Citroen ZX Rallye Raid: The Mid-Engine Beast That Conquered Dakar | Rare Rally Legend For Sale

Citroen ZX Rallye Raid: The Mid-Engine Beast That Conquered Dakar | Rare Rally Legend For Sale When you think of the Citroën ZX, chances are you're picturing a compact hatchback from the '90s, a common sight on the roads but far from anything special. However, there’s one version of the ZX that completely breaks the mold, transforming from a modest commuter car into a Dakar rally legend: the Citroën ZX Rallye Raid. This incredible machine is not your typical hatchback, and its story is one of sheer motorsport engineering, triumph, and the unforgiving terrain of the Dakar Rally. The ZX Rallye Raid, introduced in 1990, is the perfect example of how Citroën’s expertise in motorsport was used to craft a vehicle capable of surviving—and winning—the brutal Dakar Rally. Unlike the regular ZX, which was a common sight on European streets, the ZX Rallye Raid is an entirely different animal. In fact, it shares more in common with the Peugeot 405 Turbo 16 Grand Raid, a car that itself had roots in the legendary Peugeot 205 T16 from the Group B era. What makes the ZX Rallye Raid stand out is its unique modifications, designed specifically for the rigors of rally racing. First and foremost, this isn’t just a car with a bigger engine; it’s a complete overhaul. The regular three-door ZX shell is mounted on a custom chassis, with bolt-on fender extensions that widen the track significantly to handle the rough, uneven surfaces of rally stages. It has a ground clearance that would make most off-road vehicles envious, far surpassing even a Jeep Wrangler's clearance. In addition to its muscular build, the ZX Rallye Raid sports several features that scream "rally monster." The roof-mounted scoop, extra lights, vents, oversized rear wing, and massive mudflaps are all functional additions designed to help the car deal with the extreme conditions of the race. Inside, the car is equally business-focused, with two Sparco racing bucket seats and a dashboard cluttered with switches and controls—everything a professional rally driver needs to control this beast on the go. Under the hood, the ZX Rallye Raid is powered by a mid-mounted 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. With a power output ranging from 300 to 330 horsepower, depending on the configuration, the car can handle the harshest terrains with ease. This power is sent to all four wheels through a seven-speed manual gearbox, paired with self-locking differentials on both axles and a central limited-slip differential. Such specifications were crucial in enabling the ZX Rallye Raid to conquer the unpredictable and rugged terrains of the Dakar Rally. Over its career, the ZX Rallye Raid dominated the world of cross-country rallying. It won four Dakar Rally titles (1991, 1994, 1995, and 1996), cementing its place as one of the most successful rally cars of its time. In total, it won 36 of the 42 races it entered. It wasn’t just the car’s performance that stood out—it was also the impressive roster of legendary drivers who piloted it, including Ari Vatanen, Pierre Lartigue, and Jacky Ickx. One of the standout examples of the ZX Rallye Raid is chassis C05, which took part in three Paris-Dakar rallies. This particular car finished in sixth and seventh place, showing that even in a field of the world’s best rally cars, the ZX Rallye Raid was a force to be reckoned with. After its motorsport career, the car was added to Citroën’s Heritage collection. It remained there until 2011, when it was sold to a private owner who restored it to its former glory, replicating the specs of the 1990 Pharaohs Rally version. Now, this iconic machine is set to go under the hammer at the prestigious Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este auction, taking place between May 23-25. The car, still featuring its iconic yellow livery with Camel graphics, is expected to fetch between $512,000 and $566,000, making it one of the most valuable Citroën models in the world. Along with the car, the auction includes two Citroën Sport racing suits from the 1991 season, providing the lucky buyer with a direct connection to the golden era of rallying. For fans of motorsport history and collectors of rare rally cars, the Citroën ZX Rallye Raid offers a unique opportunity to own a piece of automotive legend. With its rich history, remarkable performance, and undeniable appeal, this mid-engine beast is much more than just a car—it’s a symbol of Dakar domination. Citroen ZX Rallye Raid, Dakar Rally legend, rally car for sale, Citroen motorsport, rare rally cars, Citroen ZX, Dakar winner, Peugeot 405 Turbo 16, rally car auction, Citroen Heritage collection, rally car restoration, classic rally cars, motorsport history, Peugeot 205 T16, Concorso d’Eleganza, Citroen sports cars, off-road racing, rally enthusiasts, vintage rally cars, Citroen history, rare motorsport cars Citroen ZX Rallye Raid: The Mid-Engine Beast That Conquered Dakar | Rare Rally Legend For Sale #DakarRally #RallyCar #CitroenZX