[The Presidential Citroën] Citroën CX Prestige: Jacques Chirac's favorite at the Élysée

Welcome to the third installment of our exclusive series on the cars that have defined the French Presidency. After exploring General de Gaulle's legendary DS and Georges Pompidou's bold SM Chapron, we now turn our attention to another icon from the "double chevron" brand that graced the courtyards of the Élysée Palace. Let's focus on the Citroën CX Prestige, a vehicle intrinsically linked to the figure of Jacques Chirac, a president who never hid his affection for this grand tourer and its unparalleled comfort. More than just an official vehicle, the CX was a trusted companion for him, a witness to key moments in French political history, from his time as Mayor of Paris to the nation's highest office.

The rise of an icon: the birth of the CX Prestige

Launched in 1974 as the successor to the revolutionary DS, the Citroën CX faced the daunting task of continuing a legacy of innovation and comfort. While the standard CX quickly established itself as an exceptional road car, Citroën soon recognized the need for an even more exclusive version aimed at a clientele of executives and dignitaries. This led to the creation of the CX Prestige in 1976. Its most remarkable feature was its wheelbase, which was extended by 25 centimeters (nearly 10 inches). This structural modification was far from a mere gimmick; it completely transformed the onboard experience. The rear legroom became simply palatial, offering a level of comfort worthy of the world's finest limousines. But the differences didn't stop there. The Prestige also featured a much more luxurious interior, with specific upholstery, standard air conditioning, and special attention to soundproofing. Under the hood, it was equipped with the most powerful engines in the range. Of course, it retained the very soul of any great Citroën: the hydropneumatic suspension. This "magic carpet ride" technology gave it road-holding and comfort that filtered out road imperfections like no other, an essential feature for ensuring serene journeys for the state's most important figures.

Jacques Chirac and the CX: a special relationship

The story of the CX Prestige at the Élysée Palace did not begin with Jacques Chirac, but with his predecessor, Valéry Giscard d'Estaing. After a brief interlude with a Peugeot 604, President Giscard d'Estaing was won over by the new grand Citroën, making the CX Prestige the official presidential car. This legacy was fully embraced and even amplified by Jacques Chirac. Known to be a genuine car enthusiast, far beyond mere political expediency, his attachment to the CX was sincere and deep. Even before his presidency, while he was the Mayor of Paris, he was already using a CX for his official duties. However, it was with a dark green CX Prestige Turbo 2, ordered for the Élysée's fleet, that their relationship would reach its zenith. The love story between Chirac and his CX is marked by charming anecdotes. It was not uncommon for him to take the wheel himself, much to the dismay of his security detail, for the sheer pleasure of driving this car he so admired for its supreme comfort and road manners. This vehicle was not just a tool for official representation; it was his mobile office, the cocoon in which he traveled across France, and a machine he drove with unconcealed delight. From his years as Prime Minister to the end of his second presidential term, the CX Prestige was a faithful companion, symbolizing an almost emotional bond between a statesman and his automobile.

In conclusion, the relationship between the Citroën CX and the French Presidency is much more than a simple automotive chronicle. It represents an important chapter that undoubtedly helped strengthen the love and historical bond between the Citroën brand and the Élysée Palace. For Jacques Chirac, the CX was far more than a state car; it was a personal favorite, a connoisseur's choice. The fact that he drove it himself on numerous occasions is the most tangible sign of his deep attachment to this car, which, decades later, remains a true icon of French design and comfort.