Highlights
- Italian market car with fascinating history
- Previously owned by opera performer, high court judge, and an antiques collector
- Repainted to original powder blue with white roof in 2023
- Over £2,300 spent with Citroën specialist for parts and upgrades
- Recent work to carburettor, ignition and suspension spheres
- Kept in dry heated garage and used for continental trips to France
- Has covered 10,000kms reliably since 2016
- Recently completed a 200-mile journey without incident
The Appeal
A handful of cars transcend merely being cars, and Citroën's remarkable DS is one of them. Besides redefining what a saloon car could be, could do and might look like, the DS is one of the 20th century’s bonafide design classics.
In 1969, the DS Special replaced the ID19 in the lineup. This car began its life in Italy in 1972 where it led a fascinating life in the hands of an opera performer, a high court judge and an antiques collector. The car arrived in the UK in 2004 and into the hands of the current keeper in 2016.
Since arriving in the UK it has received considerable investment. That included an interior refresh and retrim prior to 2016 and then a full respray in smart light blue with white roof in 2023. Other work has included £2,300 of cosmetic improvements via a Citroën specialist, carburettor overhaul, new suspension spheres and ignition work.
Despite its beauty, this car has been used and enjoyed. The current keeper has covered 10,000 kms since 2016 including continental trips to France. It recently completed a 200 mile trip without issue. Between drives it is stored in a heated garage.
The car is only for sale because the vendor doesn’t now use it as much as he would like. With all the recent work, here’s a chance for the buyer to capitalise upon it.
History and Paperwork
- Manufactured in 1972 and originally supplied to Bertozzi Giovanna Nata in Italy
- Three former registered keepers in Italy
- We are told that these included an opera performer from the Rome Opera, a high court judge, and an antiques collector
- Imported to the UK in 2004 and registered with the DVLA
- First UK registered 12th April 2005
- Three registered keepers in the UK
- Vendor acquired the car in December 2017
- Some invoices for general maintenance from before current ownership
- Italian registration and ASI certification documents
- Correspondence with Citroën Car Club regarding authenticity
- Comprehensive service history during current ownership
- This includes various repairs and upgrades summarised below and shown in photos
- V5C in the current keeper’s name
- Registered as a Historic Vehicle
Summary of work since arriving in UK:
- Seats retrimmed
- Carpets replaced
- Carburettor service in 2021
- Brake pads replaced 2019
- Suspension spheres and ignition and points work 2022
- Full respray in light blue with white roof in 2023 costing £3,500
- £2,300 of cosmetic repairs via Citroën specialist
The Condition
- Resprayed in 2023 to original powder blue with white roof colour scheme
- Previously finished in a darker blue that we are told didn't match the interior
- Paintwork presents very well with just a couple of minor points to note in photos
- Bodywork is very presentable with straight panels and no reported damage
- Since 2016 new chrome internal handles, external mirrors, wiper arms, and front overrider
- Exterior chromework is very presentable with slight tarnish and marks to note
- Points to note with rear rubber window seal as shown
- Lights are presentable with some ageing to note to the offside lower unit as shown
- Steel wheels in white to match roof with a matching spare
- Underside appears well-kept in photos with no structural issues advised
- Dark blue interior retrimmed prior to the vendor acquiring the car and shows light patina
- Carpets through the cabin and boot are very smart with no reported damage
- Black door cards, dashboard and switchgear in good order
- Headlining appears in good order with no reported sagging
The Mechanics
- 1,985cc 4cyl Citroën engine
- 4spd manual gearbox with column shift
- Carburettor model with recent carb kit fitted
- Repairs to petrol tank leak, handbrake pads, and damage to rear underside in 2016
- Front brake pads replaced in 2019
- Carburettor service kit fitted in 2021
- New suspension spheres, ignition, and points installed in 2022
- The vendor states it keeps up with modern traffic without issue
- Recently completed a 200-mile journey without incident
- Has covered approximately 10,000 km trouble-free since 2016
- Over £2,300 spent with Citroen specialists for parts and upgrades
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..
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