Winning bid
£18,000

1972 Citroen DS 20

Highlights

  • Less than 5000 miles covered since restoration
  • Comprehensive restoration including body, engine, and hydraulics
  • Imported from South Africa, rust-free history
  • Registered as a historic vehicle
  • Official Citroén colour of  AC421 Bordeaux
  • Extensive list of new parts and engineering work

The Appeal

There aren't many cars that can claim to change the world - but the DS absolutely did. It was a car that revolutionised for many what a car could be, what a car could look like, and how much technology could be put into a mass-market vehicle. Even today, the appearance and swathe of features in Citroën's space-age 'Magic Carpet' is impressive. It was, after all, the first mass-produced vehicle with a hydropneumatic suspension, as well as disc brakes. In 1967, it was even the first to carry directional headlights. 

They were a global success story - everybody clamoured for those retro-futuristic curves. That includes South Africa, where many are now being exported from. South African cars, of course, are used to a hot, dry environment. The result is they're usually free of any corrosion. 
The Citroen DS 20 is an iconic model known for its futuristic design and advanced engineering, making it a favourite among classic car enthusiasts. This particular 1972 DS 20 stands out due to its comprehensive restoration and meticulous maintenance. Imported from South Africa, this car has enjoyed a rust-free existence, having spent its life far from coastal humidity and at a high altitude.
This DS 20 has been thoroughly restored, including a body and engine rebuild in South Africa and a complete hydraulics refurbishment in the UK. It's also been lightly souped up to DS 21 specifications. With less than 5000 miles on the clock since its restoration, this vehicle is in fine fettle and ready for its next chapter, adjoined by an enormous history file.

History and Paperwork

  • Registered in 1972
  • South African market example, built in Johannesburg
  • Imported to the UK in 2017 by the owner
  • Body and engine rebuild completed in South Afrca by the current owner, prior to relocation
  • Hydraulics rebuild completed in the UK
  • Original instrument cluster replaced with MPH in the UK; original KPH cluster supplied
  • Full list of replacement parts and engineering work available
  • Fuel tank refurbished with new components
  • Engine rebuilt to DS 21 specifications with numerous new parts
  • Hydraulic system completely refurbished with new and refurbished parts
  • Drive train and braking system refurbished with new parts
  • Annual service performed since restoration, including LHM and anti-freeze replacement
  • Registered as a historic vehicle
  • Indicates 04,228 miles, reflecting a partial post-restoration mileage
  • Adjoined with plenty of invoices and the V5c document

The Condition

  • Body subjected to a bare metal respray using Sandoz 2K paint 
  • Official Citroén colour of AC421 Bordeaux
  • Paintwork is all in good order
  • One small imperfection on the offside front wheel arch
  • New parts fitted to the body, including door handles, indicators, rubbers, and seals
  • Brightwork and trims all in good order
  • Glasswork and lenses in fine condition
  • Underbody treated with bitumen spray, with minor peeling in some areas
  • Seats reupholstered in black leather
  • New marine ply door cards covered in faux leather
  • Steering wheel recovered in black leather
  • Smith's voltmeter and heater/oil pressure gauges installed in the dashboard
  • New heater matrix fitted
  • SD card-driven amplifier installed under the parcel shelf
  • Garage parked since restoration, seldom used in the rain

The Mechanics

  • 2,175cc 4-cylinder powerplant, upgraded from the original DS 20 spec
  • Manual transmission with 5 gears
  • Engine rebuilt to DS 21 specifications with:
    • New DS21 barrels and pistons
    • Timing chain
    • Valve guides
    • ...And more!
  • Hydraulic system refurbished with new and refurbished parts, including:
    • Hydraulic pump
    • Suspension cylinders
    • And steering rack
    • Brake Control Module
  • Drive train and braking system refurbished with:
    • New track rods
    • Ball joints
    • CV joint driveshafts
    • ...And more!
  • Huco electric “suction” fuel pump fitted for priming
  • 123 Electronic Ignition
  • Welded spheres fitted, with originals supplied
  • The vendor reports that the car is in fine working order with faults to note
  • Hydraulic system refurbished
  • 60-second hydraulic pump cycle time on idle


BEFORE YOU BUY 
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following: 
The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions.. 
We request that a non-refundable fee  be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates. 
This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind. 
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing. 
We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence. 
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own  full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle. 
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection 
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand.. If requested, we may refer you to a third-party shipping company who can help. For more details and to speak to the team, email [email protected] 
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Auction Details

  • Year1972
  • MakeCitroen
  • ModelDS
  • ColourDark red
  • Odometer4,421 Miles
  • Engine size2175cc
  • Seller TypePrivate
  • TownOkehampton
  • CountyDevon
  • CountryUnited Kingdom
  • Auction ends

Bidding history

12 Bids from 6 bidders

davidfa••••
Bid
£18,000
10/09/24
Kampala••••
Bid
£17,000
09/09/24
geoffre••••
Bid
£16,500
09/09/24
PKelley••••
Bid
£15,000
09/09/24
Kampala••••
Bid
£14,500
09/09/24
geoffre••••
Bid
£14,000
09/09/24
Kampala••••
Bid
£13,500
04/09/24
DPL••••
Bid
£12,500
03/09/24
Kampala••••
Bid
£12,000
03/09/24
davidfa••••
Bid
£11,750
03/09/24

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