1974 Citroen DS23 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 genuinely revolutionised automotive design.

Often imitated but never replicated, the Déesse (French for Goddess), pioneered hydro-pneumatic suspension, assistance systems for steering, brakes and gearshifter, inboard disc brakes and headlights that moved simultaneously with the direction of the front wheels making the car one of the most engaging yet refined cars ever made to drive.

An overall design that Marcello Gandini famously said was madness from a business and industrial point of view and produced in various derivatives across a life span of 20 years, the DS reached its zenith with the DS23 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 perfectly charming Pallas has long been the benchmark of French luxury cars.

We are proud to offer this exceptionally rare, original right hand drive, Australian complied 1974 Citroen DS 23 Pallas Injection Electronique.

Beautifully finished in its original Silver Green (Vert Argenté) over Deep Green velour trim, this well maintained Pallas features the desirable Bosch fuel injection and optional head-rests and arm rest with air-conditioning as well as the silky smooth 3 speed Semi-Automatic transmission presenting in overall fantastic condition.

Inside, the DS23 is perfectly luxurious and this car still features all of its original trim. From the sumptuous Wilton carpets, exceptionally well preserved velour trimmed seats that make this the most comfortable classic we’ve ever driven, to the famed single piece dash with unique Citroen switch gear and instrumentation that never loses its novelty and single arm steering wheel.

Unmistakably futuristic in design even still today, the bodywork of this DS23 Pallas still presents to a factory standard and the unique paintwork has a brilliant depth of finish.

Everything from the correct badges, S.E.V Marchal headlight covers, correct Sekurit glass throughout the entire car and the original chrome hub-capped 15” wheels fitted with cross-ply Michelin tyres 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 DS23 is an absolute event to drive from the moment you set eyes on it in the garage. It’s also just received a detailed service and transmission overhaul by marque specialists based in Victoria.

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 even 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 Citroen DS23 Pallas is an absolute must have.