Highlights

• Only surviving example of the 6 DS models entered by Citroën's racing department
• Genuine DS 21 prepared for the 1970 London-Mexico rally
• Driven by Bob Neyret and Jacques Terramorsi before an engine failure in La Paz
• Restored by enthusiasts in 2017 with the intention of finishing the rally
• Completed the rally with official recognition in 2018
• Remarkably low mileage of just 32,111 kilometres

The most

In 1970, a rally was as much about reliability as it was about performance. These events were both feared and fantasised about, and none more so than the World Cups organised by the Daily Mirror. Organised by Wylton Dickson and Paddy Hopkirk, these rallies began in London - usually at Wembley - and ended in the host city of the FIFA World Cup. For 1970, the destination was Mexico City - a journey of 16,000 miles (25,700 km) in 23 stages.

The event was a huge success - 96 crews took part, many of them supported by car manufacturers. Citroën wasn't quite as enthusiastic as Morris or Triumph, but did provide some support and investment for the seven DS21s entered. After all, with their impressive suspension, smooth floor and excellent handling, they were absolutely superb rally cars.

This one, No.12, was entered in the rally and driven by Bob Neyret and Jacques Terramorsi, and proved to be beyond reproach. Arriving in Bolivia, the pair were in an incredible 6th place and looked set to maintain that position all the way to Mexico City. Unfortunately, in La Paz, the car suffered an engine failure.

To ensure reliability, most of the World Cup participants kept a standard engine - so Citroën decided there was no reason to bring the car back to France. As a result, it was abandoned in Bolivia, purchased by the son of Citroën's main importer in the country.

The car was miraculously rediscovered in 2005 by a European enthusiast - and finally repatriated in 2017, after which the owner undertook a restoration. As a fitting finale to the vehicle's remarkable career, this owner and his friends finally completed the rally - reaching the final stage of the 1970 event, the Estadio Azteca, in 2018. The car thus completed a remarkable 48-year journey: a truly unique story. The event was so significant that it received an official welcome.

In short, it was an absolutely remarkable opportunity - a fully accredited rally car, rich in history, and one that, whatever the cost, managed to complete its journey. With a remarkably low mileage of just 32,111 km, the car is resplendent in its rally livery, with reconditioned mechanicals and a fascinating historical record.

You won't find another opportunity like this - and in our opinion, it's possibly one of the coolest cars ever presented at Car & Classic. Don't let it pass you by!

History and Documents

• Registered in 1970
• Prepared by Citroën's racing department for the London-Mexico rally
• The car left London for the route on 19 April 1970
• Unfortunately, the car failed in Bolivia and was abandoned
• As luck would have it, Bob and Jacques were taken in by the Midol family, Citroën importers in Bolivia.
• This family bought the faulty DS21 and kept it, albeit in a dilapidated state.
• The car was discovered in the summer of 2005 by an enthusiast, André Midol.
• He negotiated the purchase of the car and restored it with a friend, Jacky Chevillon.
• The car then resumed its journey in 2017
• The crew received a certificate of passage from the President of the Touring Club of Peru
• The car was stored in Bogota, Colombia, for the winter
• Finally, the 'grand finish' event was organised for early April at the Azteca Stadium
• On Easter morning in March 2018 in Puebla, Mexico, 150 km from the finish, the Citroën Club of Mexico organised a parade of 6 DS - a symbolic achievement for each of the models that took part in the rally
• On 3 April 2018, the car finally finished its journey at the Azteca Stadium - bringing 48 years of history to a close.
• The car is now registered in France with a "carte grise".
• The serial numbers are declared as corresponding
• In 2019, the car won the 'sportiest car' award at the Citroën Centenary in La Ferté-Vidame.
• It was also presented on the Aventure Peugeot Citroën and DS stand at the 2020 Classic Days in Magny-Cours.
• The car was then welcomed to the Gaydon National Museum on 1 May 2022 for the 50 + 2 years of the 1970 World Cup rally.

• A commemorative issue of Citroscope magazine
• The original minutes negotiating the sale of the car
• The 'Pasaporte de Participants' from 1970
• Other Bolivian correspondence
• A delivery note in transit from 1970

The State

• The body was restored and fully repainted in 2017
• It is in good condition with some minor signs of use
• The car is complete with rally stickers and decals
• We note the rally lamps
• Everything looks solid and well presented
• The underside shows only slight signs of corrosion
• Inside, the car is very well maintained
• Seats are free from tears
• Floors look solid and clean
• The dashboard is well presented with light patina consistent with age
• The rear seat is missing - it was removed to fit an additional fuel tank - this tank is no longer present
• The boot is clean and well maintained

Revisiting the aesthetics of a DS can take forever. The intricacies and appealing curves of the car's atomic-age styling are its ultimate asset - the vehicle looked futuristic from the moment it left the factory in 1955 and remains a remarkable model to this day.

This particular example was restored from an abandoned state in 2017 - and the result is fabulous. It's back in its blue racing livery, dotted with stickers and decals, with period equipment fitted. It's a solid, clean and well-maintained example, loaded with character, and even if the car wasn't such a historic rally example, it would be an absolutely magnificent vehicle worthy of attention.

The Mechanics

• 2175cc four-cylinder engine
• 4-speed manual transmission
• The car was entered as a standard mechanical vehicle
• Reconditioned and restored in 2017
• The car is in good working order and shows no signs of mechanical problems

Rallies such as this required mechanically standard vehicles, with the exception of extra fuel tanks, crankcase guards and the like to increase range and reliability. As a result, the DS21 presented today is mechanically standard and still runs like a factory car. This will no doubt reassure any future owner, as parts are plentiful and there will be few surprises under the bonnet.

The restoration is still clearly visible - the car runs well, with no defects or faults reported by the seller. From what we can see, this excellent example is ready to drive - although whether you choose to drive it or keep it as a showpiece depends on your personal taste!

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