Eerie Flying Carpet
In reality no body rides flying carpet except in Harry Potter movie. But the illusion is virtually possible; albeit fairly close in resemblance for riding on the luxurious Ghost, the new Rolls Royce baby entry model for instance. The Ghost features air suspension on its four corners absorbing most of the road bumpiness, creating an encapsulating sensation for the occupants. About forty years ago Citroën had already mass produced an affordable family car with similar sensation; thanks to Automotive Technology invention of Hydropneumatic.
Since Leisure Drive has covered this invention in the past article there is no need to make a recap again; should you need to revisit the article please follow the above link. The car is now known as a classic rare car codename DS. Due to its popularity the French auto maker had been hesitantly replacing DS with newer model as its upmarket and exotic Citroën SM failed the auto market in 1970s. The SM had all the bell and whistle of comforts yet with Grand Touring capabilities which were unrivalled in its day, even to some degree for most new cars of today.
It was not until early 1970s the French auto maker did get the right recipe for newer affordable car replacement; it paid such high price for the ingenuity and advanced technology implementation as it had gone bankrupt and changed its ownership twice during the time. I had been driving this flying carpet magic all over Jakarta streets for almost two years; GS Club. Right after I got the driving license till my departure for my undergraduate degree at University of Canterbury. Personally it was indeed a privilege riding, driving over all those judder bars and pothole were new “eerie” sensations.
Citroën GS Advanced Automotive Technology
The GS was an estate wagon powered by smooth revving 1222 cc four cylinders boxer air cooled engine driving the front wheel, at the time of most mass produced cars were rear wheel driven. Dual circuit hydraulic powered disc brake on all four with rear load sensing pressure actuator and inboard front mounted disc allowing for highly efficient braking regardless of the load at the rear as well as lowering un-sprung weight up front. The 59 hp at 5750rpm with 87 Nm at relatively high 3250 rpm was regarded as unusual screaming engine in its era mated to a double barrel Webber DCNF 32 carburetor (does anyone remember the throaty Webber sound characteristic at full throttle?).
The Webber was widely popular as an aftermarket modification part for carburetor replacement choice in order to de-restrict OEM engine breathing. Installing free flow air filter on this Webber enhanced further its sound characteristic; in fact apart of air conditioning and new Panasonic car stereo instalment the free flow air filter was the only modification applied to GS van.
I was once attempted to advance the second butterfly opening earlier, yet it produced little improvement over the acceleration with huge throaty noise at drive-ability cost.
I have vivid memory of picking up the then new Citroën GS in 1980. I was fasting that hot humid day, so it must have been during the Ramadhan month of the year; in particular I had two bottles of Teh Sosro unintentionally. Technically it did not break the fasting for such unconscious drinking action, and technically the GS was our very first new car purchase. My old man had been provided with car facility for work as most Government Officer or state company employee did at the time.
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