Highlights
- Extensively maintained D Special with Pallas upgrades
- Recent respray in original Blue Danube with white roof
- Retrimmed tan leather Pallas interior costing £3,000
- Fascinating early history in Libya with WHO documentation
- Hydraulics recently overhauled
- Dry stored indoors throughout current ownership
- Voluntary MOT valid to September 2026 with no advisories
The Appeal
This much-travelled D Special has led a fascinating life and yet has only ever been part of two families. The original keeper acquired it in France before taking it to Libya for his work with the World Health Organisation. When he settled in the UK he brought it with him. The current keeper, a Citroen enthusiast, bought it from his family in 1999 and has cherished it ever since.
That enthusiasm has translated into a raft of work. The car was resprayed a few years ago in attractive Blue Danube with blue roof and has been upgraded with a sumptuous tan leather Pallas interior. Just looking at those seats makes us want to jump in and settle back. Elsewhere, the hydraulics have been overhauled. We’re told that the car has always been garaged and regularly serviced. The proof is in the MOT history - there are no fails on the digital records. It is indicative of the current keeper’s approach that he has continued to MOT the car, despite this no longer being a legal requirement. The current test runs to September 2026.
This is a very tidy and usable D Special. Yes, there are a few minor cosmetic points to note, but nothing that looks beyond the enjoyable weekend fettling.
The vendor says:
“The car is in overall very good condition, drives nicely.I love the exceptional comfort, and it is a pleasure to drive it. The car has been well looked after.”
History and Paperwork
- Originally purchased new in Paris, France in 1970
- Original purchase receipt available
- First keeper worked for the World Health Organisation and took the car to Libya
- Records from this trip and time are said to be available
- Brought to the UK by the first keeper and registered on 3 June 1974
- Three UK keepers since arrival
- Inherited by a family member on 21 April 1998
- Acquired by current keeper 18 September 1999
- Dry stored indoors throughout current ownership
- V5C registration document available
- Large history file including very early documentation as shown
- VIN number 3901045
- Current MOT valid to 16th September 2026 with no advisories
- No advisories on any test checked online back to 2006
The Condition
- Repainted a few years ago in original Blue Danube with a white roof
- Paintwork is presentable but not concours quality as shown
- Paintwork shows a few blemishes, mainly around door handles
- Floor panels and sills are solid underneath, we are told
- Vendor advises that sills have been injected with wax oil
- Repairs done to the bottom of the front and rear wings during repainting work
- Pallas wheel trims installed
- Michelin 15in tyres fitted
- New indicator lights fitted
- Pallas stainless steel rear trims replaced original D special aluminium ones
- Complete Pallas upgrade from black leatherette to genuine light brown leather seats
- New interior sourced from the Netherlands and cost £3,000
- All instruments and switchgear are functional, we are told
- Headlining is sagging in places and has some marks and stains
- Bespoke carpets in beige fitted now showing light age, as can be checked in photos
- Fitted with front and rear seatbelts
- Some light age to the dashboard as shown
- Classic radio fitted
Pallas features fitted:
- New leather door panels with arm rests
- Front central leather arm rest added
- Leather headrests for front seats
- Tailor-made beige carpets
- Courtesy lighting installed
- New Pallas door sills and side/door trims
- Rear blinds fitted
- Pallas bonnet release installed
- New Pallas rear lights fitted
The Mechanics
- Correct D Special 91bhp 1,984cc engine
- Four-speed manual transmission
- We are told the car is factory standard
- Engine said to be mechanically sound and runs correctly
- Vendor states that the car has no mechanical faults
- Regularly serviced by the current keeper since purchase
- Vendor advises the car may hesitate to start if left standing for weeks
- Complete overhaul of hydraulics recently completed
- Front and rear suspension gaiters replaced
- Radiator recored
- Steering rack overhauled
- No advisories on MOT
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