1970 Citroën DS 21

From the moment their first motorcar rolled out of its Quai de Javel factory in 1919, Citroën has articulated a sense of creativity, style, and innovation that is quite unlike any other automobile manufacturer in history.

One of the company’s most significant achievements came with the introduction of the DS in 1955. This revolutionary, other-worldly automobile shocked the public, the press, and Citroën’s competitors when it was unveiled at the 1955 Paris Salon.

Often imitated but never replicated, the Déesse (a French wordplay for Goddess), pioneered hydro-pneumatic suspension, assistance systems for steering, brakes and gearshifter, inboard disc brakes and headlights that could “see” around corners making the car one of the most engaging yet refined cars ever made to drive.

This particular car is very special, individually ordered with air-conditioning, Cognac Leather trim, Semi-Automatic transmission and uprated Auto Radio stereo this Australian complied, “Tourist Delivery” 1970 Citroen DS 21 is one of the very last of its kind to reach our shores and a particularly rare combination.

Spending 1-2 months in Paris after collection from the factory, this car was then delivered new by A.O. Dutton of Melbourne who was the official Citroen importer in Australia at the time.

This DS 21 is one of the finest we’ve ever seen. It offers the larger 2.1 litre, 115 hp, five-bearing engine over the original three bearing, 1.9 litre, 83 hp engine of the 1965 car, it presents in excellent condition, still in its original color combination of Metallic Sand (Sable Metallic) over Cognac Leather and is accompanied by all of its original documentation.

The subject of meticulously documented maintenance from new, most recently including a new rocker cover gasket, engine and transmission oil change, new steering rack, and carburetor tune in September of 2018 this car doesn’t just look out of this world rolling down the road, it drives and handles exceptionally well too.

In what can only be described as time-warp condition, the interior of this car is second to none. The original Cognac leather carries a beautiful matured finish, the oddity of a steering wheel is frozen in time like a piece of art and from the plush pile carpets to the absolute mint condition switch gear all tell-tale signs show how well this car has been kept.

The original exterior is much the same. The doors close perfectly with zero effort, all correct chrome bumpers, trim, badges, rubber moldings and even the CIBIE swivel head lamps are present and accounted for and in stunning condition.

The documentation provided with the car includes its original service booklet, owner’s manual, radio manual, warranty card, Automobile Passport and even the original Citroën Societe club application all bound within the double Chevron Logo embossed vinyl wallet.

A rare find not solely for its model and options list but also in such excellently preserved condition, this Citroën DS 21 is something undeniably special.

Perfectly prepped to drive off the showroom floor, this slice of automotive historical art is a must experience. From every conceivable angle, this not just a car.