Rediscovering Romance: Revving Up Timeless Citroens, Belonging to My Father
A Journey Down Memory Lane: Rediscovering the Charm of the Citroën Dyane and GS
In a nostalgic journey, a writer found himself back in the era of the iconic Citroën cars, choosing to drive two models from his youth: the Citroën Dyane and the GS. The Dyane, introduced in 1967, was a modern evolution of the beloved 2CV, featuring a hatchback body style and improved interior comfort.
The Dyane retained the 2CV’s air-cooled two-cylinder engine and simple mechanical layout, but its updated styling and practical hatchback design made it stand out in the small, economy car segment. The Dyane was designed to replace the 2CV and occupy the space between it and the Ami.
Starting the Dyane required a twist of the key and a press of a red button beneath the dashboard. Its push-pull-twist gear lever took some time to get used to, but once mastered, it offered a smooth driving experience. The Dyane's fuel consumption was low, similar to a grandma nursing a Babycham at a Christmas party.
The Dyane leans significantly when cornering, but the skinny tyres held firm, enabling high-speed maneuvers through chicanes. However, on the writer's first choice for a trip down memory lane, the Dyane failed to start and was pushed back into line.
Launched in 1970, the Citroën GS was a more ambitious and technologically advanced model. Notable for its aerodynamic fastback design, the GS introduced several pioneering features, including the revolutionary hydropneumatic self-leveling suspension system, all-round disc brakes, and a simplified version of Citroen's famous hydropneumatic suspension.
The GS was incredibly easy to drive, with a light clutch, smooth gearbox, and predictable handling. Its brakes had a strong initial bite that became more progressive with more force, making it a car that could be driven daily, despite its rarity. The GS was also historically notable for its GS Birotor variant, introduced in 1973, which was the only French production car to feature a rotary engine.
The writer's second choice was a 1979 Citroen GS X3, which he found easy to drive with excellent all-round visibility and a comfortable interior. The GS's suspension smoothed away the imperfections of the old factory workers' car park, providing a joyful driving experience even at low speeds.
The Dyane hatchback was practical, but its full-length canvas roof was similar to the 2CV. Repairs on the Dyane could be handled by independent Citroen specialists, making it easy to maintain. The Dyane production ended in 1985, with total sales of 1,443,583, significantly fewer than the 2CV's 8,756,688 over a 42-year period.
In summary, the Dyane stood out as a practical, economical, and slightly more modern alternative to the 2CV, while the GS was distinguished by its advanced hydropneumatic suspension, aerodynamic design, and the unique rotary-powered Birotor version. Both cars, with their unique charm and practicality, offered a driving experience that was truly unforgettable.
- A convertible Citroën, echoing the Dyane's nostalgic charm, could be an intriguing addition to today's motoring lifestyle, offering a blend of modern engineering and vintage appeal.
- A hatchback EV, meanwhile, might serve as an eco-friendly substitute for the Dyane, providing improved fuel efficiency while maintaining the practicality that the Dyane offered.
- In the realm of general news, reports of a resurrected GS, outfitted with contemporary technology and powered by a rotary engine, would send waves of excitement through the car enthusiast community.
- Home-and-garden magazines might feature a retrospective vignette of the Dyane and GS, showcasing how these car models have shaped and influenced the automotive industry over the decades.
- Car reviews could delve into a comparison of modern saloon cars, evaluating their driving dynamics, comfort, and technological advancements against the benchmarks set by the iconic Citroën GS.
- Sports sections on digital platforms might debate whether a modern van, designed with aerodynamic efficiency, could outperform the GS on a racetrack, given the GS's pioneering technology and handling.
- Entertainment channels could produce a series based on a road trip across Europe, driving both the Dyane and the GS, demonstrating how these classic cars adapt to the demands of modern living and diverse landscapes.
- And perhaps, in a nod to the sports section of yesterday's newspapers, a modern sports car, with its sleek design and exhilarating performance, might be posed alongside the iconic Dyane and GS, illustrating the evolution of automotive aesthetics and driving experiences over time.
