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Citroën GS

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Citroën GS/GSA
Citroën GS
Overview
ManufacturerCitroën
Also calledCitroën GSX[1]
Production1970–1986
AssemblyRennes, France[2] (Chartres-de-Bretagne quarter)
Arica, Chile
Jakarta, Indonesia (Gaya Motor)[3]
Mozambique[3]
Mangualde, Portugal[3]
Vigo, Spain[3]
Port Elizabeth, South Africa[3]
Bangkok, Thailand[3]
Koper, Yugoslavia (Cimos)[3]
Mutare, Zimbabwe[3]
DesignerRobert Opron
Body and chassis
ClassSmall family car (C)
Body style4-door fastback
5-door hatchback
5-door estate
3-door van
LayoutFront-engine, front-wheel-drive
Powertrain
Engine1,015 cc air-cooled H4
1,129 cc air-cooled H4
1,222 cc flat-4 air-cooled
1,299 cc flat-4 air-cooled
1,990 cc Wankel engine
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,550 mm (100.39 in)
Length4,120–4,180 mm (162.18–164.58 in)
Width1,600–1,620 mm (62.99–63.78 in)
Height1,350 mm (53.17 in)
Curb weight900 kg (1,984 lb) (saloon)
950 kg (2,094 lb) (hatchback)
925 kg (2,039 lb) (3-door van)
(all weights approximate)
Chronology
PredecessorPanhard 24
Panhard PL 17
SuccessorCitroën BX and Citroën ZX

The Citroën GS is a front-engine, front-drive, four or five door, five passenger family car manufactured and marketed by Citroën in two series: for model years 1970–1979 in fastback saloon and estate bodystyles and subsequently as the GSA for model years 1980–1986 in hatchback and estate body styles – the latter after a facelift. Combined production reached approximately 2.5 million.

Noted for its aerodynamic body shape with a drag coefficient of 0.318, [4] fully independent hydro-pneumatic brakes and self-levelling suspension, and air-cooled flat-four engine, the GS was styled by Robert Opron, with a low nose, a two-box silhouette, semi-enclosed rear wheels and a sharply vertical Kamm-tail.

When the GS was named the European Car of the Year for 1971, the design was noted as technologically advanced,[5][6] with class leading comfort, safety and aerodynamics.[7]

Market placement

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The GS filled the gap in Citroën's range, between the 2CV and Ami economy cars and the luxurious DS executive sedan. The DS had moved significantly upmarket from its predecessor the Citroën Traction Avant, and beyond the finances of most French motorists.[8] Leaving this market gap open for fifteen years allowed other manufacturers entry into the most profitable, high volume market segment in France. This combined with the development costs and new factory for the DS-replacing Citroën CX, the 1973/1974 oil crisis, and an aborted Wankel rotary engine, led Citroën to declare bankruptcy in 1974.

The GS met with instant market acceptance and was the largest selling Citroën model for many years. 1,896,742 GS models and 576,757 GSA models were produced in total.

Unlike the 2CV, Ami, DS and SM, the GS was never officially imported to the USA. A US export model was nearly finished when Citroën withdrew from the US market, with a few dozen cars brought over in 1971 for testing purposes and to be displayed in showrooms. After the project was cancelled, these orphaned cars were sold, mostly to employees of the dealerships.[9] A sealed-beam headlight design was developed, and although never used as intended it was installed in Yugoslav- and Indonesian-assembled models as it made light replacement cheaper and easier.

Design stage

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1956 C10 Prototype

In the March 1971 issue of CAR magazine, automotive journalist L.J.K. Setright noted that with the arrival of the GS, the automotive industry would have to re-evaluate its offerings, seeing what he described as a "lemming-like rush towards a sea of mediocrity…"[10]

The GS took 14 years to develop from initial design to launch.

The 1955 DS19 was 65% more expensive than the car it replaced, the Citroën Traction Avant, leaving a large gap in the middle range of the market.[11]

In 1956, Citroën developed the C10, a bubble car prototype to fill the gap in its range between the large DS and the tiny 2CV. Development continued with ideas like a Wankel engine and hydropneumatic suspension suggested as possibilities, with a new, modern body to match. Another iteration was the "C60," which resembled an Ami 6 with a long, smooth nose.[12]

In 1963, development had moved to "Project F", which was close to being production-ready.[13] Citroën decided the car was too similar to the 1965 Renault 16 and by 1967 Project F was suspended. Many of the mechanical components continued to "Project G", which became the GS.[14] The GS was designed by Robert Opron, with a smooth two box design that bears some resemblance to the 1967 design study by Pininfarina Berlina Aerodinamica.[14][15][16]

Launch and ongoing development

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On 24 August 1970, Citroën launched the GS. The body style was as a Berline (a four-door saloon with three side windows), in a fastback style with a sharp Kammback. The aerodynamics gave the best drag coefficient of any vehicle at the time.[citation needed] On its launch, its main competitors in Europe included the Fiat 128, Ford Escort, Renault 6 and Vauxhall Viva.

