1973 Citroën DS23 IE Pallas Saloon
Registration no. JRL 9L
Chassis no. 00FG7053
Engine no. 0633001709

Just as it had done 21 years previously with the revolutionary 'Traction Avant', Citroën stunned the world again in 1955 with the launch of the futuristically styled 'DS'. Beneath the shark-like newcomer's aerodynamically efficient, low-drag bodyshell there was all-independent, self-levelling, hydro-pneumatic suspension; plus power-operated brakes, clutch and steering. No European car would match the DS's ride quality for several years, the fundamental soundness of Citroën's ahead-of-its-time hydro-pneumatic suspension being demonstrated by its survival in computer-controlled form into the 21st Century. The DS's original 1,911cc, overhead-valve, long-stroke engine was replaced in 1966 by a short-stroke 1,985cc unit, also available in 2,175cc and 2,347cc versions, while other DS developments included swivelling headlights, fuel injection, and a five-speed gearbox. By the time production ceased in April 1975, more than 1.3 million of these wonderfully idiosyncratic cars had been built.

One of the last DS models produced, this top-of-the-range Pallas version has the fuel-injected 2.3-litre engine and the semi-automatic transmission. Cornish registered, the car was built in France as an original - and rare - right-hand drive model with power assisted steering and the innovative semi-automatic transmission. From new the car was driven locally for seven years, covering 45,800 miles. It was then garaged until 2008. The subsequent owner undertook a rolling programme of refurbishment works to bring the DS back to life, while noting that the important floor pans and chassis were 'rock solid'.

The car further benefits from comprehensive works undertaken by the current owners. We are advised by the vendor that it still has a solid chassis, and has been worked on by the specialist DS Workshop and most recently by the Haynes Motor Museum. The steering rack has recently been rebuilt and new fuel pump fitted, together with a new dark grey leather interior. A great example of a really well sorted DS, this iconic car is ready to give many more years of driving pleasure.