Lot Ended
Description
Original RHD
drive UK car with sought-after Pallas spec; recent extensive restoration;
5-speed manual; electronic ignition one of the nicest we have seen
Exactly 70 years ago, an alien
spaceship descended to earth and landed in the ornate Grand Palais on the
recently renamed Avenue du General Eisenhower. Or so it must have seemed to the
shell-shocked residents of one of Europe’s greatest capital cities, still
reeling from a cataclysmic war which had cost millions of lives and destroyed
much that they held dear.
The most radical machine yet to appear in the
70-year history of the motorcar, the DS caused an absolute sensation when it was
unveiled in 1955, offering a glimpse of a braver, brighter future in a world
still labouring under drab post-war austerity.
Designed by a sculptor and
an aeronautical engineer, the slippery shape was radically modern and the DS
bristled with equally startling technical innovations. Voted ‘Most
beautiful car of all time’ by a panel of 20 world famous designers in 2009, this
extraordinary machine still turns heads today.
First registered
in June 1973, this original right-hand-drive UK market Citroen DS23 has the
sought-after Pallas spec and is powered by the 2.3-litre carburettor engine with
5-speed manual gearbox.
Our vendor acquired the car in early 2021 and
over the next two years it was treated to a comprehensive restoration which
included a full respray, repairs to the sills, floors and cant rail (with the
roof removed).
Most hydraulic pipes were replaced, a new fuel tank and
fuel lines were installed, while a 123 electronic ignition system was added
along with new seals around the windscreen, windows and doors.
It comes
with an extensive history file dating back to 1980. This includes handwritten
notes detailing all work carried out, along with many invoices. The most recent
invoices relate to the restoration, underscoring the thorough attention this car
has received.
Everything on the car appears to be in excellent working
order. The hydraulic suspension performs as expected, and the car starts
promptly and drives smoothly. The only point to note is that a modern voltage
regulator was fitted by the vendor, which causes the ignition warning light to
activate, although this does not affect the car's drivability.
In
addition, many mechanical spares are available, including a full set of glass,
5-speed gearbox, RHD steering rack plus much else besides.
One of the
nicest we have seen, this freshly rejuvenated French icon is ready for a new
owner to enjoy and will win friends wherever it
goes.
Contact: Qintin.hayward@brightwells.com