Although presented in 1970, the beginnings of GS back in the early 60's. At that time there was a large gap between the humble 2CV and the large and luxurious ID and DS (sharks). In 1961 it introduced a line AMI6 more surprising especially in the rear, Bertonni Flaminio design. Still, the MAI was very far in the Shark category. To fill that gap began to take shape Citroën project called C60.
This car was a collage sort of halfway between the AMI and the DS, with a back similar to that of AMI and a lot to the front reminiscent DS . The C60 project incorporating technical solutions of both models, such as hydraulic suspension and air-cooled engine. However, high production costs made at the direction of Citroën take the decision to suspend the project C60 and design a new model. Was Project F.
F Project was conceived under two different versions. The first motor driven by a 1000cc four-cylinder air-cooled and the other with a Wankel engine (not unlike the ride in 1973 birotor GS) and hydraulic suspension. To maintain the good reputation of Citroën cars and operator of major technological innovations were introduced in the Project F various technical and design solutions such as call hatchback body, that body could be translated as two volumes.
However, the appearance of the Renault 16 by that time virtually identical to the F project Citroen blew rumors of industrial espionage and forced to abort the project and F start a new one entirely.
In this new beginning it was called Project G. After two failed attempts, the coffers of Citroën began to wane and fail a third time could mean ruin for the company, so the importance of this project was vital favorable outcome. At the head of team designing the new model is placed Robert Opron, a designer who came to work for Simca and had the difficult task of creating a car capable of lifting the battered economy of the mark. Following this, the team had to work piece and almost around the clock, it had barely six months to develop the project and present it in the summer of 1970. Perhaps the rush to get to the street the new model, we attribute the "peculiarities" that presents the GS as far as mechanics are concerned.
Years in production
1970: is presented at the Paris Motor Show Citroën GS, which will be manufactured at the plant in Rennes, at the moment only available in sedan and two finishes: "Comfort" and "Club", both with four-cylinder boxer engine and 1015cc. The interior door handles from the AMI 8 and the center console has a more spartan finish that later.
1971: The GS is named "Car of the Year" by European automotive journalists, who praise its unique design and good performance being ahead of Volkswagen and Citroën SM K70. Small corrected design flaws in the carburetion and gearboxes, which began to cause problems in first units. 1972
: family version is presented in two models: "Break" and "Service" (three paneled doors and a large glass or lateral). Both finished with "Comfort" and "Club."
1973: It offers the possibility of having a new 1222cc engine and 59cv, four more than the other version. Presented in April at the Barcelona Motor Show Citroen GS that comes immediately to the sale.
1974: Market Sale Birotor GS GS capable of moving at 175 km / h thanks to the Wankel engine 107cv. The Comfort replaces Gspecial as a basic model of the range.
1975: Three new finishes:
However, the appearance of the Renault 16 by that time virtually identical to the F project Citroen blew rumors of industrial espionage and forced to abort the project and F start a new one entirely.
In this new beginning it was called Project G. After two failed attempts, the coffers of Citroën began to wane and fail a third time could mean ruin for the company, so the importance of this project was vital favorable outcome. At the head of team designing the new model is placed Robert Opron, a designer who came to work for Simca and had the difficult task of creating a car capable of lifting the battered economy of the mark. Following this, the team had to work piece and almost around the clock, it had barely six months to develop the project and present it in the summer of 1970. Perhaps the rush to get to the street the new model, we attribute the "peculiarities" that presents the GS as far as mechanics are concerned.
Years in production
1970: is presented at the Paris Motor Show Citroën GS, which will be manufactured at the plant in Rennes, at the moment only available in sedan and two finishes: "Comfort" and "Club", both with four-cylinder boxer engine and 1015cc. The interior door handles from the AMI 8 and the center console has a more spartan finish that later.
1971: The GS is named "Car of the Year" by European automotive journalists, who praise its unique design and good performance being ahead of Volkswagen and Citroën SM K70. Small corrected design flaws in the carburetion and gearboxes, which began to cause problems in first units. 1972
: family version is presented in two models: "Break" and "Service" (three paneled doors and a large glass or lateral). Both finished with "Comfort" and "Club."
1973: It offers the possibility of having a new 1222cc engine and 59cv, four more than the other version. Presented in April at the Barcelona Motor Show Citroen GS that comes immediately to the sale.
1974: Market Sale Birotor GS GS capable of moving at 175 km / h thanks to the Wankel engine 107cv. The Comfort replaces Gspecial as a basic model of the range.
1975: Three new finishes:
- Pallas, most luxurious and DS details, such as chrome hubcaps that cover the entire dashboard and steering wheel rim and a brown-trimmed cloth.
