With futuristic aesthetics and innovative technology, the Citrëon DS was introduced as the most advanced car in the world in 1955. Revealed at the Paris Auto Show, it captivated onlookers with its space-age good looks and alluring sweeping design, this impact resulted in record-breaking sales with 80,000 orders placed by the end of the show, causing a backlog of three years for customers to actually receive their car.
18 years of development and engineering refinement saw the inception of groundbreaking technology such as Citrëons hydropneumatic suspension which utilises pressurised oil powered by a 2200-psi pump. This innovative system also assisted with the power steering and brakes plus the clutch and gearbox too.
Over 1.5 million cars were built over its 20-year production with all but the exception of 200,000 being left-hand drive, making this Paris-built right-hand drive a rare sight.
Well presented with a recently retrimmed interior this 1973 Pallas example has been used regularly, with the last six months acting as a daily commuter, it has undergone recent maintenance with the assistance of specialists Pallas Auto and is proven to be a reliable means of transport for the current owner, a classic Citroen collector and enthusiast bpg34M4sXcSwF2zVqEgFnMFnhW8yiYnZO1M4MiFq.jpg925.93 KB
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
UK registered 04/10/1973
Paris built RHD mode
7 previous owners
Used and driven for the entirety of its life
With the exception of coming off the road in 2020 and put into storage
Purchased by the current vendor who commissioned the hydraulic repairs required - Since repair has been used as a daily commuter and reliable means of transportation
V5c present and correct
Invoice dated November 2022 from Pallas Auto for service and additional mechanical work
Presented exceptionally, the interior of this Pallas-specified DS23 is beautifully styled and distinguished environment. Luxury and class are at the forefront of Citrëons design, with an elegantly styled dash and gorgeous instruments plus comfortably satisfying seats that have been treated to a fairly recent refurbishment. There is the smallest blemish under the glovebox, something that could be disguised or repaired and some small evidence of wear on the door cards but otherwise the interior is in a clean and enjoyable state. The Pallas trim brings further lavishness to the model, with better insulation and noise reduction plus optional deluxe upholstery options.
The captivating appearance of the DS is still as head-turning as it was back in its heyday. Its long sweeping curves, hidden rear wheels and unconventional appearance were widely received as space-age and futuristic and to this day it still looks out of this world. Condition wise the car is presented well, with some blemishes present in the form of scratches and a few areas of patina, forgivable really considering its been used daily for almost its entire life. The brightwork and accompanying Pallas badging all look in fine condition with very little required to bring it up to perfection. The roof contains the most noticeable blemish, where the aerial seems to have gone wild and caught the paint. Structurally, especially underneath the car, everything appears to be in fantastic condition, a very attractive selling point. YLdQTgbt624SRWZ108deDPx141mvZIVTOYa2ICvT.jpg918.7 KB
THE MECHANICS
2347 cc inline-4
Carburetted petrol engine
Most powerful DS model
5 Speed Manual transmission
Electronic ignition
Matching & correct Michelin tyres
Hydropneumatic suspension
Reported to be in fine operational condition, this DS 23 has been used frequently over the last 6 months as the vendor's daily driver. It underwent a specialist inspection in November 2022 where it was serviced, the steering and suspension were greased and the gearbox oil was replaced in addition to other works listed on the invoice. The vehicle did suffer from a hydraulic leak in 2020 which saw it come off the road, this was commissioned by the current vendor and the exemplary suspension is performing as it was intended to do.fCveXhqpTlXmq7321wS6ItCBTFqj4s7rPRmfzIJA.jpg941.96 KB
SUMMARY
An innovative car, with ground-break engineering that still to this day seems out of this world. This French classic was voted one of the most influential cars of the last century making it a collectable and desirable model for enthusiasts. Presented well with some blemishes this DS 23 could be exceptional with a little time and love, it appears structurally good and is reported to be mechanically sound, benefiting from recent maintenance. The rare, paris-built right-hand drive and manual transmission make this car an unmissable opportunity.
Notice to bidders
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