Once upon a time (but not all that long ago) a group of mortals got together to create a Goddess. Conceived by creative imagination and born of scientific logic. for almost forty years this idol has been worshipped by her devotees as a deity of road transport and as the true apotheosis of the motor car. Still considered by many to be ruler of the roads of France the Gallic Goddess travels with the speed and grace of Athena, gliding majestically over every obstacle in her path, untroubled by the terrain beneath her. At rest, at che end of her journey, she reclines like Aphrodite, her subtle curves and smooth, sculptural shape a model of desirability and sensuousness. Today, many motorists continue to pay homage to the immortal Citroen Deesse. Admirers praise her | timeless beauty. Experts extol the eternal brilliance of her design. Owners and enthusiasts sacrifice their time and wealth in her honour, lavishing upon her the deep emotions normally reserved for human friends. So powerful is her character and personality that drivers believe she's almost alive — a magnificent creature that constantly sighs and hisses with the effort of moving. In the morning she needs time to get up and underway. At night, after a hard day's work, she sinks down to her sleeping position, stretching out on the road as if to enjoy a well-earned rest.

Clearly, compared with other less ingenious cars, the Citroën Deesse is a completely different kind of animal … a vehicle designed to superior standards, ollowing completely different principles, and built by enlightened engineers who brought completely lifferent attitudes and approaches to their work. Even oday, twenty years after her production ceased, the Goddess bears little resemblence to other humdrum vehicles, appearing more advanced and innovativelooking today than the majority of modern cars.