zzdcar
Home
/
Reviews
/
Buying
/
Citroën's Failure Of A Group B Rally Special Is Some Real Eye Candy
Citroën's Failure Of A Group B Rally Special Is Some Real Eye Candy-August 2024
2024-02-19 EST 22:09:25

Image for article titled Citroën's Failure Of A Group B Rally Special Is Some Real Eye Candy

I’m getting the urge to import another car again. This time I want something different, something European. While eyeballing total beater I’ve come across a fantastic import that’s already made its way here. allows you to live out your Group B rallying dreams, but in something a bit different than you’d expect.

In 1982, Citroën entered Group B with its front-wheel drive Visa rally racers and later, four-wheel drive Visa Mille Pistes racers. These cars ran for years competing in the B9 and B10 classes, Rally Group B Shrine . But Citroën aspired for more and wanted to compete with the fastest and most powerful Group B racers in the field. The French automaker wanted to squash the competition from Ford, Audi and Lancia to win it all.

Image for article titled Citroën's Failure Of A Group B Rally Special Is Some Real Eye Candy

To achieve that goal, Citroën took its BX sedan and heavily modified it. Citroën didn’t have the cash to pour into its next racer like the competition did, and Citroën Compétitions built five BX-based Group B prototypes to find out what worked best. Despite the lack of funds, it was believed that Citroën’s ingenuity would persevere.

Eventually, Citroën landed on the BX 4TC, and its road-going homologation special is the vehicle you see here for sale by LBI Limited

Image for article titled Citroën's Failure Of A Group B Rally Special Is Some Real Eye Candy

The selling dealership what all went into making these cars a reality:

The final road-going version of the BX4TC would look similar to a production BX but with fender flares, CX Turbo wheels, graphics, and the car’s nose extended for the Chrysler/Simca Turbo motor to be mounted longitudinally. A modified Citroën SM 5-speed transmission was used, and a Peugeot 505 rear differential. There was no transfer case, locking differential, or even viscous coupling so both ends of the car would fight each other in the corners. Once again Citroën’s sophisticated hydropneumatic suspension and quick steering helped the cars compete.

Image for article titled Citroën's Failure Of A Group B Rally Special Is Some Real Eye Candy

Unfortunately, not only was the BX 4TC late, entering into Group B in 1986, but it came at a disadvantage to its competitors. The lack of funding showed in the car being heavier and with less power than the competition. The BX 4TC would make 380 HP to the Audi Sport Quattro S1 E2's and Lancia Delta S4's 500 HP.

And while the competition weighed as close to the 1,962-pound minimum weight for the class as possible, the Citroën came in at 2,535 pounds.

Image for article titled Citroën's Failure Of A Group B Rally Special Is Some Real Eye Candy

Despite the disadvantage, the BX 4TC put up a good fight in the three races it was able to compete in before Group B itself shuttered. Its best finish was sixth place in the 1986 Swedish rally.

Image for article titled Citroën's Failure Of A Group B Rally Special Is Some Real Eye Candy

Image for article titled Citroën's Failure Of A Group B Rally Special Is Some Real Eye Candy

As Rally Group B Shrine , Citroën managed to sell 85 road going cars and 20 Evolution racers. Citroën then scrapped the rest of the 105 total road going cars built. It even tried to buy back then scrap the ones that were sold. Yep, Citroën couldn’t even build the 200 units required before Group B got canceled. The dealership that there are about 30 of these road going specials remaining and just six of the Evolution racers.

The road going version of the BX 4TC is a lot tamer than the racer. The engine that would make 380 HP in the racer is detuned to 200 HP here. It’s still good for a 0-62 mph acceleration time of 7.5 seconds and a top speed of 137 mph.

Image for article titled Citroën's Failure Of A Group B Rally Special Is Some Real Eye Candy

This particular car is said to have been sold new in France and remained with the first owner until 2000. Then it passed through one more person to make it into the hands of a third owner in the same year. That person kept it until 2018, then the fourth owner purchased it and imported it to the States. It recently had a major service and is mostly in original, unrestored condition.

it’s an expensive toy, but it’s also one of the rarest Group B homologation specials you’ll find. And at least you don’t have to import it. Group buy, anyone?

Comments
Welcome to zzdcar comments! Please keep conversations courteous and on-topic. To fosterproductive and respectful conversations, you may see comments from our Community Managers.
Sign up to post
Sort by
Show More Comments
Buying
At $12,900, Is This 2013 Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid the Real Deal?
At $12,900, Is This 2013 Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid the Real Deal?
While electric vehicles are all the rage these days, hybrids like today’s Porsche Cayenne may prove more practical in the near term. Let’s see if this Cayenne is a true Porsche, and more importantly, if it’s not priced like one. The ad for yesterday’s listed a litany of handling,...
Aug 25, 2026
Lamborghini's First EV Will Be a Coupe With Room for Four Adults
Lamborghini's First EV Will Be a Coupe With Room for Four Adults
The recent arrival of the is a big deal, as it’s Sant’Agata’s first genuinely new flagship hypercar in 12 years. It’s also the brand’s first series plug-in hybrid. Naturally, Lamborghini is hard at work on a proper battery-electric model meant to arrive by 2028. Thanks to our friends at...
Aug 25, 2026
Volkswagen Pauses ID.4 Sales Over Doors Randomly Popping Open While Driving
Volkswagen Pauses ID.4 Sales Over Doors Randomly Popping Open While Driving
Volkswagen’s entry to the EV world has come in fits and starts. Most of the company’s electrified ID line , and one of its two U.S.-bound models — the ID.Buzz — hasn’t even . And now the ID.4, the only EV Volkswagen sells in the U.S., can’t even be...
Aug 25, 2026
I Want a Sporty, Spacious Car With Subtle Looks! What Should I Buy?
I Want a Sporty, Spacious Car With Subtle Looks! What Should I Buy?
Matthew lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan and wants to upgrade his VW Golf to something a bit nicer and sportier, though he doesn’t want it to look too over-the-top. He’s on the taller side, and needs room for sports gear, but he despises the idea of owning an SUV....
Aug 25, 2026
Tesla Is Dropping Prices Yet Again
Tesla Is Dropping Prices Yet Again
Tesla has had an , as new competition from more established competitors hits the EV market. The company is constantly , , and generally in attempts to best meet this new competition and contend with shifting EV incentives. Now, Tesla is at it again, cutting prices on every single...
Aug 25, 2026
At $6,500, Is This 1974 Fiat 124 Sport Spider Ready for Summer Fun?
At $6,500, Is This 1974 Fiat 124 Sport Spider Ready for Summer Fun?
It’s been a long, cold, wet winter, making the prospect of enjoying a sunny-day drive in a roadster like today’s Fiat all the more appealing. Let’s see if this Fiat is priced to break out the sunscreen. A good bit of debate exists between constitutional scholars over the conflicting...
Aug 25, 2026
Copyright 2023-2026 - www.zzdcar.com All Rights Reserved