1969 Citroen ID 20F – Classified of the Week

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Chris Pollitt

When you think of a classic Citröen it’s a given that you’re going to jump right to the DS. However, the DS was a hugely expensive car, especially when compared to its predecessor, the Traction Avant. As such, Citröen had to do something to bridge the gap so as to avoid scaring customers off. Rather than build an entirely new car to slot into the middle of the model range, Citröen instead decided to offer a base-model DS, which would go on to be known as the Citröen ID. It looked like a DS, but it was more basic in its construction, less luxurious in terms of trim, and it came with a smidgen less power than its DS brother. 

Of course, as the years have gone on, these ‘poverty’ specification cars have been all but forgotten, with classic enthusiasts favouring the leather-laden DS. Low-specification cars seldom survive to reach classic status given their workaday standing, which is what makes this week’s classified of choice so special, because it is one of those rare ID models. Not only that, it’s a Break, or estate to use the British vernacular. And now, decades on, we don’t see it as being low in specification. Instead, it’s a charming, simple and easy to live with classic that offers more practicality than any modern family hauler. As the seller says, this car has “the miracle of space”.

Citröen, Citröen DS, Citröen ID, DS, ID, Break, Safari, Classified of the Week

This particular ID is a 20F model, meaning it has a 2.0 petrol engine. It also, unusually for this specification, has power steering (most IDs didn’t have this). It looks to be in remarkably good condition. Rust and deep-set rot is a real problem for the DS/ID range, as these cars can and will rot to their very core. However, this car seems to be incredibly solid and rust free. It’s also pleasingly immaculate inside. The basic trim seems to be made of hardy stuff, as there’s not a mark on it. It’s almost showroom fresh, but then the car does only have an alleged 4,000km on the clock.

You have two bench seats, meaning six can sit in comfort. But if you have extra passengers, there is further seating for two in the massive boot. And don’t worry, the ID came with roof racks, so you won’t lose any storage space. With the rack and empty boot, this big old Citröen could make Pickfords sweat – vast amounts of storage are at your disposal.

Citröen, Citröen DS, Citröen ID, DS, ID, Break, Safari, Classified of the Week

The vendor, who is based in Germany, proclaims that the 2.0 engine is in fine condition, it pulls well and the column-mounted gearchange is direct and light. He also states that the brakes and power steering work perfectly. Adding to this, the hydropneumatic suspension is in rude health, raising and lowering the car with a pleasing keenness and without a drop of fluid being lost in the process. 

This is a wonderful car, and one that despite being a classic, is remarkably hardy. You could draft this in to family use without concern. You have to remember that these cars have famously taken on terrain all around the globe without any cause for concern. This is a classic you can use, it’s one that will be immensely practical and being an ID rather than a DS, it’s also got a huge dollop of exclusivity going for it, too. And all for just £27,969. We’re willing to bet you won’t find another in this condition and with this mileage.

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