by In May of this year, a classic Dakar Rally participant, the Citroen ZX Rallye Raid from 1990, will go under the hammer.
The model was restored with the original yellow design and comes with two racing suits.
Other specimens of this mid-engined monster won four Dakar rallies between 1990 and 1997.
The Citroen ZX might not be as well known to many people in North America, but if you are a fan of compact hatchbacks from the 90s, you will recognize it as a predecessor of the Xsara. However, there is one version of the ZX that stands out from the usual communal car – the ZX Rallye Raid.
This Dakar winner has almost nothing in common with its road-going counterpart, extensively utilizing Citroën-Peugeot’s great motorsport experience. In fact, the ZX Rallye Raid is essentially an evolutionary version of the Peugeot 405 Turbo 16 Grand Raid, which traces its roots to .
As expected from a Dakar participant, the ZX Rallye Raid is a completely different creature compared to its initial forms. The three-door body of the ZX is mounted on a special chassis, with wing mounts that allow for much wider tracks. As for ground clearance, it puts most to shame.
Features like the roof fan, additional lights, ventilation holes, a large rear wing, and huge mud flaps showcase that… Inside, the car continues its straightforward approach with two Sparco racing seats and a dashboard that is richly filled with a huge number of switches.
More importantly, the mid-mounted 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine provides power ranging from 300 to 330 hp (227-250 kW), depending on the configuration. Power is transmitted to all four wheels through a seven-speed manual gearbox, supported by self-locking differentials on both axles and a central limited-slip differential. Completing it all, this dune-capable giant features independent suspension with dual springs on each wheel, providing it the ability to overcome anything the terrain throws at it.
Big Arrow
Very successful career
The Citroen ZX Rallye Raid was introduced in 1990 and was active until 1997. During this time, it won four (1991, 1994, 1995, 1996) and five FIA Cross-Country Rally World Championships titles (1993-1997). Overall, the French rally car won 36 out of 42 races, proving its superiority over competitors. Before passing, this car was driven by Ari Vatanen, Pierre Lartigue, and Jacky Ickx.
This particular ZX Rallye Raid (chassis C05) participated in three Paris-Dakar rallies, finishing in sixth and seventh places. After its sporting career, it became part of the Heritage collection until 2011, when it was sold to a private owner.
The model underwent a two-year restoration, bringing it back to the technical specifications of the 1990 Pharaohs Rally. Like the early versions of the ZX Rallye Raid, it features the iconic yellow with Camel graphics and later switched to a red design with Total logos.
At the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este auction on May 23-25, a 1990 ZX Rallye Raid with a large history file, along with two Citroen Sport racing suits from the 1991 season, will be sold, so you can feel like a professional. According to Broad Arrow, the ZX Rallye Raid is estimated to cost between $512,000 and $566,000, making it one of the most expensive Citroen models in the world.
