Classic Car Catalogue
Citroën 1973
| 2 CV | |
| Dyane | |
| Méhari | |
| Ami 8 | |
| GS | |
| D series | |
| SM | |
| GS Birotor | - Paris |
France 
All 2-cylinder engines are modified to meet European anti pollution regulations thus, the 2 CV 4 or 6, the Dyane and Méhari now use a Solex 34 PICS 6 carburettor. The 435 cc engine replaces 425 cc in AZU Fourgonette, Single spoke steering wheel fitted to 2CV 6. Nearly 113,000 copies of the 2 CV left the factory (not including nearly 50,000 vans) while the Dyane - fitted this year with new door handles positioned lower - barely exceed 90,000 units.
The Ami Super was launched in January. It is powered by a four cylinder GS engine and also made use of the GS gearbox and front brakes. This require a floor mounted gear-change rather than the traditional A series shift. Suspension is also unique to this model, lacking the front to rear interconnection found on other 2CV derivatives.
Dyane - the door handles are mounted the other way up.
GS - a larger engine of 1222cc capacity is giving 60 bhp and a top speed of 151 kph/95 mph. Vehicles with this larger engine option are also available with a "Convertisseur" semi automatic gearbox.
Power output of the SM engine was increased to 188 bhp SAE at 6 250 rpm (178 bhp DIN) thanks to the fitting of electronic fuel injection. Top speed increased to 228 kph.
Concluded in 1968 collaboration between Citroën and Fiat ended, not bringing to neither of them the benefits they expected.
The greatest novelty at the Paris Show in October was the GS Birotor fitted with Wankel engine. Citroën worked on this still relatively rare power unit since 1961, when they linked with the German pioneer, NSU, forming research company Comobil. In 1967 they founded Comotor for the production and distribution of rotary power units. In November 1969, Citroën built several hundred prototypes M 35 with Wankel engines, selling them on very favourable terms to selected customers for testing in everyday use.
The new Birotor was the star of Citroen stand, occupying the central podium near which a transparent dome housing the revolutionary engine was placed.
The Ami Super was launched in January. It is powered by a four cylinder GS engine and also made use of the GS gearbox and front brakes. This require a floor mounted gear-change rather than the traditional A series shift. Suspension is also unique to this model, lacking the front to rear interconnection found on other 2CV derivatives.
Dyane - the door handles are mounted the other way up.
GS - a larger engine of 1222cc capacity is giving 60 bhp and a top speed of 151 kph/95 mph. Vehicles with this larger engine option are also available with a "Convertisseur" semi automatic gearbox.
Power output of the SM engine was increased to 188 bhp SAE at 6 250 rpm (178 bhp DIN) thanks to the fitting of electronic fuel injection. Top speed increased to 228 kph.
Concluded in 1968 collaboration between Citroën and Fiat ended, not bringing to neither of them the benefits they expected.
The greatest novelty at the Paris Show in October was the GS Birotor fitted with Wankel engine. Citroën worked on this still relatively rare power unit since 1961, when they linked with the German pioneer, NSU, forming research company Comobil. In 1967 they founded Comotor for the production and distribution of rotary power units. In November 1969, Citroën built several hundred prototypes M 35 with Wankel engines, selling them on very favourable terms to selected customers for testing in everyday use.
The new Birotor was the star of Citroen stand, occupying the central podium near which a transparent dome housing the revolutionary engine was placed.
Not changed for 1973 (except for the emissions), 24 years old 2 CV still enjoys enormous popularity with sales exceeding 100.000 every year.
In October single branch steering wheel.
In October single branch steering wheel.
2 CV at Paris Motor Show.
2 CV at Paris Motor Show.
For 1973 the Dyane has new exterior door handles.
In October single branch steering wheel.
In October single branch steering wheel.
Dyane at Paris Motor Show in October.
Méhari hard-top by Enac.
Mehari at Paris Motor Show in October.
Launched in January the Ami Super combines the body of the 2-cylinder Ami-8 with the 4-cylinder engine of the GS. The body comes straight from the Ami-8 and it differs only in a few details, including an additional chrome strip on the grille and the arrangement of six small rectangular air intakes above the front bumper. Mechanically, in addition to the engine, the Ami Super differs from the Ami-8 by new anti-roll bars and a strengthening of the front axle.
Ami 8 berline Club
Parents and their offspring: Ami-8, GS and the new Ami Super.
Ami 8 at Paris Motor Show.
Ami Super at Paris Motor Show.
A bigger engine for the successful GS arrived in October last year. Although criticized for lacking power, the old unit remains in catalogues, but very quickly loses popularity. Externally all models are identical, except for badging on the boot lid and continue into the next year without any significant changes.
The innovative GS Birotor has a Wankel engine. The 995 cc capacity is an equivalent of 1990 cc for normal, piston unit. The transmission is a 3-speed gearbox with automatic clutch. Externally it has more prominent wheel arches, different rim covers, chrome side flashes on the sides of the body, dark roof and stainless steel exhaust tip. Inside it is more luxurious, with different dashboard.
The innovative GS Birotor has a Wankel engine. The 995 cc capacity is an equivalent of 1990 cc for normal, piston unit. The transmission is a 3-speed gearbox with automatic clutch. Externally it has more prominent wheel arches, different rim covers, chrome side flashes on the sides of the body, dark roof and stainless steel exhaust tip. Inside it is more luxurious, with different dashboard.
Export dashboard.
GS at Paris Motor Show in October.
GS Birotor at Paris Motor Show in October.
GS Birotor at Paris Motor Show in October.
The DSuper 5 is powered by the 2175 cc engine previously reserved for the DS 21 and benefits from an original 5-speed gearbox and various equipment: power steering, larger rear tires, heated rear window, etc.. The DS 23 received a larger engine of 2347 cc instead of 2175, developing 124 hp SAE (instead of 115) with carburettor and 141 hp SAE (instead of 139) with injection; these new engines provide greater flexibility and better acceleration. The DSpécial adopts the 108 hp SAE engine of the DSuper, and the station wagon 23 takes up the engine of the DS 23 with carburettor. In addition, the entire D range adopts a diaphragm clutch.
Commercial models discontinued in the autumn.
Commercial models discontinued in the autumn.
DS
DS 23 Pallas
DSpecial at Paris Motor Show in October.
DSuper 5 at Paris Motor Show in October.
DS 20 Pallas at Paris Motor Show in October.
DS 23 injection at Paris Motor Show in October.
SM automatique at Paris Motor Show
SM in the USA.