Highlights

Rare Rhodesian-assembled example built by Willowvale Motors
Plus Power conversion with re-profiled camshaft and DS23 carburettor
Sympathetically restored and re-trimmed in red leather
Underside reported free from rust and oil leaks
Carefully maintained over a long ownership period

The Appeal

The Citroën DS was a masterpiece for the innovative French marque - one of the most technically advanced and visually striking cars of the 20th century, with remarkable tech for the period and picture-perfect atomic styling. This 1972 DS21 is a particularly distinctive example. Assembled in Rhodesia by Willowvale Motors from knock-down kits - a practice encouraged by government tax incentives to promote local industry - it can be distinguished from European-built cars by its twin Lucas rear tail lights and factory-fitted SuperSonic radio with metal whip aerial and three speakers.

What further elevates this DS21 is its Plus Power specification, a conversion originally conceived by Rhodesian Citroën dealers and carried out by Huddleston Motors, a Citroën dealer in Johannesburg and Durban. The work involved fitting a re-profiled camshaft with higher lift and a carburettor sourced from the DS23, with a larger 24/27 venturi in place of the standard DS21's 23/27 unit. The result, according to the vendor, is noticeably improved performance, a smoother idle, and a subtly different induction note compared to a standard DS21.

This example has benefitted from a sympathetic restoration, including a re-trim in red leather, and the vendor reports the underside is free from both rust and oil leaks. The vendor tells us that it's a delight to drive with everything inside working as it should. Having been carefully maintained over a long ownership period, this is a usable and characterful DS21 with a very desirable spec. Not one to miss!

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Key Information

Mileage: 34.464km
Country of registration: South Africa
Technical inspection status: not provided
Technical specs: 2.1-litre four-cylinder petrol with Plus Power conversion (re-profiled camshaft, DS23 carburettor), 5-speed manual
Paperwork: not specified

The Detail

Handsome example in a fine livery
Paintwork in very good order
Bodywork is clean and straight
Brightwork contrasts nicely
Underside appears fine and solid
Nicely-presented interior with good, full bolsters
Instruments are clean and legible
The vendor states everything works as it should inside the cabin
Fitted with twin Lucas rear tail lights, a feature specific to Rhodesian-assembled examples
SuperSonic radio with metal whip aerial and three speakers (two front, one rear)
Plus Power conversion comprises a re-profiled camshaft with higher lift and a DS23 28/36 carburettor with 24/27 venturi
The vendor reports the car idles more smoothly than a standard DS21 with a slightly different induction noise
Hydropneumatic suspension is reported to function correctly
Five-speed gearbox fitted

BEFORE YOU BUY

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