Citroën BX 14 RE. A driving impression in a French atmosphere

Not so long ago it was highly questionable whether the Citroën BX could one day become a prized classic. Meanwhile, the trek towards the BX is starting to get going. Especially for the first series, a nice interest is starting to arise. The nice news is that you can still own a BX for a reasonable reasonable rate. We found a copy at Gerard Kramer Classics in Wolvega: a 14 RE from January 1986. The Citroën shows signs of wear, has no rust, has an excellent technical condition and has a virgin mileage.

De Citroën For many years, BX stayed with its first buyer in the Lake Annecy area. He ordered the third trim level within the '14” series: the RE. You can recognize these mainly by the parts painted in black. and the black moldings on the sides. In addition, he treated himself to a wipe / wash installation for the rear window. The RE version also had a folding rear seat, so that the back of the rear seat could be laid flat.

The French owner will especially enjoy the (scarce) rides with the BX. He drove less than 37 kilometers in 42.000 years. The Citroën did not come out of the battle completely unscathed. You can safely attribute a touch of dans son jus to the car. You can also see those typical French features within the interior. The upholstery is no longer tight on the seats. But that is exactly what fits a classic that is adorned with the Double Chevron. Moreover: if you want to repair such things, it still costs no money. But you do lose a bit of character.

Don't be distracted by some traces of use. This BX is technically really in excellent condition. The engine is very fresh, the wheel arches are untouched. And the condition of the suspension system, the hydraulic lines and actually all other technical components match the mileage of the car: as good as new. The BX, which has never seen a drop of tectyl, is simply a tough and technically flawless car.

De Citroën invites you to take a nice tour with it. The entrance in the BX is excellent. And what makes this version fun is that we get our hands on a car from Phase1. It still has the dashboard with the control satellites, where numerous functions are housed. That takes some getting used to, but if you study the matter well in advance, you will easily find your way around it. Moreover, those satellites are within reach. The speed is indicated by a rotating disc behind a magnifying glass. That returned in the GSA of 1979 and was followed up in the BX, which from the summer of 1986 again had normal round clocks in its instruments. In the meantime, you don't sit on, but in the furniture, with which you immediately set a comfortable sitting position. It is strongly designed and feels extremely comfortable. In addition, it is mounted within a spacious interior. Remarkable: the adjustment of the backrest is located at the front of the seat.

This also applies, of course, to the driving character of the BX, which really swallows every small and large bump in an almost careless manner. Once again you notice why that hydropneumatic system can only be praised, it really works excellently and offers a surplus of comfort. No threshold is too high for the BX, no irregularity in the road surface is too much for the BX, both in width and length. And if the system already reports irregularities in the road, it does so in a buttery smooth way. The BX also fully lives up to the historic reputation of that rightly acclaimed suspension system.

De Citroën BX 14 RE has the 1360 cc engine (with hand choke) from the PSA stables of yesteryear. Citroën placed the engine at a 72-degree angle. When we want to open the bonnet (button in the steering column, then pull a plastic cord outside to unlock the bonnet) we see a very clear piece of technology. The downside is that you can't reach everything equally well during maintenance. But still: there is plenty of room to move under the hood.

In the basic version, this engine was linked to the four-speed gearbox and generated 62 DIN hp. In the 14 E and the 14 RE driven by us, the engine delivered 72 DIN hp. In addition, these versions received a five-speed gearbox. The engine does its job smoothly and balanced in the BX. He sets the Citroën able to accelerate - at least up to 100 kilometers per hour - surprisingly acceptable. The 72 DIN hp engine, in combination with the well-shifting and beautifully tuned five-speed gearbox, offers a lot of flexibility. You can drive the car actively, but also shift gears. In all cases, the engine sound is music to the ears, also because it does not penetrate the interior too loudly. The controls of the BX are light and precise. The single-spoke steering wheel is comfortable to hold and operate. The high pressure braking system is more than perfectly suited to its task, and can be dosed very well.

This Citroën is an exceptionally fine-driving entry-level classic, which is now well appreciated. What helps is that the parts supply is in order, and there are enough specialists for the maintenance of the BX. It is technically clearer than many think. Points of attention always remain, but with regular maintenance there is nothing to worry about. This certainly applies to the test sample, which is technically in excellent condition. Moreover, this BX driven by us can be used in many ways. It is practical with its space offer. In addition, in terms of driving characteristics, the BX is very suitable for daily use, for a classic ride or for a nice summer holiday ride. No problem.

Those who only want to use the car recreationally can use the MRB transitional arrangement. Although the temptation will be great to also use the car out of season. In that case it is recommended to give the car a Dinitrol or a tectyl treatment. That will only benefit the car. Moreover, you will enjoy it for years to come. And that for an asking price of € 4.250. That is a bargain in classic circles for a car in this technical condition and with this mileage.

This example from the first BX generation is an exceptionally relaxed and technically excellent preserved car, which makes every journey a pleasant experience. Not only for the owner, but also for the bystanders who watch the Gandini lines glide through the landscape. The BX is appreciated, and rightly so. If only because the car is in many ways a real one Citroën of its time, and you immediately recognize the BX because of its striking, stretched and angular appearance. And in everything that breathes that typical French character. Delicious.