1974 Citroën DS20 Pallas

This well presented DS hails from the penultimate year of production and is hence a Series 3 car as made -over by Robert Opron who styled both the CX and the Maserati engined SM. Whilst the car was an evolution of what went before, it now featured the famous cable operated directional headlamps and the most reliable LHM (liquide hydraulique minéral) based hydropneumatics. The new green dyed fluid was the first to be non-hygroscopic to the benefit of system longevity and utility. 

This example left the Parisienne factory in 1974 with its DS20 Pallas designation marking it out as a 1985cc example in the plushest state of trim. By 1995 it had emigrated to the UK, being registered with the DVLA for the first time in September of that year. Three UK keepers account for the period between 1995 and the autumn of 2010. It was at that time that the current owner bought the car at Anglia Car Auctions for £7,310. This was in the knowledge that the car had undergone a thorough restoration in 2005 at a cost of over £10,000. It is believed that the DS was resprayed at that point transitioning from its original gold hue to its current blue shade.

Despite that, it became obvious that major structural work was actually required and in 2011 the current keeper commissioned a diligent structural restoration via Citroen Classics at a cost of over £16,200. Since then, the Citroen has been diligently maintained and repaired with a further £20,000 being spent between then and now. The result is the very well sorted example we offer you today. 

In the Musée des 24 Heures du Mans there is an example of the DS pointing vertically skywards. Its wheels have been removed and its wheel arches fully and aerodynamically fared in. It makes the DS’s frequent comparison to a space vehicle of some sort impressively tangible even today. Imagine how it looked in the context of 1955. This example aptly showcases all the smooth curves, swoops and gentle transitions that makes it such an obvious comparison. The deep blue paintwork adds sophistication to the compound curves as does the contrasting silver roof panel. This car is readily identifiable as a Series 3 example courtesy of the aerodynamically fared in headlamps complete with beam diffusing prisms built into the covers. The inner two lamps can swivel by up to 80 degrees to mirror steering inputs and shed light actually into approaching bends as opposed to into the surrounding flora.

The abundance of brightwork and the textured silver “C” pillars are the visual clues as to this car’s Pallas trim status. That and the “Pallas” badges on said pillars, of course. The more elaborate wheel trims are another Pallas identifier whilst the dramatically rearward curving, tubular extremities to the roof panel terminating in rear facing indicator lenses are shared by all DS models.

Whilst presenting very well for a car that is now over 50 years old, there are the inevitable blemishes and imperfections commensurate with a partial bodywork restoration in 2005. Our consignment team note a number of areas where under-paint rust bubbles are forming, especially on both front wings, boot lid and all door shuts. There are also some stone chips, minor scratches and paint touch-ins at various locations around the body. Our photographer, where possible, has captured these for your review.

The interior aesthetic of the DS has perhaps aged slightly less well than the exterior but therein lies its gallic charm. There’s a distinct 1950’s “Jetsons” style retro-futurism at play here and it provides the perfect antidote to the characterless, haptic screen burdened car interiors of today.

The plush Pallas specification box pleated seats appear very well stuffed, commodious and pillowy. The front pair almost meet to create a quasi-bench seat arrangement. The condition appears very sound whilst the sun seems to have leached away some of vibrance of the velour’s blue hue. The identically trimmed rear bench appears every bit as welcoming and features a folding central armrest. The deep pile carpets are finished in a dark blue shade and appear very well preserved whilst the grey fabric headlining is clean if a little saggy and baggy in places.

Compared to its successor’s mad, highly magnified rotating barrel gauges, the DS’s set up is relatively conventional. A central speedometer calibrated in kilometres per hour is flanked by a tachometer and a bank of warning lights and tell-tales. The steering wheel is of the signature single spoked variety and the shift mechanism for the semi-automatic gearbox is mounted atop the column. The door cards are evocative of 1950’s American fare with stitched white top rolls, bright blue middles housing eccentrically shaped arm rests and heavy, high quality chromed door furniture and kick panels. There's even a radio/CD player discreetly located in the glove box.

The boot is accessed via a short, upright lid and is trimmed in original looking and practical black textured vinyl.

Another way in which the DS was years ahead of its time was in the surprisingly modest cubic capacity and cylinder count of its engines. Whilst consumers seemed to demand at least a six-cylinder option from the DS’s peers, they seemed happy with the exclusively four-cylinder options offered by the Citroen.

This being a DS20, it is powered by the 1985cc inline four-cylinder, five-bearing, wet-liner unit that was a direct descendant of the 11CV engine of the Traction Avant. This originally put out around 100bhp and was possibly the least advanced aspect of this futuristic conveyance. The magic of the DS, however, was that it didn’t matter a jot. The car was about comfort, refinement and flair to the point that what occupied the engine bay was almost irrelevant. A lesson it would take other car manufacturers until the 2010’s to cotton on to. This power plant is paired to a four-speed semi-automatic transmission. Basically, a clutch-less manual, where the movement of the gear selector engages the clutch before each change.

The engine bay is a DS-typical mass of wires and componentry, and clearly not designed with any mind for aesthetics. The green suspension pressure spheres can be seen, the hue delineating then from the earlier, non-LHM systems as using the wrong fluid spells a premature end to the system’s seals. It all looks original under here but would benefit from a careful clean or professional detailing.

Our photographic package shows the DS in each of its three user selectable suspension positions. The highest of which affords a good view of the car’s underside which looks straight, clean and free from any drips of green fluid.

The DS is accompanied by some instructive paperwork. The current V5 Registration Document is present classifying the car as an Historic Vehicle based on age. As such it is considered MoT exempt in the UK and zero rated for Vehicle Excise Duty. Despite its exemption the DS holds a current MoT valid until June 2027. Numerous earlier MoTs in hard copy are also included.

Other highlights include a diligently kept log of expenditure by the current keeper. This details all repair and maintenance work during his tenure and substantiates the £33,000 spent by him on the car’s upkeep. Accompanying invoices provide more detail of the work carried out especially of the £16,200 plus expenditure in 2011 on the comprehensive structural work undertaken. Another invoice details the most recent service in May of this year. An original DS owner’s manual is also present.

We imagine it might just be possible not to love the Citroen DS, but it is surely impossible not to, at least, deeply admire it. It represents a technical tour-de-force that was at least 15-years ahead of its time and would go on to represent all that was so avant-garde and relentlessly resurgent about post war France.

This example has genuinely been cherished without regard to expense during it current long and enthusiastic ownership. The money that has been spent has been wisely invested, too. Less so in the superficial in favour of the fundamental. That does mean more can be done if desired, but it makes for the perfect balance, in our view. A DS that can be immediately used and enjoyed to the utter delight of its occupants as well as those who watch it glide by.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at THE MARKET HQ in South Oxfordshire. Viewings are STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT and we are open weekdays (apart from Bank Holidays) between 10am - 12pm or 2pm - 4pm. To make a booking, please use the ‘Enquire About This Vehicle’ button on the listing. Feel free to ask any questions, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.