The GS's aerodynamics enabled the car to make the best of the available power, but when introduced, the car was considered underpowered.[citation needed] In September 1972 Citroën addressed the issue with the introduction of an optional 1,222 cc engine.[17] Claimed power increased from 41 kW (55 bhp; 56 PS) to 45 kW (60 bhp; 61 PS), with improved torque. Both the second gear and final drive ratios were adjusted, increasing the vehicle speed per 1,000 rpm from 23 km/h (14.3 mph) to 24.5 km/h (15.2 mph).[17] Larger front brake discs were also fitted.[17]

From a design perspective, CEO Pierre Bercot considered a hatchback layout too utilitarian. The GS's initial fastback design, with a separate trunk/boot, was controversial, though the 1974 CX shared a similar configuration. The trunk/boot was nevertheless large, in part due to the positioning of the spare wheel within the engine compartment.

From September 1971, the GS was also available[18] as a four door station wagon (estate) and a similar two-door "service" van.

Both the early GS (until 1976) and the GSA were fitted with a rotating drum speedometer (similar in construction to bathroom scales), rather than the dials found in a conventional instrument panel. The later GS (from 1977 until the introduction of the GSA) had a conventional speedometer

The GS's radio was placed between the seats, and the parking brake was located on the dashboard. Adjacent to the radio was a suspension height adjustment lever. The steering wheel was single-spoke design, minimizing its potential intrusion on the driver in the event of an impact. On the later GSA, controls were organized in flanking satellites and a diagram of the car provided information on indicator lights or mechanical problems.

The GS was offered in four trims: G Special (base), GS Club (midrange), GS X (sports), and GS Pallas (luxury). The GS X and Pallas were only offered as saloons.

  • 1976 Citroën GS 1220cc Club station wagon (non-original wheels)
    1976 Citroën GS 1220cc Club station wagon (non-original wheels)
  • 1977 GS Pallas – with full hubcaps and side protecting strips
    1977 GS Pallas – with full hubcaps and side protecting strips
  • Early 1970s GS Service Van
    Early 1970s GS Service Van

GSA

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The GS was facelifted in 1979 and given a hatchback, and renamed the GSA. This change reflected the growing sales of small family hatchbacks in Europe since the launch of the Volkswagen Golf. Revisions included the grille, plastic bumpers, taillights, hubcaps and exterior door handles.[19] It also had a revised dashboard with the auxiliary controls on column-shaped pods so they could be reached without moving the hands from the single-spoked steering wheel; similar to the CX layout.

The GSA was joined and gradually replaced by the larger BX in 1982, with production continuing in reduced volumes until 1986. Citroën did not return to the small family hatchback market until the launch of the ZX in 1991.

Contemporary journalists noted the smooth ride quality – the hydropneumatic suspension is designed to absorb bumps and ripples that would be uncomfortable in a conventionally sprung car with just a slight body movement.[20]

  • 1980 Citroën GSA Pallas rear
    1980 Citroën GSA Pallas rear
  • 1980 GSA interior
    1980 GSA interior
  • 1983 Citroën GSA X3 driving on 3 wheels (see hydropneumatic suspension)
    1983 Citroën GSA X3 driving on 3 wheels (see hydropneumatic suspension)
  • 1981 Citroën GSA magnifying speedometer, digital-looking displays and pictograms, and the control satellites
    1981 Citroën GSA magnifying speedometer, digital-looking displays and pictograms, and the control satellites

Mechanics

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The vehicle had a front-wheel drive layout and was powered by an air-cooled flat-four engine.[21] A series of small engines were available, displacing 1,015, 1,129, 1,222 and 1,299 cc. Power ranged from 40 kW (54 hp) to 49 kW (66 hp). Mated to a four speed gearbox, these were able to pull this car up to steady 151 km/h (94 mph) at 6,250 rpm (with a 1,222 cc engine), due to the very aerodynamic body shape. Citroën's 3-speed C-Matic semi-automatic transmission was available as an alternative to the manual gearbox. With the introduction of the GSA a 5-speed gearbox was offered, which made cruising at high speeds more comfortable and economical (the top speed was raised to 164 km/h (102 mph) for both long and short gearbox ratios[22]). The GS and GSA needed full use of the free-revving engines to maintain progress, except when cruising, in the tradition of the Citroën 2CV.

