Citroën superfans celebrate the iconic brand’s classic past and sustainable future

Citroën has always been a brand apart: a company that isn’t afraid to strive for different solutions to improve the lives of everyday motorists. Its human-centric attitude dates back to the company’s founder, Andre Citroën, who founded the brand in 1919 and broke new ground for employee welfare by offering an on-site creche, as well as dental and medical cover.

Maybe it’s that core ethos of bettering the lives of the masses that has gained the brand one of the most fervently loyal global fan bases of any car company. Don’t take our word for it, though. Take theirs …

‘It’s taken me six months to restore’

Dominic White
I own a 1993 Citroën AX. I grew up around classic Citroëns, and the AX always caught my eye. Now that I’m old enough, I’m learning to drive. I’ve driven the car a little bit on private land – it’s surprisingly smooth! I’m going to take the car to the Citroën Owners Club meets, as well as a few other events. It’s taken me six months to restore; I started with the brakes, then moved to bodywork. Along the way I personalised small details such as orange indicator lamps and a new gear knob. Citroën has always stood out to me for the unique designs and engineering – especially the hydropneumatic suspension system of the ’70s.

‘I wanted something fun to drive’

Melik Shash & Vanessa Willis
We currently own two Citroën Saxos, both of which are modified. I got the first one as I wanted something fun to drive, and I also wanted a modified car as I’ve loved the Max Power car scene since I was in my teens. The Saxo’s always been great for this. They’re affordable to buy and keep, parts cost pennies and they’re great to drive. Both of our cars were bought already modified, and my partner and I have since done more to them. Everything’s been done on a budget, but the cars are our pride and joy.

‘Citroëns, to me, are special’

George Payne
My 2000 Xantia Estate HDi has done 140,000 miles. It’s a cruise liner on the motorway, and I’ve no issue with trusting it to do my commuting. I also use it as a camping car; it’s taken us the length and breadth of Wales in the last months, and we’re away in it for another eight weekends over the summer. Citroëns, to me, are special because they feel like the designers and engineers just agreed to make things happen. Single-spoke steering wheel? No problem. Insane slalom capabilities that are the envy of sports and supercars of the future? Easy.

‘Citroën has such a strong community’

Clare Howorth
I have always been a Citroën fan – ever since I was a child, when my parents put me and my sisters in the back of their DS Estate. I eventually got my own 2CV when I was 17, a red and white Dolly known as Georgie.

That’s not the only Citroën in the family – my parents owned various DS models, my kids have a Citroën C1 and a Cactus, and my daily runner is a C5 3.0 V6 petrol. I’ve had loads of adventures with my cars. I once stuffed the kids in my 2CV, attached a trailer to it for all our stuff, and drove to Spain. That was a good trip. When I was young I took my 2CV to Germany on a whim. Travel just doesn’t scare me, really.

My best trip was to Croatia for the 2CV World Meeting in 2019. I’m a member of the Citroën Car Club, but most of my time and efforts go into the 2CV GB club. I drove my 2CV down and I was able to drive many of the 96 cars there, up and down the mountains and into Split. I’ve had so many adventures that I’ve made a couple of Instagram channels about them – @Citroënaddict and @Retrocardesigns_.

It is true that it’s all about the people, as well as the cars, and Citroën has such a strong community. So, if you love the brand, do join the clubs. It changes the ownership experience so much for the better.

‘OUR PRIDE AND JOY’ – MEET THE CITROËN SUPERFANS

With thanks to all at the Citroën Car Club and the 2CV GB club, who generously gave more stories and photos than we were able to share

Find your local Citroën dealer at citroen.co.uk