1971 Citroën DS21 Pallas

This 1972 Citroen DS21 Pallas is a French-market Series 3 example with the famous directional headlights and upmarket leather interior.

At one point it appears to have been based in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region of south west France, before making its way to UK shores.

It was registered here in the UK on the 6th August 2007 and it has been here ever since.

We are actually very familiar with this DS21 as it was originally sold by us in June last year. We are delighted to have been given the opportunity to find a new home for this striking Goddess.

The DS21 presents in a striking noir colour scheme with a cream roof. Originally the roof would have also been black, but the current owner decided to paint it cream and we think this colour combination works very well.

The black paint polishes up very well and has a nice shine to it. Up close there are imperfections here and there, with some nicks, scratches and minor dings visible. It is 51 years old after all, but importantly the body panels look straight and the doors open and close with a satisfying thud.

There is a small dent in the rear bumper and there is some damage to the edges of the stainless door trims, but they are present and intact.

The thin rubber edges of the door mirror surrounds have started to perish and break and some of the rubber window seals are starting to show their age. There is a slight bit of damage to a corner of one of the rear rubber bumper over-riders.

However none of these imperfections detract from what is a very good looking car that wears its age and patina well. It can easily be used and enjoyed whilst ticking off a few jobs along the way.

The interior of the DS 21 is in nice condition, especially the extra-luxurious black leather seats. As expected, they are incredibly comfortable and in very nice shape, with only minor signs of wear.

The carpets are all present and in good condition and they too feel very comfortable underfoot.

The dashboard is clean and shows the level of wear and ageing you’d expect with a 51 year old classic.

One item that could do with being rectified is the trim panel for the hazard warning light and fan switch. A piece of plastic has broken off and the panel is held in by a screw and washer. It should be possible to source a replacement panel from a specialist.

The current owner states that a modern stereo, which can be seen in the boot, was installed by the previous owner. It is controlled via the remote on the dash, however the battery has died in the remote so it needs replacing.

When the DS was on sale with us last year it was noted that the headliner was sagging. The current owner has temporarily glued it back in place so it no longer drops, but it would ideally benefit from being renewed.

Some of the interior door handles are showing their age with tarnishing and flaking to the chrome finish and some of the door card trim bars are loose and could do with being replaced.

Again, just like on the outside, the interior of the DS21 has a lot of character and is perfectly usable as an everyday classic. Taking care of some of the above mentioned jobs would really take the interior to the next level.

Under the bonnet resides the 2,175cc engine which is mated to the 4 speed semi-automatic gearbox. The engine bay itself is in clean condition and everything appears to be present and correct.

The car's odometer currently reads 46,567km, so it has covered just 292 miles since we sold it last year.

The current owner works in the trade and has had the car serviced, with new plugs fitted at his garage.

The car's history file also shows works carried out in 2007 with Citroen specialist Andrew Brodie Engineering in North West London. In September 2007 the Citroen’s four suspension spheres were replaced along with new fresh air ducts, a replacement sun visor, a new bonnet and boot lining, a new starter relay, and a replacement windscreen wiper arm. The JVC sound system was also installed at this time.

Numerous other works were carried out by the previous owner over the years. These included a new battery in 2008 and in 2012 an uprated 70amp alternator was fitted. In 2016 an electric fuel pump was installed and in 2017 a new clutch and front brake discs were fitted. Then in 2021 a new radiator was installed and the car also received an oil change.

The Citroen started and moved easily during the photo shoot and the suspension rose and lowered, which can be viewed in the accompanying video of the car.

The owner states it drives very well and it literally soaks up all the bumps, and they confirm it is a real head-turner and has drawn a lot of admiration out on the road and at local car shows.

There is not much history on file from the Citroen's early days in its homeland, with the exception of a registration certificate which notes it was based in South West France.

On hand is the letter from the DVLA confirming its registration in the UK in August 2007.

Also in the history file are a selection of invoices from 2007 onwards showing the works carried out by Citroen specialists.

The Citroen DS21 also benefits from having a current MOT Certificate with no advisories, which is valid until 28th October 2023. There are also a number of expired MOT certificates included in the history file and 1 set of keys.

This 1972 Citroen DS21 Pallas is a work of art on wheels, one that looks sensational both on the move and when standing still. Its hydropneumatic suspension is still a technical marvel today, as is this Series 3 model's directional headlights. It is hard to imagine that this tech was introduced over 50 years ago. And then there’s this example's Pallas specification, which makes it even more luxurious and desirable. This noir DS21 Pallas is ready to be used and enjoyed by its next owner and can easily be improved as you go along. We are confident to offer it for sale with an estimate of £15,000-£20,000.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located with us at The Market HQ near Abingdon; we are open weekdays 9am-5pm, to arrange an appointment please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.