- GSX and GSX2: a sporty fog lights, wheel nuts left in the air and finish the GS Club. The wheels on the GS happen to have 10 holes to be six.
1976: Retires from the sale Birotor with only 847 units produced, many of whom returned to the factory to be dismantled. The semi-automatic gearbox "C-Matic" that sat on the Birotor, is now an option available to the rest of the range.
1977: second series is launched with significant aesthetic changes like new taillights, grille, horizontal slats, upholstery and dashboard clocks, although for a while will go on sale a set term, with the body of the second set, but the picture still control the first.
1978: Sales of the first limited series of GS, basalt, sold only in France, Holland, Belgium, Germany and England. Stop
occur 1015cc engine which happens to have versions for now 1130cc Gspecial, GSX and Gspecial Break. There are also new tire change, from now cease to have holes and are smooth.
1979 : The GSX3 replaces GSX2, riding a new 1300cc engine. We present the GSA, which is a major cosmetic change. New bumper plastic enclosures, new calendar, completely renovated interior dashboard and controls satellite magnifiers, improved internal ventilation and above all, the five-door body are its basic characteristics.
1980: The GSA replaces the GS range in almost all versions, Club, Blades, Break and X3. Mounted 1300cc engine and five-speed gearbox for the X3 standard and option for the rest. Only maintained production and Gspecial Gspecial Break, which becomes GS Special.
1981 : production finally disappears GS, whose sales were merely anecdotal. Basic model is established as the GSA Special 1130cc engine and presents the GSA Enterprise, a break of three doors with paneled sides. The wheels are now moving to have nine holes, but also remain smooth.
1982: Launch of the limited range tuner, with specific audio equipment as the main feature. Leaves the assembly line the GS / GSA number 2 million.
1983: GSA Club disappears and instead presents the new GSA X1, which has the appearance of the X3, but with four-speed box and 1130cc engine. We present Citroen BX, soon begin to replace the GSA.
1984: Launch of the GSA Cottage, a limited series on the GSA break. The GSA is no longer manufactured in Rennes. After fourteen years, the assembly lines are dismantled to make way for the manufacture of the BX, leaving the factory in Vigo as the last place in Europe where you mount the GSA.
1985: to liquidate stocks, it launches the last of the limited series, the GSA Chic. In the rest of the range there is no news.
1986: There are only models on sale Special, Special breaks, X3 and Enterprise, until finally, in July this year, the GSA is definitely withdrawn from European dealers and Vigo assembly lines are closed.
1987: A consignment of 300 GSA Enterprise made in Indonesia have the honor of ending the history of Citroën GS and GSA, the most popular model the brand second only to the 2CV.
Limited Series GS
Birotor
This model which began production in 1973 was the product of collaboration between Citroën and NSU. GS was a simple at first glance, except for oversized trim the fenders and a different interior trim. But his most characteristic trait was under the hood, riding a Wankel engine 107cv GS capable of moving over 175 km / h. Unfortunately, its high consumption combined with the oil crisis of the 70, made in 1975 with only 847 units produced, is withdrawn from the market, coming to destroy some of the units in stock. See one of the 200 remaining today is extremely difficult. Possess is a dream within reach of a few. GS
Basalte
is a limited range of about 5000 copies were sold in 1978. Sold in France, England and Central Europe, in Spain there is only evidence that a circle of Dutch origin. Its color was black with red stripes across it from end to end. Incorporating fog lights, sunroof, radio / tape and the hubcaps of Pallas with the other finishing details of the model Club. The entire interior was upholstered in black and red, like the Birotor, the lucky owner of one of these can be considered privileged. GSA
Tuner
The GSA
manufactured in 1982 Tuner 1500 units on the basis of GSA Club and includes main features like audio equipment aplificador Philips stereo and four speakers. Also mounted five-speed gearbox, tinted glass and black in color only. GSA
Cottage
Despite being condemned to disappear soon, in 1984 is released for some it is the most elegant limited edition all that has been on the GS / GSA . 1850 copies of this release are made on the basis of GSA Break Club, which was added luxury amenities. The Beige Cottage Sloughi is painted in a metallic gold-only model to which is added few fine brown and orange stickers that read "cottage" on their side. 1300cc engine mounts, radio location and five-speed gearbox and alloy wheels from the GSA X3. The interior trim is orange and brown plaid on beige background and trunk space is also covered with a specific carpet. GSA
Chic
The last of the limited series of the GSA, the GSA Chic, presented in 1985 on the basis of GSA Special. GSA has the X3 tires, five-speed gearbox and a bumper with vertical lines on the third side window. His only color is gray metallic.
