Cars
Broken Dreams: Citroën Xenia. Future proof
The 1981 Citroën Xenia blended GT luxury with bold innovation—but despite its promise, it remained a dream that never hit the road.
It wouldn’t be wrong to wonder whether Trevor Fiore had been thinking about the Reliant Scimitar when he created the Citroën Xenia back in 1981. The curious English sportscar had already introduced the concept of a functional Gran Turismo back in the 60s, offering all the thrills without sacrificing creature comforts. So, the large rear space that made it look like a shooting break was also used in the new Citroën project, not only for luggage but also for two real and very comfortable rear seats.
We are in those years when the Americans were increasingly intrigued and attracted by “compact” European and Japanese cars and playing the originality card could have been a wise move. And for sure, Citroën needed no introduction in this sense, as the car was without question decidedly original. At just over four metres long, the Xenia ticked all the right boxes: clean lines, an innovative shape, harmonious proportions, effective aerodynamics, seductive with its two enormous “gull wing” doors that made it easy to access the rear seats, it immediately aroused interest.
