Comprehensive restoration including body, engine, and hydraulics
Imported from South Africa, rust-free history
Registered as a historic vehicle
Official Citroén colour of AC421 Bordeaux
Extensive list of new parts and engineering work
The Appeal
There aren't many cars that can claim to change the world - but the DS absolutely did. It was a car that revolutionised for many what a car could be, what a car could look like, and how much technology could be put into a mass-market vehicle. Even today, the appearance and swathe of features in Citroën's space-age 'Magic Carpet' is impressive. It was, after all, the first mass-produced vehicle with a hydropneumatic suspension, as well as disc brakes. In 1967, it was even the first to carry directional headlights.
They were a global success story - everybody clamoured for those retro-futuristic curves. That includes South Africa, where many are now being exported from. South African cars, of course, are used to a hot, dry environment. The result is they're usually free of any corrosion.
The Citroen DS 20 is an iconic model known for its futuristic design and advanced engineering, making it a favourite among classic car enthusiasts. This particular 1972 DS 20 stands out due to its comprehensive restoration and meticulous maintenance. Imported from South Africa, this car has enjoyed a rust-free existence, having spent its life far from coastal humidity and at a high altitude.
This DS 20 has been thoroughly restored, including a body and engine rebuild in South Africa and a complete hydraulics refurbishment in the UK. It's also been lightly souped up to DS 21 specifications. With less than 5000 miles on the clock since its restoration, this vehicle is in fine fettle and ready for its next chapter, adjoined by an enormous history file.
History and Paperwork
Registered in 1972
South African market example, built in Johannesburg
Imported to the UK in 2017 by the owner
Body and engine rebuild completed in South Afrca by the current owner, prior to relocation
Hydraulics rebuild completed in the UK
Original instrument cluster replaced with MPH in the UK; original KPH cluster supplied
Full list of replacement parts and engineering work available
Fuel tank refurbished with new components
Engine rebuilt to DS 21 specifications with numerous new parts
Hydraulic system completely refurbished with new and refurbished parts
Drive train and braking system refurbished with new parts
Annual service performed since restoration, including LHM and anti-freeze replacement
Registered as a historic vehicle
Indicates 04,228 miles, reflecting a partial post-restoration mileage
Adjoined with plenty of invoices and the V5c document
The Condition
Body subjected to a bare metal respray using Sandoz 2K paint
Official Citroén colour of AC421 Bordeaux
Paintwork is all in good order
One small imperfection on the offside front wheel arch
New parts fitted to the body, including door handles, indicators, rubbers, and seals
Brightwork and trims all in good order
Glasswork and lenses in fine condition
Underbody treated with bitumen spray, with minor peeling in some areas
Seats reupholstered in black leather
New marine ply door cards covered in faux leather
Steering wheel recovered in black leather
Smith's voltmeter and heater/oil pressure gauges installed in the dashboard
New heater matrix fitted
SD card-driven amplifier installed under the parcel shelf
Garage parked since restoration, seldom used in the rain
The Mechanics
2,175cc 4-cylinder powerplant, upgraded from the original DS 20 spec
Manual transmission with 5 gears
Engine rebuilt to DS 21 specifications with:
New DS21 barrels and pistons
Timing chain
Valve guides
...And more!
Hydraulic system refurbished with new and refurbished parts, including:
Hydraulic pump
Suspension cylinders
And steering rack
Brake Control Module
Drive train and braking system refurbished with:
New track rods
Ball joints
CV joint driveshafts
...And more!
Huco electric “suction” fuel pump fitted for priming
123 Electronic Ignition
Welded spheres fitted, with originals supplied
The vendor reports that the car is in fine working order with faults to note
Hydraulic system refurbished
60-second hydraulic pump cycle time on idle
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 deposit. 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.. If requested, we may refer you to a third-party shipping company who can help. For more details and to speak to the team, email [email protected]
