1974 Citroen 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 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.

An overall design that Marcello Gandini famously said was madness from a business and industrial point of view.

Produced in various derivatives across 20 years, the DS reached its zenith with the DS 23 Pallas which, with a larger 2.3 litre petrol engine, optional Bosch D jetronic fuel injection that upped power from 124hp to 141hp and ultra-luxurious interior, has long been the benchmark of French luxury cars.

We are delighted to offer this exceptionally rare right hand drive 1974 Citroen DS 23 Pallas. Beautifully finished in the most sophisticated Metallic Bronze, complemented with bright chrome detail over Caramel velour trim and optioned with both fuel injection and the more desirable 5-speed manual transmission.

Inside, the DS23 is perfectly luxurious and this car still features all of its original trim. From the sumptuous Wilton carpets, exceptionally well preserved seats that make this the most comfortable classic we’ve ever driven, to the famed single piece dash with totally unique to Citroen switch gear and instrumentation that never loses its novelty and the mint condition 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 depth of finish we rarely see. 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, torquey, responsive 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.

The perfect weekend toy, with a subtle air of extra-refinement and distinction in 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 are providing a big hint that anyone who wants a really good Pallas needs to act soon.

An obscurity that changed automotive design for the better, with provenance unmatched by any other classic and in excellent condition this 1974 Citroen DS23 Pallas is an absolute must have.