Acquiring the GSA
As a child, I vividly recall the first GS I saw zipping around the streets of Athens. The little family hypcar was incredibly popular, even if its prowess and innovative design flew under the radar back in the early ’70s. True to my penchant for the latest variants and series of all Citroën models, I soon found myself captivated by the GSA. Without getting into the purist debate between the facelifted GSA and the original GS, it is undeniable that the GSA boasts some impressive upgrades. These include improved body panel treatment, reduced air resistance, enhanced cabin ventilation, a practical hatchback design, and a more powerful engine that delivers superior performance.
Driving Experiences
Now, buckle up for a thrilling ride! As you settle into the driver’s comfy seat, you’ll immediately notice the unmistakable Citroenesque design, highlighted by the legendary barrel-like dashboard controls, affectionately dubbed “satellites,” alongside a sleek, futuristic instrument panel. Getting the engine going might take a bit of manual choking, especially on those brisk mornings, and the roar you’ll hear will make you imagine a muscled 2CV rather than a small DS. After a few kilometres, the quirky switch arrangement around the wheel begins to make perfect sense, revealing just how practical it really is. You can operate all controls without ever needing to take your hand off the wheel! Even the handbrake is smartly located on the dashboard, perfectly within reach. But let’s not forget automotive history, as the rare Toyota 2000GT set the trend three years earlier with its own dashboard-mounted handbrake.