Vehicle Description
From the moment the first motorcar rolled out of its Quai de Javel
factory in 1919, Citroen has embodied a sense of creativity, style,
and innovation that is quite unlike any other automobile
manufacturer in history. Andre Citroen is sometimes described as
"Europe's Henry Ford" for his creation of the first mass-produced
automobile in France. However, the reality was that Citroen was far
more willing to push the boundaries of technology than his rather
pragmatic American counterpart. The spirit of the Avant-Garde
continued within Citroen well past the death of Le Patron in 1935.
One of the company's most significant achievements came with the
introduction of the DS in 1955. This revolutionary, other-worldly
automobile shocked the public, the press, and Citroen's competitors
when it was unveiled at the 1955 Paris Salon. The DS (or Deesse; a
clever wordplay on the French word for "goddess") was designed by
Italian sculptor Flaminio Bertoni and French aeronautical engineer
Andre Lefebvre. Cleverly engineered, the car was built around a
high-pressure hydraulic system that controlled the height
adjustable suspension, power steering, braking, and the
semi-automatic transmission. Subtle engineering touches included
the tapering wheel track which reduced understeer, and a fiberglass
roof to lower the center of gravity. Perhaps the most revolutionary
aspect of the DS was that all of this sophisticated technology and
style was packed into a mid-priced family sedan. Citroen risked its
very existence on a design that was so far beyond what had been
seen in a mass-produced car, and some felt there was no way the
general public would embrace such a futuristic and complex family
car. Thankfully, all worries were put to rest when 743 orders were
taken in the first hour of the car's debut in Paris! A further
12,000 orders were made on the first day of the Salon alone. All
told, over 1.5 million were built, spanning twenty years and a wide
array of trim levels and factory and coachbuilt body styles. We are
delighted to offer this outstanding 1969 DS21 Pallas saloon. This
model features the restyled front end which had been initiated by
Flaminio Bertoni and finalized after his death by Robert Opron for
the 1967 model year. This stunning DS was delivered in 1969 via the
newly established Citroen dealer in Beverly Hills, California. The
car was specially ordered by the director of Citroen USA, Rene
France, to serve as his personal demonstrator. As such, the car is
equipped with many unique and rare features. In June of 1969, after
three months of use, France sold the DS21 to television and Disney
actor Ken Berry (F-Troop, Herbie Rides Again). The most recent
owner, a dedicated marque enthusiast, purchased the car from a
French Citroen mechanic, and he spared little expense to ensure
this car looks, functions, and performs at its very best. A truly
exceptional example, this DS is one of the best we have had the
pleasure to offer. The cosmetic condition is excellent, in its
original color of Brun Encore with a contrasting special-order
tallow-tan vinyl roof giving the car an understated, elegant
presence. It is recognized as a US specification example by its
fixed headlights that do without the glass covers of the European
models. The bumpers show some moderate hazing and polish marks in
the finish but remain straight and attractive. As recently as May
of 2018, some exterior rubber trim parts were replaced including
side window felts and scrapers and the body panels were adjusted to
achieve the best fit. Luxury takes on a new definition when seated
in a Citroen DS, particularly with this example's optional leather
upholstery and higher grade materials used exclusively in the
Pallas models. Subject to an interior restoration in 2017, the car
was treated to new seat upholstery, carpets, headlining, and door
panels. The quality is outstanding and the seats exhibit some very
light creasing which is inviting and appealing. Switchgear and
controls are excellent, and a set of fashionable Gradulux accessory
venetian blinds are fitted in the rear window. In mechanical terms,
this DS truly shines. Over $50,000 was lavished upon it in by the
most recent owner to ensure it performs as good as or better than
new. Records show the 2175 c.c. inline four received a full rebuild
beginning in 2013, by marque experts PWK-Import-Export of San
Clarion, California. The work included new Mahle cylinder liners,
new pistons, and a refurbished cam. In addition to the engine
rebuild, a replacement Citromatic-Drive gearbox was fitted along
with a stronger DS23 clutch and a high-volume hydraulic pump. The
suspension was comprehensively serviced with new spheres all
around, the power steering system rebuilt, and the centrifugal
regulator for the shifter rebuilt. Tidy and well-detailed, the
engine bay is reflective of the quality of the work performed and
the attention to detail given to this car. Once accustomed to the
unique nature of the Citromatic-Drive transmission and the
hydraulic control systems, the DS is a revelation in terms of
opulence and ride comfort. This Deesse starts easily and runs
exceptionally well. This DS is indeed one of the best performing
examples we've had the pleasure to offer. Few manufacturers in
history had dared to approach Citroen's astounding creativity when
they created "The Goddess," and we will likely never see another
car like it. This magnificent DS21 Pallas has enjoyed a charmed
life in the hands of a series of uncompromising enthusiasts. It is
one of the finest available today, sure to please even the most
discerning enthusiast. For additional details please view this
listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/6257-1969-citroen-ds21-pallas-saloon/