Believe it or not, the Citroën GS hits 50 this year. Launched in 1970, it became European Car of the Year in 1971 thanks largely to its sophistication, with supple hydropneumatic suspension that gave this small car the luxurious ride expected of something far bigger.
The car was perfect for the imperfect roads of rural France, where it proved popular, but wasn’t as successful in Britain. Complicated mechanics scared buyers off.
And therein lies the first problem with the GS, because it takes the enthusiasm of a certain type of person to maintain one. Someone who’ll put up with its complications along with the usual issue related to old cars: rust. Okay, an MGB will also rot, but it has the mechanical sophistication of a barn door, so is relatively pain free to look after.
The second issue is the GS is undervalued, and you’ll never get your money back from a full restoration. Unless it happens to be a Birotor – a curious motor that came about through a partnership with NSU that made this model the first (and only) mass-produced Citroën with a rotary engine.
NSU was bankrupted by warranty claims related to worn-out rotor tips with its Ro80, and the same almost happened to Citroën. Only 847 GS Birotors were sold, most being bought back by the company and destroyed to avoid the costs of supplying parts to keep them going.
The Birotor we found is a rare survivor in original condition; the sort of state collectors lust after, which is perhaps why it’s up for £25k. However, it’s a fine example of a highly significant car that’s about to celebrate a huge milestone. And compared with that other softly sprung Citroën, the DS, this Birotor seems a bit of a bargain.
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It's always nice to hear details like these. Such nicely put. Speaking the design, top reviews, images and all are real as these are coming from someone who actually own's the car.
@ johnhg
Nice to hear from someone who actually has a GS. Along the lines of getting a car which reminds you of your childhood I've often been tempted, but I admit the complexity has put me off. I prefer the simplicity of design of the GS over the GSA, but those were the days of quirky Citroens which I love. The way the tailgate glass of the estate models just curved over into the roof is a typical example, totally unnnecessary I'm sure, but very appealling.
GS & GS BIROTOR
It's hard to establish a market price for a Birotor when there are so few about. I have seen them advertized for a lot more than this one - but you need a certain dedication to own one, with parts not exactly widely available.
That's not really the case with the 'ordinary' GS. I do little work on mine (not that I need to) but there are owners who do. There are some specialist GS 'garagistes' scattered about the country; I make an annual pilgrimmage to one in Herts. There really is no need to be scared of them; I cannot for the life of me understand why they are so under-priced.
As a postcript. The GS/A was far from being unsuccessful in the UK - as getting on for 140,000 were sold here during its run. Sadly, only about 100 are currently registered for the road - and yes they will all billow exhaust smoke when started from cold.
A final note. Opron also designed a lovely GS coupe that had elements of the SM about it.
Yes, my Dad's GS 1220 Club
Yes, my Dad's GS 1220 Club smoked when started from cold too. He thought it was down to wear in the pistons letting oil past the rings when parked up (the pistons being horizontal in a flat-4!). Ours was metallic blue with tan targa upholstery - a superb car!