Citroen GSA 1.3 Special

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THIS CAR HAS BEEN WITHDRAWN

Citroen launched its five-door GSA hatchback in 1980, a development of the hugely successful GS that had made its debut 10 years previously.

In its sloping nose and back, the car’s aerodynamic shape retained an echo of the famous DS of the Sixties. The car also featured Citroen’s legendary and still unique suspension; an arrangement of front wishbones and rear trailing arms operating on hydropneumatic, self-levelling springs – spheres of gas and liquid – energised by an engine-powered central hydraulic system. This system also operated the all-disc brakes but not (as in the CX) the steering, which was an unassisted rack and pinion setup.

The GSA showed its Citroen heritage in the motor too. Like that of the famous 2CV, it was a 1299cc, air-cooled, four-cylinder boxer engine. High-revving, it kicked out a useful 65bhp and drove the front wheels through a four- or five-speed gearbox, being capable of 100mph thanks to its slippery shape.

Inside, the GSA still did things its own way, its dashboard quite futuristic with a single-spoke steering wheel with its ancillary controls on cylindrical satellites. Trim and equipment levels were available in three levels from Club, through Pallas to Special. Production ended in 1986.

This left hand-drive two-owner car has the top spec Special trim and has spent most of its life in France, being in storage for the last few years. The vendor states that “there is no rust whatsoever on this car” and further states that the recorded 45,000kms (28,000 miles) is genuine and is backed up by a comprehensive history file. Still French registered, it consequently has no road tax or MOT but is said to drive exactly as a low mileage example should.

Citroens of this era were very characterful cars which did things their own way. With quirky and effective road manners, they offer a refreshingly different take on everyday motoring.