Which do you prefer? The 1981 Citroen BX or the 1982 Mazda Luce/929?
Well, maybe it does not matter, as they are look-a-likes — both came from the design studio of Bertone.
But wait, there’s more . . .
Both cars have their origin in two equally similar concept cars.
And yes, you guessed it, both concepts were shaped by Bertone.
They are the 1979 Volvo Tundra and the 1981 Mazda MX81 Aria.
Can you guess which concept is which in the photos?
Both are gold so the colour is no help in distinguishing them apart.
Lucky for us the makers affixed big badges and names to them, because if they had not done so, it would be a toughie to know which was which.
Tundra was developed at the request of Volvo who reportedly wanted something sporty.
But the shape was too radical for the conservative Swedish folks and the concept went no further.
Not to be deterred, Bertone re-calibrated the angles and sold the idea to Citroen — and it was a big success!
Citroen built over 2.3 million BX hatchbacks and wagons during the 12 years that it was on the market.
The Mazda MX81 was basically another re-calibration of the wedge-shaped concept ahead of the release of production models that boasted a similar silhouette.
The Mazda Luce/929 came in coupe, four-door sedan and four-door “hardtop” varieties.
I’ve always been of two minds about the BX.
I like its sharp edges and wedge shape, but there is something annoyingly fussy about its overall appearance.
The sheet metal skirts hiding half of the rear wheels have no appeal whatsoever to me.
The way the rear bumper bar meets the rear fender looks unfinished.
I much prefer the Mazda coupe and “hardtop”.
They look classy.
What intrigues me is why these Mazda and Citroen vehicles tend to be overlooked in the classic world?
They were expensive and up market cars when new.
Time for a re-appraisal in my opinion.
David Burrell is the editor of retroautos
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