From village streets to classic-car shows, older Citroen models often catch the eye with unconventional styling and clever engineering. They span practical family cars, quirky city runabouts and sporty siblings that reflect changing tastes across decades.
There are 36 Citroen Old Models, ranging from 2CV to ZX. For each entry, data is organized as Years (production),Body type,Notable feature, and you’ll find below the complete list to browse production dates, body styles and key traits.
How can I quickly identify which Citroen model I’ve found?
Look for distinctive exterior cues—headlight shape, grille design, roofline and badges—then compare those traits with the production years and body types in the list below; VIN or chassis numbers (when present) and a quick image search can confirm the exact model and year.
Where’s the best place to look for parts and documentation for older Citroens?
Begin with marque clubs and owner forums for leads on manuals and tested suppliers, then check specialist parts dealers, salvage yards and online marketplaces—using the list below to match the model’s production years and body type helps ensure you order compatible parts.
Citroen Old Models
| Model | Years (production) | Body type | Notable feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traction Avant | 1934–1957 | four-door saloon | Pioneering front-wheel-drive monocoque |
| 2CV | 1948–1990 | two-door saloon | Ultra-simple, utilitarian economy car |
| DS | 1955–1975 | four-door saloon | Hydropneumatic self-levelling suspension |
| ID | 1957–1975 | four-door saloon | Simplified DS with hydropneumatics |
| H Van | 1947–1981 | van | Corrugated-steel body and sliding side doors |
| Méhari | 1968–1988 | utility convertible | ABS plastic body for light recreational use |
| Ami 6 | 1961–1969 | four-door saloon | Reverse-raked rear window styling |
| Ami 8 | 1969–1978 | four-door saloon | Conventional rear window replacing Ami 6 styling |
| Dyane | 1967–1983 | two-door hatchback | 2CV-derived hatchback with modern bodywork |
| GS | 1970–1986 | compact hatchback | Hydropneumatic comfort in compact class |
| GSA | 1979–1986 | compact hatchback | Updated GS with hatchback and modern dashboard |
| CX | 1974–1991 | executive saloon | Streamlined aerodynamics and hydropneumatics |
| SM | 1970–1975 | grand tourer coupe | Maserati V6 and advanced steering tech |
| BX | 1982–1994 | compact hatchback | Light composite panels and hydropneumatic ride |
| XM | 1989–2000 | executive saloon | Electronically-controlled suspension and roomy cabin |
| Xantia | 1993–2002 | midsize hatchback | Available Activa active anti-roll suspension |
| ZX | 1991–1998 | compact hatchback | Reliable family hatch with Peugeot ties |
| Saxo | 1996–2003 | supermini hatchback | Lightweight platform with sporty VTS variant |
| Xsara | 1997–2006 | compact hatchback | Versatile compact available in coupe and estate forms |
| Xsara Picasso | 1999–2012 | compact MPV | Early compact MPV with flexible seating |
| Visa | 1978–1988 | small hatchback | Quirky compact with versatile body styles |
| LNA | 1976–1986 | city hatchback | Tiny, economical urban runabout from PSA ties |
| AX | 1986–1998 | supermini hatchback | Extremely lightweight construction and economy |
| C15 | 1984–2005 | van | Small light commercial based on small-car underpinnings |
| C25 | 1981–1994 | van | minivan/large panel van for commercial use |
| C35 | 1974–1994 | van | Larger panel van shared with other PSA commercials |
| U23 | 1935–1969 | light truck/van | Rugged pre-war design turned long-lived workhorse |
| Rosalie | 1932–1938 | saloon | Popular interwar family saloon and sporting variants |
| C4 (1928) | 1928–1932 | saloon | Mass-market model following early Citroën growth |
| C6 (1928) | 1928–1932 | large saloon | Six-cylinder luxury saloon from the interwar era |
| Type A | 1919–1921 | two-seat tourer | Citroën’s first production car, mass-produced in France |
| B2 | 1921–1926 | saloon | Early mass-market Citroën consolidating production methods |
| M35 | 1969–1971 | two-door saloon | Limited-run Wankel-rotary experimental model |
| GS Birotor | 1973–1975 | compact hatchback | Factory twin-rotor rotary engine variant |
| Bijou | 1959–1964 | small coupe | British-bodied microcar on 2CV mechanicals |
| Ami Super | 1969–1979 | compact saloon | More powerful Ami with larger engine and trim upgrades |
Images and Descriptions
Traction Avant
A revolutionary family saloon that introduced front-wheel drive and unitary body construction to mainstream cars. Widely used across Europe, the Traction Avant combined advanced handling with roomy interior and became an icon of 1930s–1950s motoring and postwar recovery.
2CV
Designed as an affordable, rugged people’s car for rural France, the 2CV offered minimal weight, long-travel suspension and extreme simplicity. Its quirky looks and practical engineering made it a beloved icon and a cult classic worldwide.
DS
The DS married futuristic styling with advanced technologies like hydropneumatic suspension, power steering and aerodynamic design. Celebrated for comfort and innovation, it became a symbol of French engineering, luxury motoring and postwar design daring.
ID
Positioned below the DS, the ID retained hydropneumatic suspension and much of the graceful bodywork while offering more affordable finishes and simplified equipment. It broadened Citroën’s reach to buyers seeking comfort without top-tier luxury.
H Van
Known as the Type H, this distinctive van served as a durable, versatile light commercial vehicle for decades. Its corrugated steel body, practical interior and low loading floor made it ubiquitous for deliveries, catering conversions and tradespeople.
Méhari
A lightweight, open-top utility car with a plastic body and simple mechanicals, the Méhari was ideal for beaches and farms. Its adventurous image, removable soft top and easy maintenance made it a summer staple and rural workhorse.
