Photos provided by the vendor
Highlights
- Extensively refurbished cosmetics, mechanicals and structure since 2018
- All work by one of the best Citroën DS specialists in the Netherlands
- Very usable example with pleasing gentle patina
- Photographic record of the renovation work
The Appeal
Few cars weave their way into owners’ lives sufficiently to be called goddesses but such is the way of the remarkable Citroën DS, a technological tour-de-force and style icon.
The DS evolved during its long life through various versions, trim levels and engines. The Series 2 of 1962 retained the original 1.9litre engine but added more svelte and aerodynamic styling.
This characterful ‘66 DS19A is a Series 2 with optional extra driving lights and finished in a fetching combination of two-tone grey metallic over red. When buying one of these remarkable cars you want the reassurance of good history and this one has it. Since 2018 it has been extensively restored across the mechanicals, structure and interior by one of the Netherlands’ leading Citroën DS specialists. After all that work it looks ready to reward the new owner.
The History and Paperwork
- Acquired by the vendor from Perigueux in France in 2018
- Driven back by him 1,000kms to the Netherlands without issue
- Since 2018 he has commissioned one of the Netherlands’ best DS specialists to improve and restore the car
- We know little of the car’s history prior to the purchase in 2018
2018 work:
- New fabric interior in red
- Add optional spotlights
- Overhaul starter motor
- New engine mounts, manifolds and spring sphere
- New LHS oil
- Stove overhaul
- New ignition coil, choke cable
- New wiring harnesses for front screens
- What he described as ‘major maintenance’
- New radiator
2019 work:
- New rear suspension cylinders
- New spring cylinder rods
- New pipes
- Electronic 1,2,3 ignition
- New starter relay
- New alternator with built-in regulator
- New V-belt water pump
2020 work:
- Brake calliper overhaul and new brake pads
- New track rods and steering rods
- New silencer and exhaust pipe flexi
- New float for the fuel tank
- Dinitrol rust proofing treatment
- Dismantled roof and renovated roof edge
- Painted roof and left rear screen
- Removed and restored rust on scuttle panel under windscreen
- New windscreen
- New hydraulic return line
2021 and 2022 work:
- New starter relay and battery
- New water pump and water pump housing
- New V belt
- New centrifugal regulator
- New thermostat
- New air filter and bracket
2023 work:
- New spring spheres
The Interior
- Pleasing blend of refurbished and original features
- New red fabric interior fitted in 2018 and in excellent condition
- Seats fold flat to provide a spacious double bed
- Wonderful DS details like the dashboard and switchgear pleasingly present
- Original plastic-rimmed single-spoke steering wheel
- Excellent door cards reflect the 2018 retrim
- Space-age swept windscreen offers a window into the jet age
If the technological innovations of the wonderful DS don’t draw you in then the beautiful interiors surely will. Sumptuous, with big spongy seats, and with eye-catching details seemingly wherever your eye may land, this is a cabin that virtually coined the idea of ‘surprise and delight.’
The interior of this 1966 DS19 has been intelligently restored, the owner improving where necessary but retaining where possible. The result is a pleasing blend of character and freshness. The interior was refurbished in popular red fabric with contrasting grey trim and is a nice complement to the exterior colourings. The trim remains in superb condition, the quality of work evident from the photographs.
The dashboard is a veritable work of art with exquisite switchgear and interesting details. It appears to be original and is in very good condition, just light and barely noticeable signs of wear under the Jaeger strip speedo and around some of the switches. It is very original, right down to the single-spoke plastic rimmed wheel.
The Exterior
- Very attractive dark grey paintwork with contrasting light grey roof
- The bodywork appears to be solid and largely original with only minor and localised signs of deterioration
- Some small areas of surface corrosion on the inside of the doors
- Roof edge and plinth restored in 2020 and recorded in photographs
- Scuttle area extensively restored to remove corrosion and replace with fresh metal in 2020
- Standard car with factory chrome dish wheels in very good condition
- Optional auxiliary lights added in 2018 to enhance the front of the car
- Extra two white reversing lights, mounted under the rear bumper, as also an alarm flashing light installation
- Series 2 models got modified bonnets to improve aerodynamics
- Chromework appears to be original and shows light signs of pitting but not unsightly
- Glasswork and lighting complete and in good, undamaged condition
The DS broke the mould of car design and its influence is still being felt decades on. Series 2 cars like this one stuck true to the original styling but gained a smoother and more aerodynamic front end. Auxiliary lights were a desirable optional extra that this car appears to have been fitted with in 2018.
The record of work commissioned by the owner since 2018 indicates that this DS has been carefully restored rather than subject to a comprehensive refurbishment. The combination of smart dark grey paint with light grey roof works particularly well on the DS and is accented by the stylish chrome hub caps. The bodywork is generally very good, just some localised deterioration along the bottom of the doors to note.
The roof edge and plinth was restored in 2020 along with the scuttle and there is photographic evidence of this in the history file.
The Mechanics
- 1,911cc 4cyl OHV Citroën engine generating around 60bhp
- 4spd automatic gearbox
- Extensive mechanical refurbishment covering electrics, suspension and braking system
- All refurbishment work detailed above and undertaken by a DS restoration specialist
- At the time of writing we did not have sight of the car’s service or maintenance history
The DS19A is a curious mix of complicated and simple. The engine - an overhang from the earlier Traction Avant - is strong and robust but of course the suspension is anything but. So when buying one of these cars you will want to see evidence of careful maintenance for those advanced underpinnings.
This car certainly has that. After driving it home 1,000kms across France he commissioned one of Netherlands’ best Citroën DS specialists to maintain the car. We have not had sight of the invoices but the lengthy description of mechanical and suspension work listed above is surely sufficient evidence that this is a cared for car. It has the added advantage of being ongoing up to the present day, rather than restricted to one short period a few years ago.
Summary
The DS is one of motoring’s crowning achievements, a technologically advanced car that changed perceptions of what a car could be - and could achieve. Many different versions were available and DS enthusiasts have their preferences, but to our minds this 1966 Series 2 DS19 is particularly stylish in two-tone grey.
Extensively restored with the reassuring provenance of a DS specialist behind the work, it looks ready to introduce - or remind - the buyer of the multifold delights of these astonishing cars.
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.*
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