1972 Citroën DS23

This car is offered from outside of the European Union. It has been imported under temporary admission customs bond and is therefore subject to Dutch import tax on top of the winning bid price (9% if older than 30 years). Cars less than 30 years old will pay 10% Dutch import duty plus 21% VAT on the hammer.

The winning bidder will receive a receipt for the final hammer value, as their proof of purchase.

This vehicle has been on static display for a number of years and the documented history available is limited to that displayed in our photography section.

We have not tried to start or drive the car, and cannot vouch for its mechanical viability or functionality. It will require recommissioning prior to road use and is sold ‘as seen’. Registering the car will be for the winning bidder to do.

As CARS Europe BV is the guarantor of all customs duties and taxes for vehicles within Dutch customs bond, the car cannot be released to the buyer or transporter immediately after the sale. For all enquiries relating to Customs, please contact CARS Europe BV (contact details below).

Purchases will only be released once cleared funds are received. All vehicles must be collected after the payment of funds. All storage charges must be paid in full prior to the vehicle’s collection or onward transportation.

Storage charges payment must be arranged with the storage company. Collection is strictly by appointment only.

Please send a booking email to the storage centre to ensure vehicle(s) are ready at time of collection. Photographic ID will be required at time of collection. If a third party is collecting for you, then written authorisation is required in advance from you and photographic ID of the third party is required at the time of collection. Collection either by buyer or third party is only possible for vehicles within customs bond if applicable import taxes paid are paid to import into country of bonded storage location.

As soon as the seller receives your payment, the accounts department will send a release note to the manager of the storage facility where your car(s) is stored.

CARS Europe BV will contact you just after the sale to confirm onward transport requirements. Direct contact at CARS for enquiries is as follows; Joanna Herlihy, +31 (0) 252 682 526, +44 7483 433912, joanna@carseurope.net.

STORAGE CHARGES - €30 + local VAT per motor car per day commencing from the sixth day following the auction end.

CUSTOMS CHARGES - €500 per motor car (plus applicable permanent import taxes from bond).

Built in 1973, this LHD 2.3-litre Citroën DS23ie Pallas was bought for the vendor’s collection of static display cars in 2009.

Prior to that, we know that the car was in the Netherlands.

In common with many vehicles from the vendor’s collection, the car comes with no history or service records.

We haven’t tried to drive this car and can therefore only comment on its cosmetic status.

Odometer: 15,312 km.

VIN: DSFG01FG7504

The bodywork and paintwork are very good in general, with one exception: there is a dent on the rear bumper.

Aside from that, there are very few dinks, dents or creases of any significance on the bodywork.

The blue paintwork is pretty good in most places and has retained much of its original shine and lustre.

The chrome on the trim, bumpers and hub caps has endured the passing of time with impressive resilience, although the boot handle and the over-riders on the rear bumper are pitted and tarnished.

There are a few stone chips at the front of the bonnet, on the front wings, and on the leading edges of the doors and boot.

The driver’s side front mud-guard is flopping down.

There is some apparently superficial rust visible inside the door hinges.

The interior looks wholly original, authentic and in generally good condition, aside from the presence of a lot of sandy dust.

The blue upholstery is in good order, and the seats - front and back - are supportive and comfortable.

The headlining is OK, as are carpets, mats and door cards, save for the odd scuff here and there.

The fabric at the rear of the parcel shelf is discoloured and coming away.

The steering wheel, gear selector, centre console, dashboard and instruments all look good.

We can’t make any claims about the functionality of switches, knobs, levers, toggles, buttons, dials or other electrics as we haven’t tried to start or drive the vehicle.

The boot looks to be in decent condition.

Everything in the engine bay is clean, dry and seems to be in its right and proper place.

The undersides of the car are quite hard to evaluate as the suspension is at its lowest setting – but what we can see appears to be in reasonable condition.

This car doesn’t come with any history or service records.

It must be registered in the country of your choice and you will need to contact the appropriate vehicle licensing agency for instructions on how to do this.

Any paperwork shown in the gallery is a facsimile and in no way constitutes any kind of licensing or registration certification.

This is a good example of the fastest and most luxurious variant of the iconic DS23.

There are one or two bodywork issues to contend with but, as far as we can see, the condition of this DS23ie Pallas is as you would hope to find in a car that’s covered so few kilometres.

We think it should be a highly rewarding car to own and drive - provided, of course, that the engine and mechanicals prove to be in good working order.

We’re confident to offer this car for auction with an estimate of €10,000 - €20,000.