was the last true Citröen which is sad as the quirky yet advanced engineering was something to behold. Interesting to note that the design of the saloon was originally a concept by Pininfarina built on an Austin 1800 chassis in 1967. They also produced a concept based on the Austin 1100 which was effectively the GS.

[@sjaakzwart6001]

I remember my father enraged for his CX rusting in the brochure; his doorlocks fell out. My mother told me he sold my pampers to buy this car.

[@BournemouthPhil]

Very nice review. I like your style, upbeat engaging informative chat without too much unnecessary detail. Thanks. Subscribed

[@MikeLawson-cj4kt]

"(S)ome oaf has mucked about with it." I like that!

[@Yorkmedia1]

Theses cars to me are very futuristic I love these French cars

[@geoffdundee]

i loved these cars as a teen......they were huge...remember the engine sound too - had a little whistle to it in background.

[@AndriesduPlessis]

Awesome review - I have a 1982 Series 1 CX Prestige down here in South Africa - an ex colony of Britain. In the 1781s the French made a half-hearted attempt at colonizing South Africa by trying to drive out the Brits in the Cape -- due to events in Europe this failed -- imagine if France took over SA - we would never have had Leylands, Rovers, Minis or Triumphs -- let alone Bentleys or RR... and ONLY Peugeouts, Renaults and lots of Citroens. Currently a craze of people restoring DSe . So in the 20th Century we did have the French cars here in SA - but Citroen was imported by a private company initially -- Citroen is currently back in SA together with Peugeot - the PSA concoction scares me -- Ill in the meantime just enjoy my last original Citroen. Oh yeah, as a student I also had a GS and the X2 Le Mans version - fantastique cars. Now be a darling and go and get hold of a CX Series 1 with a divari steering - the Prestige - then u go and sit in the back and drink champagne -- imagine -- cigarette lighters everywhere, but no safetybelts in the rear... at least not in my model xx Hugs from sunny South Africa

[@michaelheimbrand5424]

Citroën started with crash safety long before most of the others. There are stuff on KZbin too look after. And a friend of mine crashed head on with a much newer E-class Merc. My friend broke one arm, the driver of the Merc spent three month in hospital. I can luckily only tell of my own experience that it's very hard to actually crash a Citroën. I have "tried", but the handling is so good they never ever need any electronic stuff to keep them under control. For an old Citroën to act as a "normal" car, it has to be severely damaged or broken. So never worry when driving a CX. It will look after you.

[@SergioGalmeyerResende]

Hi, the name Citroen gave to the console commands (lights, horn, wipers) placed on that ergonomic way was...satellites. The satellites near the steering wheel where all commands were placed. That car needs lot of love and attention, specially on the interior (that middle console with the radio is ruined) the seats need new upholstery, and of course the painting as well (color is sable métallisé ). The motor seems to run very well. I’m love Citroens and I have a DS. Kisses from Portugal, and very nice review by the way 😉

[@bcfairlie1]

My dear, please stay safe during this terrible pandemic. We here in New Zealand are far ahead of the UK in addressing the crisis. I gear for all in old blighty

[@bcfairlie1]

Fear not gear

[@idriveaclassic]

I am don’t worry! Very lonely though!

[@opalap504]

Nice video Steph! In fact, CX was assambled in Chile at the end of 1970s and at the begin of 1980s in Citroen factory located in Arica.

[@banpowel9784]

A rare classic that drives better than modern cars

[@bucko321]

Another good vid , I would like to see filming from the road side ,I am interested to see and hear the car on the move from outside as well as from the driving position .

[@avtomad722]

Another great review Steph! What a ridiculously strange car, love it!

[@chorltonwheelie168]

Another great and informative video Steph, thank you.

[@dungbetel]

I'd love to own one of these. The only problem is that where I live, I'd have to ask the council to close off the street to be able to park it...

[@itsmephil2255]

Steph love watching your videos, they make me happy 🙂

[@nbarrett259]

Wicked car love.. what a nice lady , good luck girl ..all the best with the channel..stay safe

[@kimmohietala5359]

Trying to get my 81 Prestige back on the road after seven years in the shed. Converting from automatic to manual. Almost managed to install the gear linkage and the clutch pedal today. Amazingly found all the bits in my shed (I got heaps of CX parts) so I did not have to pull anything from the wreck I have as I found many brown snake skins in it, and the eastern brown being about most poisonous snake in the world I got bit nervous poking around.

[@alvarojavier9995]

Es una verdadera carroza, dios mio que grande station vagon frances

[@pauldavies6037]

Long time ago two of my friends had these cars and said they had the smoothest ride of any car a great look at the weird dashboard thanks Steph