Description
The Citroen DS revolutionised the car industry and justifiably earned the title of 'The Car of the Twentieth Century'. It is the only motor car exhibited in the Louvre as a work of art. On its launch in 1955 the car was an absolute sensation. The new DS (meaning goddess in French), which replaced the extraordinary and innovative 'Traction Avant' literally stopped people in their tracks when unveiled at the Grand Palais des Expositions in Paris. Quite simply, it was a revelation. Italian sculptor and industrial designer Flaminio Bertoni and the French aeronautical engineer André Lefèbvre styled and engineered the car. Paul Magès developed the silky-sooth hydropneumatic self-levelling suspension which gave this unique car a magic-carpet ride - like floating on air. This was the system Rolls-Royce adopted for the 'Best car in the world' almost two decades later.
This rare, original semi-automatic RHD Citroen Pallas features the ‘wave' dashboard which was only available for 12 months and was first registered in Singapore before being registered in Auckland, New Zealand when three years old in 1972. The car changed hands in 1973 and then stayed within the same family for 36 years between two brothers. It was overhauled and restored in 1991 to include an engine rebuild and in in 2005 the car was at Cornwall Park in Aukland for the start of the DS 50th Birthday tour and then in Napier for the celebrations. In 2011 the DS left New Zealand for Australia and a file of invoices show the car was overhauled with re-conditioned suspension spheres, brake accumulator sphere, re-cored radiator, various new hoses, new headlamp boxes, new windscreen and a long list of detailed other items renewed and re-furbished to keep the DS in sharp, lovely condition.
Imported from Australia in 2015, this excellent driving, high quality example has been in a North East car collection for the past five years and recent expenditure includes re-conditioned hydraulic suspension spheres, stainless steel exhaust system with ceramic coated manifold, new steering rack, engine mounts and rebuilt stater motor. Ideal for regular use, rallies, shows and events, this is a fabulous driving example and it presents superbly with excellent bodywork, smart very well presented paintwork and delightful, beautifully aged leather original leather upholstery. XAU 572G is a fabulous example and has clearly been exceptionally well maintained all the way through its life, testament to this being the original leather upholstery. The dry climate has certainly helped preserve this structurally excellent car that is totally on the button and ready to use and enjoy.
