Highlights
- Presented in Palladium Grey Metallic
- Partial-Pallas Cornelian Red interior
- Low mileage of 19,350 miles
- Tax and MOT exempt
- Said to have been previously owned by James Dyson
The Appeal
A shape that stopped traffic in the 1950s still turns heads in the 1970s; few cars announce themselves like the Citroën DS. By 1972, this futuristic saloon had matured into one of the most desirable forms of everyday luxury on European roads, pairing its self-levelling hydropneumatic suspension and razor-sharp aerodynamics with improved comfort and refinement. It was the thinking enthusiast’s car: effortlessly smooth, technically daring, and unmistakably stylish. Late examples like this benefited from years of incremental development, making them especially appealing to collectors who want the pure DS experience with fewer of the early quirks.
Finished in elegant Palladium Grey Metallic over a striking Cornelian Red Partial-Pallas interior, this May 1972-registered car captures that allure beautifully. The colour combination alone feels wonderfully period-correct, while details such as the factory single-spoke steering wheel, original switchgear, and stainless wheel covers preserve the car’s unmistakable character. The red suede seats and door cards present particularly well, complemented by a tidy engine bay and an underside that appears straight and honest. Even the practical touches, Michelin tyres, spare wheel and tools under the bonnet, and the original Citroën identification plate still in place, speak to a car that has been carefully kept rather than merely stored away.
With just 19,350 miles indicated and being both tax and MOT exempt, it offers the enticing prospect of classic ownership without the usual complications. The vendor notes the car has “been stored indoors for most of its recent life,” which may help explain the notably fresh presentation of the paintwork and interior. There’s also an intriguing footnote to its past: the seller says, “I purchased the car from Wotton Auction Rooms and was informed by the auctioneer (after purchase) that it was owned by James Dyson.” Whether drawn by the engineering legend of the DS itself or the individuality of this particular example, it’s a car that promises to delight those who appreciate innovation served with unmistakable French flair.
The History & Paperwork
- First registered in May 1972
- 11 keepers from new
- The photos indicate an odometer reading of 19,350 miles
- V5C in the existing keeper’s name
- Tax and MOT exempt
- We’re advised the car has “been stored indoors for most of its recent life”
- Original ‘Citroen’ identification plate is in situ
- It has been upgraded/refurbished with the Pallas trim interior around 2010
The Condition
- Finished in Palladium Grey Metallic over Cornelian Red interior
- The Palladium Grey paintwork presents particularly well
- All bright metal appears to be present, with some areas of surface rust and discolouration visible
- Glasses and windows look to be in good condition throughout
- Plastic wing mirror glass surrounds have perished
- Rear window seal could benefit from some attention
- 15-inch steel wheels with 4 stainless covers and period-correct Michelin tyres
- Underside of the vehicle appears straight and as expected
- Engine bay is tidy and presents well
- Spare wheel and tools can be located under the bonnet
- Partial-Pallas Cornelian Red interior
- Red suede seats and doorcards present particularly well
- Red carpets display some wear consistent with age and usage, and is more prevalent on the driver’s side
- Original instrument cluster and switchgear
- Dashboard is exhibiting areas of imperfections
- Factory single-spoke steering wheel
- Interior chromework appears well, with some light blemishes throughout
- Fabric headlining is smart, though small areas of sagging are visible
The Mechanics
- 1,985cc (2.0L) OVH petrol engine
- Five-speed manual transmission
- Front-wheel drive
- Well-presented engine compartment
- The engine work has been carried out by Northfield garage, the paintwork restored by bodyshop 3000. A local (Stroud-based DS Specialist has confirmed the mileage genuine and attests to Dyson bringing the car to him for repairs)
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller is registered as a private seller, which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions.
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted. Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes, and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do, and as such, we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic, and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status, and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes, so it’s worth checking beforehand.
