Citroen DS23 Pallas Citromatic Semi-Automatic

In 1971. an eminent French diplomat. stationed in London. decided that the purchase of a new car was in order.   Naturally. he spurned the very thought of any of the indigenous offerings. on account of the innate superiority of the uniquely advanced and futuristically styled Citroen DS.   Only with a DS could he experience that sense of the open French country roads. with effortless 'magic carpet' ride. each time he sat in the back and allowed his chauffeur to drive him.   Only the DS could afford the class-leading levels of safety that he considered paramount.   Only the DS made that statement about his Gallic heritage that he felt honour-bound to make.
For a few short years. his beloved DS was garaged in central London. and used as his means of transport in the City. whilst he has in residence in England.   Subsequently. he returned to France. and the DS was left unused for longer and longer periods.   Eventually. the inevitable happened. and he came to the UK no more.   The DS lay unused. awaiting discovery.
A few short months ago. this fabulous car was lovingly recommissioned. and put back into daily use.   It has not needed a full bare-metal restoration. as it has led a very sheltered and privileged life; however some important improvements to make the car suitable for modern use have been made. and these are listed below.
It has four new tyres and tubes. of the correct sizes - larger at the front than the rear.   It has had the original alternator/regulator setup replaced with a specially-made modern alternator with inbuilt solid-state voltage regulation.   It has had the superb '123' Electronic Ignition system fitted. which eliminates distributor and points problems. coupled with a new Lucas coil.   it has a new battery and updated wiring where necessary.   All four suspension spheres have been replaced. and the hydraulic system overhauled. including painstaking adjustment of the Citromatic semi-automatic gearchange and clutch system; the gearchange is now excellent and capable of delivering a very smooth and relaxing driving and passenger experience.   The exhaust system has been replaced with a stainless steel type. to eliminate further maintenance.
Additionally. the exterior has had a fresh coat of modern two-pack paint.   The interior has been entirely refurbished. in exactly the style of the original. with new top-quality materials. to the Pallas specification.   The engine was replaced early in the car's life. to have the more powerful DS23 carburettor unit rather than the unreliable DS21ie unit which was an early experiment in fuel injection; hence the car bears the 'DS21ie' badge on its boot lid.
The car is a delight to drive. a transport of delight.   There is very little corrosion; at some stage work will be needed to the base of the doors to ensure long-term stability.
This unique and beautiful vehicle. designed by an aircraft engineer and a sculptor. is available to view by appointment in the Horsham area.

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