The Citroen CX is celebrating its 40th anniversary

Citroen unveiled the CX 2000 for the first time at the Paris Motor Show in 1974 and the car quickly established a reputation for exceptional comfort, advanced ergonomics and impeccable road holding. It also went on to claim several awards, including Car of the Year, Safety Prize and Award Auto Style - in just its first year on sale.

Designed by Robert Opron, the CX was a two-box saloon, measuring 4,630mm in length. The aerodynamics of the CX played a key role in achieving its impressive levels of fuel efficiency, and the acronym CX itself illustrated the vehicle's low drag coefficient - CX is French for the aerodynamic coefficient Cd.

Over the next few years, Citroen continued to improve the CX model, including an estate version in 1975, a 2400 GTi electronic injection sports version in 1977 and a Prestige version in 1978, which was 280mm longer than the original car.

In 1970, the CX inherited the constant-height hydropneumatic suspension of the DS as well as the power-operated self-centring steering system seen on the SM.

The same high standards of comfort were apparent in the subsequent innovations provided for an improved driver experience. For example, the C-matic torque converter did away with the clutch pedal, freeing up space for greater driver comfort.

Also, the interior design placed particular emphasis on convenience with a futuristic driving position, enabling the driver to access all the controls without having to take their hands off the steering wheel. The Citroen CX was also the first French car to be fitted with ABS brakes in 1985.

The CX was a huge commercial success, retailing more than 1.2 million units globally up to 1991. Today the nameplate lives on through the events and meetings organised by many owners' clubs around the world, including the CX Club de France and l'Amicale de France in its home country.