1971 Citroen DS 21 Pallas

For sale by auction on Saturday 07 June 2014 with Historics at Brooklands. Brooklands Motor Racing Circuit. Weybridge. Surrey. Call 01753 639170
After 18 years of secret development. the DS 19 was introduced
on 5 October 1955 at the Paris Motor Show. In the first 15 minutes
of the show. 743 orders were taken. and orders for the first day
totalled to 12. 00 cars. To a France still deep in reconstruction
after the devastation of World War II. and also building its
identity in the post-colonial world. the DS motor car was a symbol
of French ingenuity. The high price tag. however. hurt generally
and a cheaper model. the Citroën ID. was introduced in 1957. The DS
was the first mass production car with front power disc brakes. It
also featured hydro pneumatic suspension including an automatic
leveling system. variable ground clearance. power steering. br/>semi-automatic transmission and a fibreglass roof which reduced
weight. It also sported inboard front brakes as well as independent
suspension. Different front and rear track widths and tyre sizes
reduced the understeer. typical of front-engined and front-wheel
drive cars. As with all French cars. the DS design was affected by
the tax horsepower system. which effectively mandated very small
engines. unlike its predecessor the Citroen Traction Avant. there
was no top-of-range model with a powerful six cylinder engine.
Despite the rather leisurely acceleration afforded by its
four-cylinder engine. the DS was successful in motorsports like
rallying; where sustained speeds on poor surfaces are paramount. br/>and went on to win the Monte Carlo Rally in 1959 and
controversially in 1966. after the disqualification of the BMC
Mini-Cooper team. The Citroen DS placed fifth on Automobile
Magazine's '100 Coolest Cars' listing in 2005. It was also named
the most beautiful car of all time by Classic & Sports Car
magazine after a poll of 20 world-renowned car designers.

Chauffeurs tales are something of a myth or a rumour and in this
instance a delightful tale accompanies this French piece of
eccentric motoring. having been originally commissioned by the
French Government to be the official car for the French ambassador
to London in the 1970's we are informed. The tale explains that
this DS Pallas was supposedly the hiding place of a jewel bought in
secret for the Ambassador to London's English Mistress at the time. br/>and that this jewel is rumoured to have been lost and possibly
still somewhere in the car. perhaps however there is a very happy
previous chauffeur that found this fabled jewel as the current
vendor professes to pending a little time looking. just to be
sure.

Still boasting an original FO embassy number plates this DS is
in very good order having been used sparingly over the past 20
years during the summer months only. an original right hand drive
Pallas which has been cared for and enjoyed by loving enthusiasts
since its initial duties. this motor car has been treated as part
of the family by the current owners. It has been wrapped up
warm and garaged for much of its recent life protecting it from all
weather conditions. Having had a recent service and new MoT test
certificate which is valid until April 2015 this DS would be a
pleasure to drive and with its colourful history a great
conversation piece. truly a piece or French motoring history.

Also published at eBay.co.uk

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