The four-wheel independent suspension featured a double wishbone layout at the front and trailing arms at the rear. Both axles comprised rigid sub frames that gave the car unmatched ride quality and road holding for the time, even on its narrow tires (factory-mounted Michelin ZX 145SR15).

Its central hydraulic system, powering the four disc brakes (inboard in front to help lower unsprung weight) and the advanced hydro-pneumatic self-levelling suspension, was derived from the Citroën DS. It also has a feature that increased or decreased braking pressure in accordance with cargo load, without any noticeable difference in the brake pedal response. The powered system was different from the typical assisted systems in that there was virtually no travel on the brake pedal even when braking hard. The hydraulic suspension allowed the car to be raised for rough terrain at low speeds (a feature taking account of the country lanes of its native France) and to full height for easy access to the partially enclosed rear wheels. The hand brake lever is mounted on the dashboard as opposed to being mounted between the front seats. In-car entertainment can be fitted in the space that would have been utilised by the handbrake. As with other Citroën cars, the hydraulic system depressurizes over several hours, so the car will gradually sink to the bump stops when the engine is off.

The GS' 1.3-litre engine was also used in the French BFG 1301 [fr] "Odyssée" motorcycle. The engines were equipped with a single Solex carburetor and have a bespoke five-speed gearbox with shaft drive.[23] About 650 of these were built between 1981 and 1988, most of them for French police authorities.

GS Birotor

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A two rotor GS was launched in 1973. Dubbed the Citroën GS Birotor (also called Citroën GZ), it featured a much more powerful 79 kW (106 hp) Wankel birotor produced by the joint NSU-Citroën Comotor project. This style of motor is noted for its smooth power delivery which complemented the luxurious ride quality of the hydropneumatic suspension. Even better, the engine was small relative to its power, an advantage for Tax horsepower calculations, which drive automobile design in France.[24]

1973 Citroën GS Birotor at Mullin Automotive Museum
Citroën GS Birotor engine
1975 GS Birotor interior

The Birotor was extensively re engineered for the Comotor 624 engine. Discs all around (ventilated in front), different wheels with a five-bolt pattern rather than three, and a three-speed semi-automatic transmission were combined with a more luxurious interior and flared fenders to set the Birotor apart from its lesser siblings.

The Birotor cost as much as the larger Citroën DS, and 70 percent more than the standard GS. The fuel economy was worse than the largest DS – the DS23EFI.[25] Since it was not economical for its size, and was launched in October 1973, the exact start of the 1973 oil crisis, the Birotor version achieved poor sales and was quickly pulled from the market, after 847 units were sold.

In 1975, Peugeot S.A, which had been a competitor until then, took over Citroën S.A. as its subsidiary. PSA attempted to buy back and scrap each Birotor, as it did not want to support the model with spare parts. A few of these remarkable vehicles have nonetheless survived in the hands of collectors, many without titles for some time as PSA did not want to recognize the cars.

GS production abroad

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1978 GS 1220 Club in Chile
Rare Indonesian-built GSA Break with round headlamps

The GS and GSA were built in a number of countries besides France. 385,000 units were built in Vigo, Spain[26] Besides Portugal, production or assembly took place in countries as varied as South Africa, Chile and Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe). The South African model was also available as the "GS-X2 Le Mans" special edition, only available in silver, red or black with an all-white interior with the uprated 1,222 cc engine producing 48 kW achieved by using high compression pistons, round, rather than oval inlet manifolds, a Weber carburetor, and larger diameter driveshafts. A variant of the X2 marketed in Europe, it featured special wheel trim, twin stripes along the sides incorporating an X2 emblem on the front fenders, a rear spoiler, a rear window louvre, and four round headlights mounted in black plastic housings.[27] All three body-styles, GS and GSA versions and a mix thereof were built in Cakung in East Jakarta, Indonesia by PT Alun Indah.[28] Indonesian production continued until at least 1990.

Renowned moped manufacturer Tomos in Yugoslavia (now Slovenia) also assembled the GS saloon at their plant in Koper. In 1973 a new company, Cimos, was formed by Citroën, Iskra, and Tomos and they took over production.[29] Like the Indonesian models, Cimos sometimes used the twin-headlight fixtures developed for export markets on their GSs (although never on the well-equipped Pallas model).[29] Slovenian GSs were commonly finished in "campus beige" color. The GSA was called the GA in Yugoslavia.

