Citroën DS – Video Saved the Classic Old Car

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Chris Pollitt

When the Citroën DS landed in 1955, it was very much like something from outer space. The lines were like nothing seen before, it was bold, it was forward thinking and it was of course, utterly stunning as a result. And while it was indeed a car that surprised the masses, it was no less than what we expected from Citroën. This was, let us not forget, the company that gave us the 2CV and the Traction Avant. The latter damn near killed the company, such was the expense of its development. But Citroën stuck to its guns, faithful it would succeed. And succeed it did. The Traction Avant was the forebear to the DS, and it was the car that laid out the groundwork. And like the DS, it was a car built with innovation, with passion and with heart. Big shoes, then, for the DS to fill. 

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Critics were confident the DS would be a flop. It was too much for them. It moved too far away from the ‘car of the people’ image of Citroën; an image put in place by cars like the 2CV. What those critics failed to realise, however, was that France was moving on. The people wanted a bit more refinement, a bit more luxury and they wanted a bit more flash. The DS delivered in spades. 

It wasn’t just an exercise in tuning though, as the DS had more than enough substance to back up the looks. The engines were refined for the time, the transmissions were excellent and of course, that ‘magic carpet’ hydropneumatic suspension was and still is exquisite. The DS was the complete package, which is why it was a huge success, and why it had a production run of twenty years. And of course, the DS still has a passionate, invested following today. People love it. It transcends the world of classic cars, too. It’s a design icon, an example of perfect design. People who don’t have any interest in cars still like the DS. That’s power. 

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This following has many positives. One is the car’s ability to get television ratings. The team at Curve Media, the company behind the hit TV show, Salvage Hunters Classic Cars knew this. And as such, they sourced one and set about restoring it for an episode of the show. The one you’re looking at within these words, in fact. And we’ve driven it. 

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This 1972 model was shipped over from France a number of years ago by the team at DS Workshop, a well known specialist in all things DS-shaped. While the exterior was looking a bit sorry for itself, the core structure of the car was excellent. As were the mechanicals. As such, it was put on the ‘future project’ pile. However, before the guys at DS Workshop could get going on it, Paul Cowland and Drew Pritchard swooped in and bought the car for the TV show. Much like DS Workshop, they saw the potential in this 1972 model, and knew it would make a great TV transformation. 

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Given DS Workshop’s knowledge, they were paid by the show to do all the mechanical works to the car, and to deliver it to the workshop of Salvage Hunters with a fresh MOT. This was done, and with legality achieved, it was time to transform the tired aesthetic of the big DS. 

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Now, here’s the thing about this show. There is no TV magic employed here. When they set out to restore a car, that’s what they do, and they do a proper job. In fact, a full functional restoration business has been set up – it’s one and only customer is the TV show. Here, the cars are restored to an incredible standard by a dedicated team of time-served experts. It’s a proper job. You’d happily let these guys restore your car, trust us. 

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Owing to the DS body’s ability to shed all its external panels easily, restoration of the body wasn’t too difficult. The rough panels were replaced, and then everything was repainted in a stunning shade of Brun Scarabee metallic with a contrasting Gris Palladium roof. The external trim was polished up, and Pallas parts were fitted to give the DS21 a more upmarket look. The wheels were repainted, new trims were fitted as was new but period specification Michelin rubber. 

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Internally, the seats were retrimmed and is now Pallas specification, with seats so comfortable they could put DFS out of business. It’s magnificent in there, both front and back – there is acres of space for rear passengers. Plus, those lucky enough to be sat in the rear seats also have the luxury of a rare horizontal blind in the rear window. Something only a French car could pull off! While back in the front, the original radio has been carefully gutted and filled with modern niceties like DAB and Bluetooth, while still retaining its original fascia. It’s a £1,000 job, but the result is a little technological work of art. Plus, a modern head unit has no place here. 

To drive, this DS is every bit as sublime as you would hope. The suspension slowly lifts the body away from the ground without noise or drama. Then, you select first from the ‘five on the tree’ column shift, and away you go. The unconventional gear shift takes a little getting used to, but once you do, it falls to hand wonderfully. The ride is sereen, the engine barely audible. Bumps and imperfections in the road melt away. It truly is a wonderful way to travel. 

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But don’t take our word for it. Experience it for yourself. This car is currently live on Car & Classic’s new auction platform, where you can can bid on it. This car, this automotive and design icon that has been treated to a true no expense spared restoration could be yours. Whether you want it to drive you over to the South of France, or whether it appeals purely as an objet d’art, it’s there for the bidding. And bid you should, because this car truly has to be one of the best of its kind. No TV magic, no smoke and mirrors, just a quality restoration from start to finish.

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