1972 Citroen DS 21 4 Door Sedan
The Citron DS is a front mid engined, front wheel drive executive car manufactured and marketed by Citron from 1955 to 1975, in fastback/sedan, wagon/estate, and convertible body configurations, across three series of one generation. Marketed with a less expensive variant, the Citron ID, the DS was known for its aerodynamic, futuristic body design; unorthodox, quirky, and innovative technology, and set new standards in ride quality, handling, and braking thanks to both being the first mass production car equipped with hydropneumatic suspension, as well as disc brakes. The 1967 series 3 also introduced directional headlights to a mass produced car. Italian sculptor and industrial designer Flaminio Bertoni and the French aeronautical engineer Andr© Lefbvre styled and engineered the car, and Paul Mags developed the hydropneumatic self-levelling suspension. Robert Opron designed the 1967 Series 3 facelift. Citron built 1,455,746 examples in six countries, of which 1,330,755 were manufactured at Citron's main Paris Quai de Javel, (now Quai Andr©-Citron), production plant. In combination with Citron's proven front-wheel drive, the DS was used competitively in rally racing during almost its entire 20 year production run, and achieved multiple major victories, as early as 1959, and as late as 1974. It placed third in the 1999 Car of the Century poll recognizing the world's most influential auto designs and was named the most beautiful car of all time by Classic & Sports Car magazine.
For consignment, a 1972 Citroen DS 21 in 4 door sedan trim and sporting a title verified 122,526 actual miles. The DS's chief party trick was its hydropneumatic, self-levelling suspension. The ride height could be controlled from inside the car, and it meant the DS would give its occupants the feeling they were riding on a cushion of air. This 4 door lima bean shaped vehicle is in beautiful condition, and has all the trimmings to be a classic, as it was when first introduced in 1955.
Exterior
An early lesson in aerodynamics with its "extruded" exterior look. A low slung hood all rounded off with a chrome bumper between the hood line and lower grille. The bumper appears to wrap around the front quarters and just above are dual deep inset headlights. The lower body steel is painted in a closely matched hue of British Racing Green with some trimmings on the doors, window surrounds and rear C pillar. Up high we note a light yellow/green painted roof and the car appears a bit off when you first gaze at it and it is due to the rear wheels not being as far apart as the front wheels. Chromed elongated tubes flank the C pillar trim and house bullet style turn signals on either side of the rear glass. Another curved bumper for the rear which houses the brake lights and backup lights within a formed rectangle. Body panels are rust free, however there are some inclusions within the green paint.
Interior
Wonderfully aged Saddle brown vinyl is covering the front wide low back buckets complete with a centrally located rounded armrest. The seats appear to have been recovered at some point and do present with a few wrinkles and the rear bench presents as factory fresh. Interesting for the headrests as they have wings stretching across the tops of the seats for extra support. These chairs float in a sea of black carpeting which shows some wear, particularly on the driver's threshold. A futuristic dash is all in black with a steering wheel with 1 spoke fronting some shiny inset round instrumentation. Speaking of futuristic, the door panels, also in Saddle brown vinyl, have a molded armrest and a large oval chromed actuator. This car is equipped with the standard 4-speed manual transmission, an oddity to see on the column. A white cloth headliner is above and looking nice and tight.
Drivetrain
Under the long and low hood just behind the front mounted spare tire is a 132.7ci 4 cylinder engine with a 1-barrel carburetor. As noted, on the back is a 4-speed manual transmission with a 4.375 final drive. The engine rests in an unrestored bay with some patina, dust and surface rust appearing on the black painted surfaces.
Undercarriage
Straight rust free aero undercarriage coverings can be seen throughout the underside of this car. The front panel has some extensive scratching most likely from encounters with parking curbs. Inboard power disc brakes are seen on front, and power drum brakes are on back. The suspension is all hydropneumatic and can be adjusted as to ride height from the driver's dash switch.
Drive-Ability
Stepping inside the futuristic interior this car fires right up and off top the test track in hydropneumatic style I went. The 4 speed shifting on the column took a bit to become accustomed to but in the end it all worked out. The ride is cushiony and can be adjusted on the fly and all functions worked as designed with the exception of the clock not keeping time and the battery light being on. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.
Touluse Lautrec, eat your heart out as this French built air ride aero "bean" is up for consignment and I guarantee you will be the only one in your town to have one should you decide to pull the trigger! Ooh La La.
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person. There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee is not included in the advertised price.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