GSA in East Germany

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Between 1979 and 1983, around 5,500 were exported to East Germany making it one of the few western cars in the country. Erich Honecker, the East German party leader, also maintained a fleet of the larger CX model (as well as several Volvos).[30]

Documentary

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See also

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References

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  1. ^ Citroen GSX / GSX 2 Brochure 1974, www.veikl.com Retrieved 28 December 2021
  2. ^ Citroen GS: Citroen build with care (Anglophone brochure for UK market). Slough: Citroen Cars Ltd (UK). August 1976.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h Chiffres de Production, La Page de la GS, http://www.gs-gsa.org/chiffres-production.php Archived 23 April 2015 at the Wayback Machine
  4. ^ Doyle, Eóin (28 May 2020). "Non-Conformist (Part One) The future arrived in 1970. It was called GS". Driven to Write.
  5. ^ Legelius, Carl (1 April 2015). "Accessible Classic: The Fantastic, Forgotten Citroën GS". Petrolicious. Archived from the original on 24 September 2015.
  6. ^ "Citroën GS". citroen.mb.ca. Archived from the original on 13 February 2008. Retrieved 1 February 2008.
  7. ^ Boddy, Bill (August 1971). "Road impressions: about the Citroen GS". Motor Sport. Vol. XLVII, no. 8. p. 812.
  8. ^ "Car Lust: Citroën DS". Archived from the original on 11 June 2016. Retrieved 3 July 2019.
  9. ^ "Guide to Citroens in North America: GS". Citroën Concours of America. Archived from the original on 29 September 2019.
  10. ^ Doyle, Eóin (30 May 2020). "Non-Conformist (Part Two) Concluding our brief overview of Citroën's epochal GS". Driven to Write.
  11. ^ Bobbitt, Malcolm (2005). Citroën DS. Dorchester: Veloce. p. 64. ISBN 9781904788300.
  12. ^ "Citroën C 60".
  13. ^ "Citroën Projet F (Projet AP)".
  14. ^ a b "Citroën GS prototypes (Projet G)".
  15. ^ "Pininfarina 1800".
  16. ^ Mercado, Sergio (21 October 2009). "Oportunidades. (BMC-Pininfarina 1100 y 1800 Berlina Aerodinamica)". Automóviles fuera de lo común (in Spanish).
  17. ^ a b c "News: Bigger engine for Citroen GS". Autocar: 19. 21 September 1972.
  18. ^ "News". Autocar. 135 nbr 3938: 21. 16 September 1971.
  19. ^ Glon, Ronan (9 June 2010). "Road test: 1983 Citroën GSA Spécial". Ran When Parked. Archived from the original on 26 March 2012.
  20. ^ "Citroën GS made in South Africa/Vervaardig in Suid-Afrika". The Motorist. May 1974 – via Citroënët.
  21. ^ Kraus, James (22 June 2009). "End of an Era: The Last Air-Cooled Automobile Engines". Auto Universum: Jet Age Motoring. Archived from the original on 13 December 2012.
  22. ^ Revue Technique Automobile, n° 464, Feb. 1986, Ed Etai, France, ISSN 0017-307X
  23. ^ Leek, Jan (3 November 1982). "Fransk jättehoj med bilmotor" [Giant, car-engined French bike]. Teknikens Värld (in Swedish). Vol. 34, no. 22. Stockholm, Sweden: Specialtidningsförlaget AB. p. 58.
  24. ^ "Facel Vega Home Page". Archived from the original on 11 May 2018. Retrieved 3 February 2015.
  25. ^ Cole, Lance (1 August 2014), Citroën: The Complete Story, The Crowood Press, ISBN 978-1847976598
  26. ^ "Vehículos del Centro". Archived from the original on 4 March 2015. Retrieved 27 May 2015.
  27. ^ Wright, Cedric, ed. (August 1978). "Citroën GS-X2 Le Mans". CAR (South Africa). Vol. 22, no. 7. Ramsay, Son & Parker (Pty) ltd. p. 71.
  28. ^ "About Us". PT Alun Indah Manufacturing Division. Archived from the original on 1 August 2010. Retrieved 26 March 2010.
  29. ^ a b "Yugoslavia: Cimos". Citroënët. Archived from the original on 17 September 2019.
  30. ^ "East German-Citroen Deal". New York Times. 20 June 1981. Retrieved 16 June 2016.

Further reading

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