€55,000
offers 0
1958 Citroën DS19
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Highlights
- Subject to a meticulous rebuild with extensive records
- Entirely unique history significant to European transport
- Includes numerous magazine articles
- Impressive finish throughout to competition standard
- Swedish documents although declared exported
- Believed to have less than 20 000kms from new
The Appeal
In 1958, Motorsport Magazine loudly proclaimed the Citroën DS19 as ‘The car of the future, for the roads of today.’ With its space-age lines, advanced technical spec and a rather futuristic interior, it’s of little wonder that this fabulous motorcar took the world by storm.
With multiple rally victories under its belt, and named by Classic & Sports Car magazine as the most beautiful car of all time, the DS19 is far from your ordinary classic. It’s perhaps one of the most distinguished in automotive history.
This particular example has carved out an incredible story and has now been returned to its impressive former glory by a dedicated enthusiast, with a selection of press articles, documentation and invoices in its stead.
The History and Paperwork
- This DS19 has had a storied history, recorded in great detail by the current owner
- Provenance backed up by several articles, photographs and invoices
- Very low mileage example with only 3 previous owners from new
- Completely rebuilt since 2006 with original parts
Chassis 33.629 was outshopped on February 12th, 1958, and shipped to Automobiles Citroën in Stockholm, where it was driven as a company car by a Mr T. Arendahl, who was the head of the Swedish branch of the company.
On July 28th of the same year, the car was purchased, but only 5 months in, was subject to an accident. Inventor J. Lindblom purchased it from the insurance company, repaired it and used it in his pioneering experiments for tilting train carriages, aided by the advanced hydropneumatic system installed in the car.
Here's a small video showing this experiment with this very car.
Here's a small video showing this experiment with this very car.
From here, this unique DS19 was dry stored, with the technology steadily refined and modified, until the experiment was finally completed in 1979, and the car reverted to its original state. The designs that it helped inform would go on to influence high-speed rail across Europe, while the car was kept in top condition with only 1,000 miles driven during this twenty-year tenure.
The next owner began a restoration in 1980. Sadly, it stalled in 1986 and would be laid up until the current owner took purchase in 2018. From here, the car’s major rebuild and nut-and-bolt restoration began. This is why the owner believes it to have a genuine 20 000kms from new.
The Interior
- Completely restored to original ‘Elephant’ grey
- Everything here has been refurbished or replaced like-for-like
- Jersey fabric seating
- Plastic and nylon dashboard
- PVC-taped single-spoke steering wheel
The DS19’s interior was lauded from the off. With a very distinctive retro-futurist styling, the smooth finish and impressive single-spoke steering wheel all gathering plenty of attention when the car hit the markets. To this day, it’s still an incredibly unique bit of outfitting.
This DS19 is like a time capsule, carrying a Swedish export spec with a circular water temperature gauge on the dashboard. Upon release, the car's dashboard was supposedly the largest nylon moulding in the world, matched with ‘Kralastic’ plastic lower dash and glove box lid.
Everything here is either completely restored or built using refurbished parts that have been sourced from the wider Citroën community. As a result, any wear is very light or entirely commensurate with age. The blue jersey fabric seats have some very gentle marks and stains, as do the beige-brown carpets and the textured, two-tone door cards.
The metal accents carry a very gentle patina, while the cream-white plastic knobs, handles and switches show just the slightest hint of distinguished darkening.
The boot is in excellent order, complete with spare wheel and tool kit.
Ultimately, this restoration has been done with real expertise. Everything here is spot-on to an originally outfitted 1958 DS19, with the entire set-up feeling fresh and clean without losing those little hints of an impressive, unusual career.
The Exterior
- Finished in original Citroën “Noir AC 200” and “Bleu turquoise AC 137”
- Chrome accents and distinctive disc wheels
- Swedish-spec reflectors to rear bumpers and front radiator cover (actioned from the dashboard)
The exterior of the DS19 is an incredible one, entirely unique to the type and designed to capture a growing fascination with what a car for the future could really look like. For our part, we’re somewhat upset that the car of the future didn’t quite end up matching the imagination of the French.
The overhaul is beautifully carried on this vehicle. Every panel was removed by hand, painstakingly restored and put back into place. The paint and chromework, as a result, is near-pristine.
There’s an ever-so-gentle sprinkle of patina here and there, in order to preserve the car’s distinguished career, but any signs of damage have been completely eradicated from what we can discern.
The underside is in excellent order, with the only discolouration appearing directly under the engine. This isn’t structural or of concern - indeed, it appears the entire vehicle is well deserving of a clean bill of health.
The Mechanics
- Completely stripped and restored to near-mint condition
- LHS system has been transferred to LHM
- Fully-detailed record of the restoration available
- Twin 2CV coils
- No reported faults anywhere in the vehicle’s operation
- No leaks, idiosyncracies, smoke or knocks reported
- An utterly superb example, presented as close to factory condition as the vendor could achieve
Summary
We aren’t particular believers in fate at Car and Classic - but this car is an excellent candidate to change our minds. Through its distinguished owners, an utterly unique career and impeccably low mileage, the car has had a lucky, fascinating journey into restoration and preservation. The result is a sparkling example of a truly innovative vehicle.
With this enormous undertaking done, the owner is now seeking a new project - giving you the opportunity to reap the fruits of their labour and take on an utterly extraordinary DS19.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
All bidding, buying and offers are subject to our Terms and Conditions.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1958
- Make Citroen
- Colour Noir AC 200 and Bleu turquoise AC 137
- Odometer 19,850 Kilometres
- Engine size 1911
Listing Details
- Seller Type Private
- Town Borculo
- Location International
- Country Netherlands
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