A Very Early Citro

FOR SALE
A very early Citroën DS ID19 with just 36. 33 miles and three owners from new.

EQUIPMENT
Monocoque body. laminated plastic roof. Hydro-pneumatic suspension. wrap-round windscreen. ‘B' pillar parking lamps. aluminium bumpers. aluminium roofline. chrome door mirrors. under bonnet spare. roof mounted indicator cones. single-arm hub-less steering wheel. bulkhead ashtray. Interior light. dash clock. push button start. dash mounted indicator switch. glove box. rear armrest.

EXTERIOR
This aerodynamic Citroen ID is finished in the wonderful combination of Noir (Code AC200) with the roof in Blanc Meije (AC088) and looks incredible appearing futuristic even today. Being a very early 1958 example this model has rare body features such as the ‘short' rear wings and a prop for keeping the boot open. Subject to a sympathetic restoration followed by a bare metal respray by Dave Ashworth Ltd Citroen specialists in November 2012 this splendid car won first prize in the concours at the Citroen Car Club's Northern Rally in May this year. The body has a deep shine with a glossy mirror finish guaranteed to draw crowds of admirers everywhere. The frame and chassis have never been welded or repaired. All the chrome trim and exterior lighting are in remarkable condition along with the glass fibre-reinforced plastic roof and plastic wrap-round rear screen. Possibly one of the earliest survivors of this elegant cult classic.

INTERIOR
Incredibly cool. the Jersey Rouille upholstery is a design marvel with intricate patterns. weaves and materials offering a sumptuous and comfortable environment unsurpassed by others. All quirky gadgets are designed in an amazing unconventional manner with this model having the benefit of the incredibly rare Indicator switch on the dash fitted only to very early examples rather than a stalk on the column. The rust coloured thin seat material has thankfully survived due to the low mileage showing no wear patches normally associated with this model. The original carpet displays some wear for 55 years. A very spacious. airy and light cabin making journeys out a relaxing unique experience with an added chic twist!

ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
The 1911cc in line overhead valve engine is fed by a Solex carburettor and produces a healthy 66bhp. Smooth. strong performance must have been revelation in 1958 and still performs capably today. Purists will be delighted that all components are factory original including the often replaced 6v electrical system. The column mounted gear change is progressive and intuitive but no synchromesh on first gear as per original early examples.

SUSPENSION
The hydropneumatic suspension on this early car operates perfectly. This remarkable suspension acts each of the four wheels independently maintaining constant body-height irrespective of road service below or internal load. The manual lever located inside the car overrides the automatic mechanism so that the driver can physically raise the car from the driving seat to increase clearance over difficult terrain or lowered completely for easy loading. This is a must have driving experience for all car enthusiasts!

WHEELS. TYRES & BRAKES
The steel wheels are furnished with perfect aluminium disc covers. Tyres are expensive but mandatory Michelin X Type 165 X400 radials all with ample tread remaining. Disc brakes on the front with automatic compensation for wear and drums on the rear offer immediate and sharp stopping power so caution for the novice Citroen driver needs to be exercised.

HISTORY FILE
This vehicle was purchased new on the 10th December 1958 by Mr Eugenio Drudi an Italian gentleman from Naples who lived and worked in France as a Mason. The vehicle was used by him mainly to go back home to Italy every summer. On his passing in December 1973 the vehicle remained unused until 1988 when the Secretary of the Citroen Club of the Bay of Mont St Michel. Mr Olivier Bienfait. bought the car from the owners son. Eric Drudi. Forming part of his amazing collection. (which includes some of the earliest examples of Citroen models). until June 2012. UK enthusiast. Mr Cooper. then purchased the car and immediately entrusted Dave Ashworth. Citroen Specialists in Blackpool. to embark on a sympathetic restoration. On completion it won first prize in the concours at the Citroen Car Club's Northern Rally in May this year.

Having covered just 59. 38kms (36. 33mls) from new in the hands of three owners this example presents a unique opportunity to purchase quite possibility one of the earliest Citroen ID's available in remarkable condition.

12 Months MOT but exempt. Tax exempt and HPI Clear.


To see a full set of photographs of this car please click on the link below:

http://www. flickr. com/photos/kgfclassiccars/sets/72157636902397906

Also published at eBay.co.uk

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