Highlights

Non-running Citroen DS 21, perfect for a full restoration
Many spare parts – includes two spare chassis, one of which comes with registration documents and keys
DX3 engine – most powerful DS21 available at the time

The Appeal

A previous presidential vehicle, the Citroen DS is an icon of French motoring history. With stunning design, a sublime ride thanks to its revolutionary hydraulic suspension and impressively powerful engines for their displacement, it is a model that must not be forgotten.

Available here is the opportunity to spring a new lease of life into an example of the DS 21 in its injection variation. Offered as a full restoration project with many spare parts, there is a lot of potential in this collection. Indeed, two spare chassis come with the sale, one of which includes registration documents and keys.

With winter closing in and some time to wait before Spring’s cruising season returns, this may be the perfect opportunity for a winter project.

The History and Paperwork

First manufactured in 1970
2 owners from new
Odometer reads 85,333km
Purchased by its current family in 1976
Always dry stored
Off the road since 2010
Sold with a pair of DS cars for spares plus many more parts
Many previous registration documents
Spare key
An FFVE certificate will be needed for a full classic car registration

The Interior

Pallas interior trim
Very original, unaltered cabin
Very presentable condition

Despite presenting as a restoration project that has not driven since 2010, this 1970 Citroen DS 21 has a very presentable interior. Indeed, the leather upholstery may show some cracking, but there do not appear to be many tears. Elsewhere, the door cards are in particularly good shape whilst the dashboard shows few signs of damage. The headlining also looks to be clean and secure. With no signs of damage to the instrument cluster, it seems one can reliably trust the odometer reading.

Having remained with the same family for the majority of its life, this car has seemingly never been modified. It still displays in exemplary form what the Pallas trim level provided inside the DS 21 with its particular seats, natural leather upholstery, thicker plush carpets and chrome accents.

Thanks to this unique offering with its pair of spare cars, any parts that are non-functional or missing in the 1970 DS 21 may well be available to use from the DS 20 model. In fact, this particular additional chassis is being sold as a spare despite presenting in a reportedly complete state. The vendor mentions that it is a complete car that comes with its registration documents and a set of keys.

The Exterior

Elegant Citroen DS styling
Sought after Metallic Sand paint colour
Good restoration starting point
Two spare chassis and many spare parts

Ever since the DS 19’s unveiling in 1955, the DS moniker has been a symbol of elegance. The flowing body work was excellent in the 1950’s and retained the same stunning elegance throughout the car’s development until the DS 23. This particular car is finished in a Metallic Sand colour. The paint work does appear to be in good shape overall. Furthermore, the colour compliments the car’s styling well.

Off the road since 2010, it has been sitting in a barn for a number of years. As a result, it has seen better days externally.

That being said, the owner points out that it is a great starting place for a restoration project. In fact, it appears to be a very complete car, much like its cabin. Furthermore, the many spare parts include several body panels and adornments that should make a restoration project more streamlined. Indeed, new front and rear wings, bumpers, bonnet and boot lid all come with the car along with the additional chassis.

In fact, as aforementioned, this sale includes a pair of spare chassis that should help during the main car’s restoration. The first model, a nearly complete example 1970 DS20 comes with its original registration paperwork and a set of keys. Chassis number 4345634 and originally registered as 8181 PJ 41, it first hit the road in May, 1970. The second spare car, another Electronic Injection DS21 from 1970 is described as incomplete, though surely features useful parts.

There are, as one would expect, some signs of corrosion underneath. However, having been kept in a dry garage, the car looks structurally intact

The Mechanics

2.1-litre inline-four, 139hp – most powerful model at the time
Transmission removed from the car
Many spare parts such as brake pads, clutch, exhaust system

An electronic injection variant of the DS 21, this car receives 139hp from its 2.1-litre straight-four, making for a very pleasant driving experience when all is in order. In fact, the DX3 engine sat under the bonnet was the most powerful unit one could buy for the DS21 in its day.

With its transmission removed and prepared for an overhaul as well as faulty hydraulics and an engine that needs work, this example is far from providing such a joy. However, with plenty of spare parts included in the sale including a set of suspension spheres, new brake discs and an exhaust, there is plenty to do from the get-go.

Summary

This Citroen DS 21 has spent the past 13 years locked away in a dry barn, and now emerges in need of a full restoration. Offered with a pair of chassis for spares and as a very complete car, there is a lot of potential in this restoration project.

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:

✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies.

✓ A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for details.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is highly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.

✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes. On request, Car & Classic may refer you to a third-party shipping company. For more details, email [email protected]. Prices start at €150+VAT within the same country or €400+VAT for moves across borders.,