1971 Citroen DS21

Description

Five-speed manual; rock solid car from the South of France; recently completed a 2,000-mile European tour; a well-sorted example, ready to enjoy

It seems impossible to believe that it is now 68 years since the revolutionary Citroen DS was first unveiled to a stunned public. The design still looks fresh today and the Gallic good looks still have the power to stop people in their tracks. Indeed the DS was voted 'the most beautiful car of all time' by a panel of 20 car designers in 2009.

Supplied new in 1971, this Citroen DS21 reputedly had just one French owner (a gentleman in Gemenos near Marseille) before being imported into the UK in 2003 through French Classics of Kent. It has had four UK owners since, the first of whom used the car extensively on international road rallies, including Le Jog in which it achieved a class win.

It comes with lots of invoices to show regular upkeep over the last 20 years, the first British owner fitting UK spec upgraded Halogen headlamps correctly wired with relays etc. In addition, the car has had 123 electronic ignition fitted, new brake pads and shoes, a new alternator and uprated radiator and water pump. It also has a Hi-Torque starter and the latest-type uprated drive shafts and the head has been off and new valves and springs fitted too.

At some point a tow bar has been added and there is a ‘yet to be fitted’ Retro-Classic radio. An expensive unit, it has a modern DAB conversion and comes with speakers and a clever front designed to make it look very close to the original. The boot also contains a comprehensive touring kit which includes the sorts of spares one might need for a dash across the Continent plus a new accumulator sphere, wheel trims and a pair of headlight glasses (hard to find we are told).

Within the last few years the car has had a full LHM fluid flush, new suspension spheres and a new hydraulic pump. We are told that the suspension is healthy, supported by the audible clicking in and out of the hydraulic pump valve at 15 second intervals or so.

Our vendor acquired the car via Brightwells in early 2022 in order to undertake a 2,000-mile tour through Europe, which he tells us it achieved without fault or use of oil while averaging 27mpg. Treated to a thorough service before the trip, it has also had another major service since, courtesy of Willow Garage of Antrobus, which included the replacement of several suspension bellows and rustproofing of the underside and the door cavities. It also had its steering set up by Citroen Classics of Staines who reputedly volunteered that it was ‘one of the best we’ve tried’.  

A well-spec’d car with a nice rear sunblind, it has several standard features which make DS ownership particularly straightforward – including a carburettor and an easy-to-use five-speed manual gearbox. An owner's handbook is present (in French, naturellement) along with much useful technical literature to aid keeping the car in good fettle.

Thoroughly sorted and with no signs of any significant corrosion that the vendor can detect, this smart DS is only reluctantly for sale due to loss of storage and is ready for the next owner to enjoy.

For more information contact James on 07970 309907 or email james.dennison@brightwells.com