1973 Citroen DS20 |

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1973 Citroen DS20

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Sold Price

£9,540

Mileage~96,177 Kilometres
TransmissionSemi-automatic
Engine2.0L
LocationWarwick

SOLD

1973 Citroen DS20

I WANT ONE

Introduction

Glyn Parry

Professional Consigner and Automotive Photographer

Changing automotive history with one of the most revolutionary and influential cars ever made.

First launched in 1955, the futuristic designed DS was created by Italian sculptor and industrial designer, Flaminio Bertoni, with the French aeronautical engineer, Andre Lefebvre. The hydropneumatic self-leveling suspension system was developed by Paul Mages, and later updated for the Series 3 facelift by Robert Opron. It is reported that in the first 15 minutes of the car being launched, 743 orders for the newly designed Citroen were taken. Journalists wrote that the design of the DS was 20 years ahead of its time.

The suspension system was designed to cope with the poor quality road surfaces in France. The DS was capable of moving quickly over the rough ground, whilst still offering excellent comfort. It also came with power steering and a semi automatic transmission, making it a pleasure to drive.

In 1967, Citroen gave the DS a welcomed facelift which included new directional high beam lights, and in 1968 the base model DS 19 was increased to a 2.0 litre and rechristened to this particular model, the DS 20 with 103BHP.

Having owned the car since 1995, David has now taken retirement and the DS is getting much less use than it previously did. His wish is for someone to take the reins of the Citroen, carry out a few bodywork issues and continue to enjoy the car as much as he has.

This auction listing was written from information supplied by Glyn after meeting David the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Meet the owner

First spotted in 1966 on holiday, I was taken aback by the wonderful styling of the DS - thirty years later I finally took ownership of my dream car.

David purchased the DS in June 1995. A shopping trip to buy a new fridge freezer led to stumbling across this car, which was being used to advertise a specialist DS dealer located under the arches of Chelsea Bridge. Seeing the DS brought back David’s memories from a holiday abroad in 1966, where he first spotted a Citroen DS. With the nostalgia flowing, a deal was struck and David became the owner of the lovely DS.

David and his wife have enjoyed making plenty of happy memories in the DS20, with trips over to France on holiday. They have had people asking to use the car for weddings (and David happily obliged). It has been on a professional fashion shoot in central London and also featured in an edition of FHM magazine. Basically, wherever the DS goes, it doesn't fail to draw attention thanks to the iconic shape.

When David took early retirement five years ago, the plan was always to use the DS more and make more memories, but as time has gone on, their leisure interests are different to what they once were and it has meant the DS20 spends most of the time tucked up in the garage, or used for local runs. With such little use David would like to see the Citroen being used more, rather than tucked away, and so is hoping the next owner is one that will continue to enjoy making memories in the DS20.

David will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have in the comments below.

David

Vehicle Owner

David saved £1,620* when they
sold their Citroen with us.

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EXTERIOR VIDEO

Exterior

The DS20 is arguably the most iconic motoring shape of its era - with the futuristic and aerodynamic body design, the DS also had some innovative technology.

Wheels and Tyres

The wheels on the Citroen are 15” steel wheels with a chrome hubcap. All are in good condition with a nice bright finish to the hubcap.

The tyres present in good condition with a good amount of tread remaining on them all.

The front tyres are Nankang and the rear are Michelin.

Bodywork

The car is in an honest condition with the panel gaps looking as good as they should be, when compared to most Citroens from this era.

There are some areas of corrosion around the DS20 which would need attention, such as the sills, and the nearside rear door has started to blister along the bottom. We noticed corrosion to the door edges and under the doors too. The wings have been replaced by David and also a GRP front valance has been fitted.

It's important you study all the images and videos for yourself to be satisfied on the condition of this car - and if you have any questions then just drop David a note below.

Paint

Finished in white the car has been touched up in a few places over the years, and there are some scratches and scuffs dotted here and there.

David has used the car and as long as it was mechanically sound, so a few scuffs here and there didn't matter to him.

Please see the image gallery for more detailed shots.

Glass and Trim

The windows are all in nice condition, with no obvious scratches or chips which we could see at the time of our visit, other than general wear and tear.

The chrome trim around the windows and roof all looks to be original with just some age related light scratches. The windscreen and seal were replaced in 2010, at 73,336 kilometres.

The headlights and indicators are free from any noticeable chips and the same can be said for the rear lights. The bumpers are well presented with no noticeable corrosion or pitting to them. The lower trim that runs along the length of the car does have some knocks and dings to it.

