As you can see from the contrast between the cars above (a 425cc 2CV from 1957 and a 1998 XM V6), the Chevrons Rally is open to all of the many cars made by Citroen over the years, right up to brand new ones, and there is always a large and diverse turnout. The 2018 event also saw a celebration of the Citroen Visa's 40th birthday, with an impressive lineup of 14 cars assembled. So without further ado, read on for my top ten favourites from the 2017 and 2018 Chevrons Rallies...
10. BMW-engined 2CV
I was puzzled when this arrived towing a caravan and wondered how it had enough power. Looking under the bonnet revealed its secret: the engine from a BMW R1150 motorbike, twice the size and almost three times the power of the original 602cc unit! That would be a 2CV11 in Citroen parlance and sounds like a whole heap of fun.
9. GS Basalte
The 1970s spawned some wonderful special editions, and this GS really caught my eye with its multiple red 'venetian blind' stripes that were so in vogue at the time. The Basalte was the only limited edition GS ever made and this beautifully restored example is the only one left on UK roads.
8. Talbot Samba
Hang on, that's not even a Citroen! As the Samba and Peugeot 104 are so closely related to the Visa they were invited to join in the birthday celebrations. Only five Style models are currently taxed and two were here along with a Cabriolet. I learned something too: I always thought the Samba, LNA and 104 bodyshells were identical but the Samba is five inches longer than the other two.
7. Xsara Enterprise
You may wonder why I picked this dull modern estate out of so many interesting classics. Most people wouldn't give it a second glance, but it's not what it seems and is actually a 'stealth van', factory built with blacked-out windows and no rear seat. RHD versions were made mainly for Ireland but also sold in the UK in small numbers, and this one is a rare survivor with over a quarter of a million miles on the clock.
6. BX Phase 1
I like the BX, especially the rare Phase 1 cars with their small indicators. It's hard to believe 2018 marked 35 years since this distinctive design was launched in the UK, and this immaculate 16TRS model must be one of the oldest left in this country - I don't think I had ever seen an A-reg BX before.
5. Visa Decapotable
I was hoping the 40th birthday party would bring out a Visa Decapotable, converted by Heuliez and a very rare example of a four-door convertible. I wasn't disappointed as this one came all the way from the Netherlands (via a breakdown outside Windsor Castle!) but with uncertain weather I unfortunately didn't get to see it with the hood down.
4. Light 15 Faux Cabriolet
These were made to order and just seven remain worldwide, with this Slough-built car the only one in the UK. It's quite bizarre with a hardtop that looks like a convertible hood (hence the name) and the rear passengers in a dickey seat where they're exposed to the elements and can't talk to the driver! Those alloy wheels might look too modern but they're a period option fitted from new.
3. DS Decapotable
The SM is my favourite Citroen but I've never seen one of those here. Both years featured a different example of my second favourite though. The DS Decapotable, built by renowned coachbuilder Henri Chapron, is probably the most valuable production Citroen with good ones like these now costing six figure sums, so it was great to see them being driven on the road and not just confined to museums.
2. CX Ambulance
I think CXs are awesome, especially in the cavernous estate form. They made fantastic (if expensive) ambulances with the smooth hydropneumatic suspension, easy access and acres of interior space, and how impressive would this look hurtling towards you with its lights and sirens going? It's a far cry from the crude Transits and Sherpas used by UK ambulance services at the time.
1. CX Loadrunner
A CX estate may be huge, but what do you do when it's just not big enough? Enter the gargantuan six-wheeled Loadrunner, converted by Tissier for high-speed, high-volume overnight newspaper deliveries throughout Europe. They were worked hard and few survive, so this is a replica commissioned by a chap called Phil Collins (not the one out of Genesis). It is quite simply enormous.
So that was my top ten from the Chevrons Rally. As usual though I couldn't choose just ten favourites, but 'top twelve' sounds a bit odd so here are a couple more interesting cars as a special bonus.
Visa Olympique
The Olympique was a French-market special edition and this is the only one in the UK, its first owner having moved to London and brought it with her. It has just emerged from a long lay up in her garage and we were all amazed by its condition. Its first drive in 17 years was off the trailer and around the show field, and I look forward to seeing this one back on the road.
Dutch XM
The Dutchman with the Visa Decapotable was accompanied by his friend in this XM. It's a really striking design that still looks modern and unlike anything else on the road, yet amazingly 2019 will be its 30th birthday. This one is a very early car registered in August 1989, five months after the European launch and predating its availability in RHD form on the UK market from October.
What do you think of my choices? Have you ever owned a Citroen and are you a fan? As always, your comments are very welcome...
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