1971 Citroën DS

This 1971 Citroën DS21 is an example retained by its current owner since 1996 and accompanied by a handwritten maintenance history from its previous owner. It is powered by a naturally aspirated 2.2 litre inline four, paired with a manual transmission driving the front wheels. The odometer currently shows 20,205 km* indicated. Introduced at the Paris Motor Show in 1955, the Citroën DS combined streamlined bodywork with hydropneumatic suspension and front-wheel drive. Its self-levelling suspension and extensive use of hydraulics distinguished it from conventional contemporary saloons. The DS21 subsequently brought a larger 2,175 cc engine to the range, while later styling revisions introduced the enclosed four-headlamp arrangement seen on this example. Finished in black following a colour change from fawn in 2015, this right-hand-drive sedan features brown upholstery, a black dashboard and Citroën’s characteristic single-spoke steering wheel. The photographed identification plate records DS21 as the vehicle type. The seller advises that a replacement fibreglass boot lid and non-original carpets are fitted. The car retains the DS’s enclosed rear-wheel design and hydropneumatic suspension. The seller believes they are the car’s second owner, having acquired it from the deceased estate of Dr Sweeting in 1996. According to the supplied history, the doctor acquired the car in Rhodesia and brought it to Australia when he migrated. His handwritten maintenance notes reportedly record 216,489 km around the time of the seller’s purchase. The seller estimates approximately 4,000 km of subsequent use and believes the current five-digit odometer reading represents approximately 220,205 km in total, although this is not independently verified. Maintenance during their ownership has been undertaken by workshops familiar with Citroëns, most recently an Adelaide Hills workshop operated by a Citroën club member. Work disclosed includes replacement front brake pads and a radiator. The seller describes the paintwork and seats as fair to good for their age and advises that the car has been garaged throughout their ownership. The roof paint shows some crazing, the door cards are buckled and require attention, and the replacement carpets are described as fair. Rust is disclosed beneath some door panels, in the boot floor and around the boot side frame; the seller reports that these areas were treated several years ago and have not visibly deteriorated since. The muffler requires replacement, and leaks from the low-pressure hydraulic lines require fluid top-ups and can trigger the low-fluid warning. The seller advises that the hydraulic system operates as expected when topped up. Included with the sale are the service records, available maintenance receipts, an owner’s manual and a spare suspension sphere. As per Trading Garage Terms and Conditions, bidders must satisfy themselves to the accuracy of the description and do any research they feel necessary before bidding. All listings are sold in Australian dollars. This vehicle is being sold unregistered. No VIN has been provided for a PPSR search, and Trading Garage has not completed a PPSR check.