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INTERIOR VIDEO

Interior

David drove the DS20 over to Holland to have the interior fully retrimmed by a specialist company - then back to London for the Webasto roof to be fitted.

Seats and Carpets

The seats in the Citroen are in excellent condition with no real signs of heavy wear to them. These have been retrimmed by a specialist company in Holland in 2002. The headlining has been replaced when the Webasto roof was installed, there is some slight sagging to the material. The rear seats are in excellent condition and don’t appear to have had any heavy use.

The carpets have been replaced and are therefore in very good condition.

In the boot area is the original trim which is mainly stuck down and all in good condition.

Dashboard

The dashboard is free from any cracking to the top. There is a small piece missing from the driver’s side air vent which is split. The instruments are all in good condition and reported to be working as they should, including the clock. The odometer has a reading of ~96,177 kilometres or (59,761 miles).

Please see the interior gallery for more detailed shots.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The single spoke steering wheel is the original and looks very cool in the retro interior. It does have some wear in line with the age and we did notice a split in the rim.

The column mounted gear lever is in good order with no obvious wear which we could see.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO

Mechanics

2.0 litre and a 4-speed semi automatic gearbox makes driving the DS a breeze - you just sit back and cruise along.

Engine and Gearbox

David has had the engine and mechanics on the DS20 has been worked on by professional DS specialists over the years (see the history file), having any work needed to make the car mechanically sound carried out straight away. Since the early 2000s the timing chain and tensioners have been replaced, a new clutch has been fitted and there have been regular services, all of which are documented in the history file.

The car starts up just as it should and idles smoothly with no unwanted noises to be heard. The car pulls well through the 4-speed semi automatic gearbox with the change being nice and smooth.

Suspension and Brakes

The Citroen’s party trick is definitely the hydraulic suspension, which is working just as it should. The car lowers and raises up just as it should. There have been various components replaced on the suspension which has ensured it has continued to work as Citroen intended. The suspension has also seen the ball joints replaced along with bushes and bump stops. David mentions however that the LHM pump has developed a leak, and so the new owner will need to get this replaced which is a straight forward job.

The brakes are reported to be working well, and the DS comes to a halt in a straight line with no brake judder.

The Drive

With Citroen’s innovative technology setting new standards in handling and ride quality, the ride in a DS is extremely comfortable on all types of terrain. David and his wife have enjoyed many miles, including trips over to France and Holland which have been carried out with ease.

Electrics and Other

Everything in the car is reported to be working just as it should, with the dash lighting up as expected and, as mentioned, even the clock is working, which is usually the first thing to stop in a classic car.

There is some light age related wear to the finish of the switches and levers. A stereo has been fitted on the lower dash section. There are four speakers fitted but only the rears can be classed as working. The front speakers have been damaged but can easily be replaced.

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History and Paperwork

An extensive history file shows the Citroen has been given a good level of mechanical attention from professional marque and model specialists.

There is no shortage of reading material for the amount of work the DS has received over the years. The last major bill came in at £4,505, which included a new steering rack, rear wheel bearing, brake pads plus many other parts, all of which are listed in the documents gallery which we encourage you to take a look at.

The car is now MOT exempt and the last MOT expired on the 30th July 2018.

Included in the paperwork section is a copy of the FHM magazine the car was used in for the fashion shoot.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and the vehicle is HPI clear.

Service History

Date	Type	Mileage
31.07.2017	MOT	94,972
31.07.2017	Service	94,972
29.06.2016	MOT	93,983
08.06.2015	MOT	90,688
14.08.2014	MOT	89,511
01.08.2013	MOT	87,392
01.08.2013	Service	87,392
12.06.2012	MOT	85.092
02.06.2011	MOT	81.071
02.06.2011	Service	81.071
01.04.2010	MOT	73,335
01.04.2010	Service	73,335
26.10.2009	Service	72,619
08.04.2009	MOT	68,335
15.07.2008	Service	59,364
25.01.2008	MOT	58,638
02.07.2007	Service	54,696
14.11.2006	MOT	53,384
06.07.2006	Service	48,426
26.10.2005	MOT	44,374
04.07.2005	Service	37,917
06.07.2004	Service	28,158
06.10.2003	Service	21,985
28.02.2003	Service	19,375
17.06.2002	Service	13,634
17.06.2002	MOT	13,634
12.06.2001	Service	Not listed