Citroën BX GTi celebrates 40 years of iconic design and performance

The Citroën BX GTi is celebrating its 40th anniversary, marking four decades since the high-performance version of this iconic model first hit the roads in July 1986. Designed by Bertone under the direction of Marcello Gandini, the BX was known for its distinctive angular styling and futuristic aesthetic.

As a successor to the GSA, the BX became one of Citroën’s most successful commercial models, with over 2.3 million units produced by the end of its run in 1994. The GTi variant combined the brand’s signature hydropneumatic suspension and comfort with enhanced sporting capabilities, featuring wider fenders, body-colored bumpers, and specialized trim.

Technical milestones include the 1988 introduction of the BX GTi 16 Valve, which utilized a 1.9-liter XU9J4 engine. This model became the first mass-produced French car to feature a 16-valve engine, capable of reaching speeds of 218 km/h.