1974 Citroën DS 23 Pallas

What Classic and Sportscar Magazine named the most beautiful car of all time, using a panel of illustrious gearheads like Ian Callum, Gordon Murray and Leonardo Fioravanti, on its arrival seemingly from out of space in 1955 the Citroen DS radically revolutionised automotive design.

Eminent Italian car designer, Marcello Gandini famously said the car was madness from a business and industrial point of view but buyers replied in droves lending the DS to be produced in various derivatives across a life span of 20 years, reaching its zenith with the DS 23 Pallas.

Featuring a larger 2.3 litre petrol engine, optional Bosch D-Jetronic fuel injection that upped power from 124hp to 141hp and an ultra-luxurious interior with optional head rests the exquisitely charming Pallas has long been the benchmark of French luxury cars.

We are proud to offer this exceptionally rare, original right-hand-drive and Australian complied 1974 Citroën DS 23 Pallas Injection Electronique delivered new by Citroën Cars Australia, Glebe.

Beautifully finished in period correct Borely Ivory over Noir trim, this well-maintained Pallas features the desirable Bosch fuel injection, costly optional head-rests as well as the silky 5 speed manual transmission.

Inside, the DS 23 is perfectly luxurious. The subject of a ground-up restoration in the mid 1990’s this special car still features all of its original and important features. From the sumptuous Wilton carpets, exceptionally well-preserved vinyl trimmed seats that make this the most comfortable classic we’ve ever driven, to the famed single piece dash with unique Citroën switch gear and instrumentation that never loses its novelty and single arm steering wheel this DS 23 Pallas carries all the hallmarks of a cherished car.

Unmistakably futuristic in design even still today, the bodywork of this DS 23 Pallas shows small signs of its near 30 years of age (post restoration) but still carries a brilliant depth of finish to the paint, gun barrel straight shut-lines throughout and a road presence unlike anything else.

Everything from the correct badges CIBIE headlight covers, correct Sekurit glass throughout the entire car and the original chrome hub-capped 15” wheels points to a car that has been exceptionally well maintained.

The drive is also sensational, responsive, exceedingly comfortable and never ever boring- especially as it rises from the tarmac on start-up like a concord jet this DS 23 is an absolute event to drive from the moment you set eyes on it in the garage.

This classic is the perfect weekend toy with a subtle air of extra-refinement and distinction provided by the Pallas luxury equipment package.

Unfortunately, of several thousand cars sold new in Britain, fewer than 300 are known to survive today and numbers in Australia are markedly slimmer again.

Because of this trend, overseas values and demand are providing a big hint that anyone who wants a Pallas needs to act soon.

An automotive curiosity that changed design for the better, with provenance unmatched by any other classic and in excellent condition this Australian complied and well-presented 1974 Citroën DS 23 Pallas is an absolute must have.