Highlights 

• Upgraded using a DS 23  engine and a number of Pallas parts
• Maintenance and upgrades carried out by specialists 
• Low miles on new engine 
• A very solid example

The Appeal 

With its innovative hydraulic system and otherworldly styling, the Citroën DS is without doubt one of the most significant cars of the twentieth century. Bursting with character, this fine ID 19 has been well loved and used, and has had no expense spared in its mechanical upkeep and maintenance. It has since been upgraded with a DS 23 engine and corresponding five-speed gearbox, as well as a numerous Pallas appointments such as a leather interior, trims, hubcaps and door handles.

Other tasteful upgrades include electronic ignition and heated seats, making this an exceedingly usable example.This car absolutely embodies the retro-futuristic DS experience, with the single spoke steering wheel, lush leather seats, rich colour pallet and incredible ride quality provided by the very clever hydropneumatic suspension, a very eye-catching machine.

The History and Paperwork 

• The V5 is present
• The vendor informs us they can deliver to I.O.W mainland ferry terminal
• There are numerous invoices and documentation included for work carried out
• The vehicle also has an invoice for replacement of the original engine and gearbox with the DS 23 engine and 5-speed gearbox, however the V5 has not yet been updated to reflect these changes
• Also included is some advertising literature for the Pallas DS models
• A lot of work has been carried out by Pallas Auto, a renowned Citroën DS specialist

The Interior 

• The dashboard is finished in black with a tasteful scattering of silver bezels around switches and the gauges
• The speedometer has been replaced at some point and the retro-futuristic mono-spoke steering wheel really gives visual impact to the technological boundaries that Citroën were pushing at the time
• The supple leather seats are finished in burnt orange, and have a wonderful vibrance to them. They have a wonderful original feel and really give you an impression of this vehicle’s age, without feeling tired or worn out
• The seats have very few blemishes and no major damage. The height-adjustable button-on headrest pads are also a very nice feature
• The carpets are finished in beige and are overall in good condition, if a little dirty - a good detail and clean would certainly help to bring these carpets up nicely
• The door cards look terrific, finished in the same orange leather, they feature elegantly styled handles and really look the part 
• These have some minor blemishes and marks which could likely be remedied without much difficulty
• Seatbelt pretensioners are also fitted
• The car has a modern radio fitted along with a modern speaker in the rear parcel shelf
• A very nice interior all round

The Exterior 

• The retro-futuristic styling continues with the exterior, finished in a nice burgundy paint and with the instantly recognisable Citroën DS styling, with the covered rear wheels and sweeping curves
• Overall the exterior is in good condition, with some blemishes and marks. With a high end detail and some TLC, this exterior could easily be transformed into something very special 
• The copious amounts of exterior chrome are also in good condition, with only a polish being needed for the most part
• Light lenses and window glass all appear to be in good order
• Also the historic vehicle number plates are fitted which is always a welcome addition to a classic vehicle such as this
• The stainless steel hubcaps and wheels appear to be in good shape, with some normal marks from use, and the tyres are in reasonable shape, if looking a little old
• Overall, very nice and complete, with no major damage and only a bit of TLC required to really take this to the next level should it be desired

The Mechanics 

• Lots of work and effort has gone into keeping this car in good mechanical order, as evidenced by the numerous replacement components for which there are invoices
• Not the cleanest, and with some general corrosion but overall solid, and parts have been replaced or repaired as required
• As previously mentioned, the vehicle had a major change carried out in the form of a DS 23 engine swap, this also included converting to the 5 speed gearbox 
• This conversion to DS 23 specifications will certainly liven up the car and bring to mind its rally pedigree and history, with a DS having won the Monte Carlo rally twice
• The hydropneumatic suspension system is in good shape, and all four suspension spheres have been replaced to ensure that the effortless, gliding ride quality remains intact
• Overall a very solid car mechanically, and while there is evidence under the body of lots of enjoyment and use, the car has been very well maintained and serviced

Summary