Description:
Description from The Vendor:
I purchased this Citroen in July 2017, making all the major mistakes (don’t buy the first one you see, take an expert with you etc). We even broke down of the test drive! True story; within minutes a chap in a Xantia turned up asking if we needed any LHM, and then a few minutes after another chap turned up in an immaculate black Citroen DS, hopped out and quickly diagnosed a blocked carburettor jet and had us on our way (we’ve since met at DS meetings!).
Owning this car has been a labour of love with considerable restoration carried out over the last 5 years. In 2017/18, all the rust in the chassis and body panels was repaired/replaced and the whole car repainted below the glass line. The roof was inspected and re-sealed and the mechanics, hydraulics and fuel system checked over with relatively little being required. The following year the interior was re-done, with new fabric and carpet throughout; I retained the original interior leather to keep the right patina. The wheels (and spare) were powder coated and fitted with Retro tyres. All this major work was carried out by Graham Morton in Holmfirth who I highly recommend and is well known in the Citroen car club.
Subsequent work has involved sensible upgrades of 123 electronic ignition, and auxiliary electric radiator fan and temperature gauge (not required but more for piece of mind), and the ongoing replacement of things as budget allowed (new radiator and cowl, and all new spheres fitted in the last few years).
The car drives very well, the 2.3 engine pulls strongly and the 5 speed manual is easy to use and has not required any maintenance (the car appreciates a double de-clutch when re-engaging first). The brakes require very little adaption from someone used to modern highly disc brakes; they were truly revolutionary at the time.
DS ownership has been a pleasure; the car generates a lot of the right sort of interest at car meetings (frankly anywhere it’s parked); there’s a lot of love for these and people are interested to hear about them. There is a wealth of knowledge on the DS owners forum and Facebook group, and the Citroen car club is very active with planned regional and national meetings and individuals organising trips to France or round the UK.
The birth of my daughter last year has meant the car has been driven far less than I would like and it is time for the car to be enjoyed by a new owner. I am very happy for prospective buyers to contact me for further details or for more photos of the restoration. I live very close to the SWVA site, so happy to meet if you are viewing the car.
CLICK HERE to see images of the restoration.
Auctioneer’s notes:
This is an incredible car. The vendor has owned her for the past 5 years and during that time he has continued to look after her as you would expect. This is a top of the range model which has swivel headlights, Webasto sunroof. I cannot overstress how superb the interior is, it truly is beautiful and I am told that these cars give the most comfortable ride. She is finished in black, gleaming paintwork which suits the wonderful shape of this car. In the file you will find a DVLA list of all previous owners, right back to 1974 plus a workshop manual and a Gov.UK MOT history from ’06, mileage 56725 to the last MOT which expires 3.8.23 mileage 81,000 when issued. We believe the mileage to be correct, however, there is not quite enough proof to warrant it. There is a massive, comprehensive file of invoices from 1995 to the present day. The vendor had her serviced and checked over in August ’22 which cost £649.00, he wanted the car, not only to look right, but give confidence to the new owner. The front and rear suspension has been overhauled, she had all new spheres. new seals and gaiters. The carb. has been overhauled and this work was carried out in July ’20 at a cost of £1524.00. From 1995 to now, all service and work carried out on this car was by DS Specialists. Ring and book a slot to view this outstanding motorcar.
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