Ami 6
An unconventional compact with a signature reverse-raked rear window, the Ami 6 offered more comfort than the 2CV and economical running. It combined frugal engineering with quirky styling and appealed to buyers wanting character over conformity.
Ami 8
An evolution of the Ami line, the Ami 8 updated the rear styling to a conventional slope and improved comfort and mechanics. It remained an affordable, practical family car with a distinctive Citroën character.
Dyane
Positioned between the 2CV and Ami, the Dyane modernised the basic 2CV package with a hatchback layout and cleaner styling. It offered better practicality while retaining the 2CV’s low-cost simplicity and easy maintenance.
GS
The GS combined aerodynamic looks, excellent ride comfort from hydropneumatic suspension and efficient engines in a compact hatchback. It won European acclaim for its engineering and provided a refined alternative in the small-family sector.
GSA
A facelifted and improved GS, the GSA brought a more modern interior, refined mechanics and hatchback practicality. It extended the GS’s comfortable ride and clever packaging into the 1980s with improved ergonomics.
CX
A large executive saloon notable for its aerodynamic design and smooth hydropneumatic suspension, the CX offered a comfortable, high-speed grand tourer for executives. Its futuristic looks and long-distance comfort made it a flagship of 1970s Citroën.
SM
An ambitious grand tourer blending Citroën innovation with Maserati V6 power, the SM featured advanced steering, aerodynamic bodywork and luxury appointments. Its rarity and bold engineering make it a sought-after classic today.
BX
The BX updated Citroën’s trademark suspension with modern styling and lighter body panels. It offered roomy interior packaging, capable handling and economical engines, becoming a popular, practical family car in the 1980s and early 1990s.
XM
The XM combined interactive electronics, hydropneumatic comfort and a spacious interior in a distinctive executive package. Known for advanced chassis tech and ergonomic design, it represented Citroën’s late-20th-century flagship ambitions.
Xantia
The Xantia blended comfortable hydropneumatics with sharper handling, notably via the Activa system on high-spec cars. It proved a refined, safe family car with strong road manners and a practical, well-equipped cabin.
ZX
A mainstream compact built during PSA integration, the ZX delivered reliable mechanics, decent space and value. It became a common sight in Europe, prized for practical running costs and straightforward maintenance.
Saxo
A nimble supermini that offered economical daily use and lively performance in VTS trims, the Saxo was an affordable entry-level car with a strong aftermarket following and competitive running costs.
Xsara
The Xsara provided comfortable family transport with a range of bodies including coupe and estate. Known for solid road manners and strong sales, it also spawned rally variants that boosted Citroën’s sporting image.
Xsara Picasso
A popular compact MPV offering versatile seating and family-friendly packaging, the Xsara Picasso prioritised interior space and practicality. Its tall, airy cabin and flexible layout made it a common choice for small families.
Visa
A small front-wheel-drive hatch that ranged from frugal basics to sporting versions, the Visa offered practical urban motoring with distinctive Citroën styling touches and a reputation for economical running.
LNA
A very small city car developed during PSA collaboration, the LNA offered minimal running costs and nimble urban manners. It suited buyers needing straightforward, affordable transport in congested towns and cities.
AX
Built to be light and efficient, the AX offered excellent fuel consumption and agile handling. Its simplicity and practicality made it a long-lived, economical supermini for budget-minded drivers across Europe.
C15
A compact, practical van derived from Citroën’s small-car architecture, the C15 served tradespeople and small businesses with economical engines and straightforward simplicity. Its long production run reflected its usefulness and toughness.
C25
A mid-sized commercial van offering various body styles and payloads, the C25 was a work-oriented vehicle for deliveries and conversions. Its robust construction and flexible configurations made it a common sight in European fleets.
C35
The C35 filled the larger light-commercial role with boxy practicality and multiple body options. Durable and easy to service, it was widely used for trades, deliveries and conversions across Europe.
U23
Introduced before World War II, the U23 served as a reliable commercial chassis adapted to many bodies. Its longevity and sturdiness made it a backbone of businesses and municipal services for decades.
Rosalie
A successful early family saloon that helped establish Citroën’s market presence, the Rosalie combined reasonable comfort with robust mechanics and was campaigned in endurance events, boosting the marque’s reputation in the 1930s.
C4 (1928)
Coming after Citroën’s pioneering Type A, the 1928 C4 served growing demand for affordable motoring. It featured conventional mechanics of the time and helped broaden Citroën’s dealer network and customer base.
C6 (1928)
A larger, six-cylinder offering from late-1920s Citroën, the C6 targeted customers seeking more refinement and power. It represented the company’s move into more upmarket segments during the interwar expansion.
Type A
As Citroën’s inaugural model, the Type A introduced mass-produced motoring to postwar France. Simple and utilitarian, it established the company’s industrial approach and set the stage for later model lines.
B2
The B2 built on the Type A’s success with improved reliability and comfort for broader markets. Its success helped cement Citroën as a major French automaker in the 1920s with expanding sales and production.
M35
A short-production trial car featuring a Wankel rotary engine, the M35 explored novel propulsion in consumer hands. Sold in small numbers, it offered unique driving character and remains an intriguing Citroën oddity among enthusiasts.
GS Birotor
A rare rotary-engined version of the GS that provided smooth power and high cruising capability but suffered from fuel-crisis timing. Limited production and parts issues make it an unusual and collectible Citroën variant.
Bijou
Built for export markets, the Bijou married 2CV mechanical simplicity with a stylish fibreglass body from Britain. Low production numbers and niche appeal make it a curious footnote in Citroën’s postwar export efforts.
Ami Super
An upscale Ami variant offering more power and comfort, the Ami Super targeted buyers wanting a sprightlier small car with improved equipment. It blended practical economy with slightly sportier performance and trimmer styling.
