Introduction: The Quirky Charm of French Engineering
Automotive collecting often conjures visions of immaculate red Ferraris, gleaming Porsche 911s, or low-slung British roadsters lining climate-controlled sanctuaries. However, for true connoisseurs of avant-garde design and eccentric mechanical wizardry, few brands evoke as much raw fascination as Citroën.
As we navigate 2025, a year where mainstream automobiles increasingly merge into homogeneous, electrified silhouettes, the story of one extraordinary collector standing guard over 120 historical Citroëns shines like a beacon for enthusiast culture. Tucked away in a sprawling rural sanctuary in central France, this unbelievable collection houses over a century of double-chevron innovation—from utilitarian iconics to futuristic luxury grand tourers.
The Ultimate Collection: 120 Double Chevrons Under One Roof
What drives a person to acquire 120 cars from a single manufacturer? For owner and curator Jean-Pierre Laurent, it wasn't about investment yields or financial speculation; it was a lifelong obsession with engineering bravery. Citroën has always walked to the beat of its own drum. Whether pioneering front-wheel drive in the 1930s or introducing self-leveling hydropneumatic suspension that allowed cars to drive on three wheels, the French marque never settled for boring.
Walking into Jean-Pierre’s multi-hall facility feels like stepping into a time machine. The air smells pleasantly of old leather, vintage mineral hydraulic fluid (LHM), and well-preserved rubber. Rows of cars stretch into the distance: pastel-colored 2CVs, sleek space-age DS sedans, sharp-edged CX fastbacks, and rare coachbuilt convertibles. Every single vehicle in this 120-car stable tells a specific story about a time when automobile designers were allowed to be unfettered artists.
Key Icons of the Collection: Models & Current Market Values
To appreciate the magnitude of this collection, one must examine the standouts. If you are looking to start your own Citroën obsession in 2025, here is a breakdown of the key models featured in Jean-Pierre's barn, along with their current real-world valuation in today's classic car market.
1. Citroën 2CV ( The "Deux Chevaux" )
* Role in Collection: 18 distinct variants owned * Estimated Market Value (2025): $12,000 - $24,000 (depending on condition and trim) * Why It Matters: Created to transport French farmers across plowed fields without breaking a basket of eggs, the humble 2CV is an masterpiece of minimalist design. With its interconnected air-cooled twin engine and roll-back canvas roof, Jean-Pierre calls it the ultimate anti-status car.2. Citroën DS 21 / DS 23 Pallas
* Role in Collection: 12 pristine examples, including an original 1967 Chapron convertible * Estimated Market Value (2025): $35,000 - $70,000 (Standard sedans); $150,000+ (Chapron convertibles) * Why It Matters: Debuted at the 1955 Paris Motor Show, the DS looked like a spaceship landed among horse-drawn carriages. Featuring high-pressure hydropneumatic suspension, directional headlights, and power brakes that felt like a rubber button, the DS remains arguably the most comfortable classic car ever built.3. Citroën SM (Maserati V6)
* Role in Collection: 4 pristine original coupes * Estimated Market Value (2025): $45,000 - $85,000 * Why It Matters: Born from Citroën’s acquisition of Maserati in the late 1960s, the SM combined French aerodynamic styling and hydraulic luxury with a screaming Italian V6 engine. Capable of cruising effortlessly at 140 mph, it represents the absolute peak of 1970s luxury GT touring.4. Citroën CX 25 GTi Turbo 2
* Role in Collection: 8 executive models * Estimated Market Value (2025): $14,000 - $22,000 * Why It Matters: The successor to the DS, the CX brought futuristic dashboard ergonomics ("PRN" control pods) and single-spoke steering wheels into the modern era. The GTi Turbo 2 was a fastback express capable of embarrassing contemporary BMWs on the Autobahn.5. Modern Contrast: 2025 Citroën ë-C3
* Role in Collection: Daily driver addition for the property * Estimated Market Price (2025): ~$25,000 (€23,300 in Europe) * Why It Matters: Even a die-hard classic collector recognizes modern evolution. The all-electric 2025 ë-C3 brings back classic Citroën plushness with Advanced Comfort suspension at an accessible EV price point, bridging the gap between historical eccentricity and modern green mobility.The Engineering Marvels: Hydropneumatics and Quirky Ergonomics
Maintaining a fleet of 120 vintage vehicles is no small feat, particularly when half of them utilize complex hydraulic systems. Unlike traditional steel coil springs, Citroën’s famous hydropneumatic setup relies on engine-driven pumps pressurizing green LHM fluid against nitrogen-filled spheres.
When functioning properly, the car floats over potholes like a hovercraft, keeping the chassis perfectly flat regardless of load or road surface. However, keeping 120 cars oil-tight requires constant vigilance. Jean-Pierre spends roughly 20 hours a week turning wrenches, cycling hydraulic systems, and keeping fuel systems fresh. "It's not a garage," Jean-Pierre laughs. "It's an active organ bank for French history."
Inside these cars, ergonomic madness reigns supreme. Turn signal switches that don't self-cancel, brake pedals shaped like soft rubber mushrooms, single-spoke steering wheels designed to protect the driver in an impact, and speedometers illuminated through glowing magnifying glass drums—these features remind us of an era when safety and user interface design were re-imagined from scratch.
Why Classic Citroëns are Skyrocketing in 2025
Over the last five years, collector interest in vintage French cars has surged. As modern vehicles become increasingly autonomous, quiet, and digitalized, enthusiasts are hungering for mechanical character.
Gen-X and Millennial collectors are actively entering the market, driving up values for "youngtimer" models like the BX, CX, and XM. Furthermore, the simplicity and repairability of air-cooled 2CV engines have made them popular weekend projects for younger DIY hobbyists seeking an escape from screen time.
Bottom Line / Our Verdict
The story of the man who owns 120 Citroëns isn't just a tale of hoarding sheet metal; it's a testament to preserving human imagination. In 2025, as software-defined vehicles dominate showrooms, visiting a collection like this reminds us why we fell in love with automobiles in the first place.
Our Verdict: If you're a classic car enthusiast looking for an accessible, head-turning entry into the hobby without breaking the bank, skip the tired MGBs and Mustang coupes. A solid Citroën 2CV ($15,000 average) or a clean Citroën CX ($16,000 average) offers unmatched character, incredible ride comfort, and guaranteed conversations at every gas station. Just make sure you locate a local hydraulic specialist before taking the plunge!