Description
Citroën DS 23 Pallas | 1973
Highlights:
– Restored, including hydraulics, chassis, engine and body
– Original Palladium Grey with black roof (Standox paint)
– Matching original leather interior and trim
– Rare DS 23 Pallas with 5-speed manual gearbox
The seller offers for sale this 1973 Citroën DS 23 Pallas, finished in its original Palladium Grey (AC108) with a contrasting black roof. This flagship variant of the legendary DS series is powered by a 2.3-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine paired with a manual gearbox. The car has undergone a full restoration after being stored for years in a dry garage. Restoration included the hydraulic system, engine, chassis, bodywork and interior trim. The seller provides extensive photo documentation and invoices for the work performed.
The restoration was completed to a high standard, with attention to originality and correct specification. The paint finish is smooth and even, applied in Standox varnish over the original colour scheme. Body panels appear straight. The car retains its factory-fitted movable headlight system and comes with factory-installed front disc brakes and power-assisted steering.
The interior is finished in original leather and trim. It includes roof lining, door panels, and boot trim that match period specification. The seats are complete and correctly padded, dashboard controls are intact, and instrumentation appears functional. The overall feel of the interior remains faithful to the original luxury intent of the Pallas trim.
Mechanically, the car is reported to be in good condition. The DS retains its famous hydropneumatic suspension, which has also been serviced.
The Citroën DS was introduced in 1955 and immediately became a design and engineering icon. At a time when most cars were still conservative in form and function, the DS stunned the world with its futuristic shape, advanced technology, and comfort-oriented engineering. The DS featured hydropneumatic suspension, front disc brakes (a world first), and variable height ride control.
The DS 23 was introduced in 1972 as the most powerful and refined model in the series. The 2.3-litre engine, particularly when fitted with a 5-speed gearbox, offered better acceleration and cruising capability than earlier versions. The Pallas specification added luxurious materials, additional soundproofing, and upgraded trim. It was aimed at professional drivers, government officials and clients who wanted a premium experience in a French saloon.
The DS was praised for its ride comfort and cornering stability, thanks to its self-levelling suspension and front-wheel drive layout. Despite being complex, its engineering aged well when maintained correctly. Restored DS 23 models have become desirable collector cars, appreciated for their unique mix of innovation and elegance.
Today, well-restored examples like this one are sought after not only for their rarity but for the way they stand apart from nearly every other classic saloon. With originality preserved, modern repaint and restored hydraulics, this example represents the DS 23 at its most usable and collectable.
Condition of the Bodywork and Paint
4. Very Good: Small dents or scratches; may require minimal bodywork or paint correction.
Condition of the Interior
4. Very Good: Clean with minimal wear; may need minor replacements for small missing or broken parts.
Technical Condition
4. Very Good: Mechanically solid, with possible minor maintenance required.
Overall Condition
4. Very Good Condition: Shows only minimal wear and is ready to drive at any time.
This item is sold on an as-is basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and descriptions of the listing are for information purposes only.
We encourage all potential bidders to inspect the vehicle before placing a bid. Please contact us by phone or email to schedule an appointment.
All auction cars offered have a reserve price. You have only won the item if the seller accepts your bid.
Price changes and errors reserved. The 14-day right of withdrawal does not apply to this auction.
This car is currently located in Gelderland, the Netherlands.
This car drives, brakes and shifts.
The car has a Dutch registration. The buyer is responsible for registration in his own country and responsible for delivery and collection of any vehicle purchased at the auction.
The description of this car is, to the best of the seller’s knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Route 66 Auctions requests a range of detail about the car from the seller and performs a level of due diligence. However, potential buyers must independently satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description. We strongly advise potential buyers to view or arrange inspections as well as conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to bid or buy.
Please note that it is not uncommon for classic or collectible cars to have received cosmetic repairs in the past, to rectify damage or refresh appearance, and this work may be hard to see even upon visual inspection. Unless there is an explicit statement by the seller to the contrary, please assume that any vehicle could have had bodywork or paintwork. Photographs may not reflect the exact true colour or exact full condition of the vehicle. It is a bidder’s responsibility to assure themselves of the colour and condition of a vehicle, including its interior and the existence of any remedial bodywork or paintwork, before committing to bid or buy.
