Fantasy Junction

Description

1972 Citroen ID21 Station Wagon

VIN – AC723572143
Exterior Color – Light Blue and White
Interior Color – Black and Grey
Engine – 2175cc 4 cylinder hemispherical-head
Transmission – 5-speed manual (rare option)
Current Miles – 77,060 miles
Owner Purchase – Purchased 2012

Highlights of this Car

-Rare 5-speed manual transmission
-Outfitted with Functional Coolaire Air Conditioning
-Steerable headlights
-Extensive Cosmetic and Mechanical Restoration

General Overview

Remarkably conceived in 1955 when Citroen commissioned sculptor and designer Flaminio Bertoni to work with aeronautical engineer Andre Lefebvre, the resultant Citroen DS went on to become one of the most influential cars of the twentieth century. Immediately celebrated by the automotive press and continuously recognized by multiple sources as one of the most beautiful cars ever built, the Citroen DS still reigns as one of the most visually impressive and mechanically advanced cars of the 20th century. The sophisticated front engine, front drive layout and futuristic looks continue to impress top collectors worldwide, particularly for examples with original features, known ownership, and distinct model variants.

In addition to a host of mechanical innovations offered in the DS21, the comfort, performance, and ride engineering were second to none. The durable 4 speed manual gearbox was the perfect companion to the 2175cc 4 cylinder hemispherical-head engine running 8.75 to 1 compression. The two-barrel Weber carburetor gave the car favorable fuel economy with surprising performance and superb highway cruising due in part to the aerodynamic shape.

History of This Car

According to the current owner, the car was purchased from the original owner in 1998 and quickly sold to a Grass Valley, CA Citroen collector who retained the car until 2012 when it was sold to the current owner. The previous owner installed the 5-speed transmission which he had imported from Europe, specifically to upgrade this car. He drove the car frequently as it was his favorite among roughly 20 Citroens he owned at that time. Under his ownership the car was repainted, which is believed to be approximately 20 years ago.

Having been under the current owner’s care for the past decade, the car was prepared sparing no-expense as a car for his wife. The owner, himself a respected vintage car enthusiast and Citroen expert, addressed all major mechanical systems including rebuilding the engine, sourcing, and installing a rare Citroen Coolaire air conditioning system, itself a rare option even without thousands spent to make it functional. Benefiting from the rare and highly desirable 5-speed manual transmission, this Citroen DS combines all the best features of these remarkably well-engineered cars with a comprehensive restoration.

During the restoration and refurbishment, the engine was removed, and all major components disassembled. The engine was rebuilt using premium Mahle pistons, new bearings, a new camshaft, new timing chain, lifters, a new fuel pump and a valve job. The brakes were overhauled, and new rotors and pads installed, and a new high volume hydraulic pressure pump for the CX model was imported from France and installed, along with a new main accumulator and all suspension spheres replaced. Additional mechanical details include the replacement of the following parts:

New speedo cable
New starter
New U-joints
New water pump
New radiator
New cooling hoses
New bell housing
New motor mounts
New exhaust heat shields

The power steering rack was rebuilt, all suspension rubber boots replaced, all grease joints repacked, and a new clutch disc and pressure plate, throw-out bearing, and flywheel bearing were installed. Completing the mechanical refurbishment, the owner sourced a complete Citroen Coolaire air conditioning system at a total cost of $18k including the impossibly rare front-mounted condensers (located behind the bumpers) as well as a new Sanden rotary compressor.

In addition to the extensive mechanical work performed on the car, the car was treated to a professional repaint performed by a top South Bay body and paint shop. The interior was redone as well including new correct seat covers, new headliner, new carpeting, and all interior vinyl trim, performed in 2021. When the car was completed, a new set of stainless-steel side panels and mud flaps were installed along with new Michelin XVS tires, and a new windshield. The car has most recently benefited from an oil and filter change 150 miles ago, performed in October 2021.

General Condition

Today this rare and beautiful Citroen DS21 Station Wagon presents in excellent condition, featuring a thoughtful balance of originality and high-quality refinishing rarely found in these models. The two-tone blue and white finish is smooth and high gloss with properly polished trim and detailing. The panel fit is excellent particularly the doors and rear hatch which typically suffer from misalignment. The expansive hood, often warped or distorted, lays very nicely on the fender edges. The rear glass, hatch, and side glass all open and close smoothly. The factory correct wheels are properly finished and shod with correct and hard to find Michelin XVS radial tires. The glass, body trim, various chrome pieces, emblems, lenses and headlight covers, with correct etched lines and nomenclature, are all in very nice condition. In addition to the cosmetic beauty of the covered lenses, the inboard headlights have the fully functional steering feature which rotates the headlights in the turned direction of the car when driving at night. Fit and finish is quite nice throughout especially considering the rarity of wagons with 5-speed and Air Conditioning, both offered on this example. The visual condition of the car is very satisfying with fantastic stance, impressive presence, working suspension, and a rare roof rack, all of which contribute to the distinct Gallic charm the DS21 offers.

The interior features a nicely finished dash with original instrumentation, detailed knobs, and switches, and rear fold-up jump seats in excellent condition. The overall impression of the interior is delightful with the combination of durable woven materials, handsome interior lighting, matching door panels, and the distinctive single hub Citroen steering wheel. The front and rear seats are in excellent condition, the headliner, visors, and all accompanying interior surfaces are further evidence of exceptional care blending originality with recently refinished materials. The audio system has been updated with a Sony CDX-CA400 stereo CD player with contemporary woofer/tweeter combination speakers installed in the stepped down entry sections for the front doors. The rear storage compartment is further enhanced by sideways seating that folds into the lower storage area. In all, the wonderfully futuristic interior is both visually delightful and comfortable for four to five adults.

Lifting the streamlined hood, the engine and engine compartment display correct and original features. The engine bay, intake plenum, Weber carburetor, all systems, and the four-cylinder engine itself have been maintained and serviced displaying finishes consistent with the 77,000 miles shown on the odometer. The undercarriage displays clean, dry surfaces, correct exhaust, suspension, and brake components, and no visible evidence of structural compromise to the unibody floor platform or suspension mounting points.

Driving this Citroen, one is immediately impressed with the exceptional ride these cars offer when mechanically prepared by marque experts. The car starts with ease, humming at idle, and offering smooth highway speeds. The optional five-speed manual gearbox is smooth and effortless and greatly appreciated over the typically found four-speed units. Handling is comfortable, easing into hard corners with responsive steering, and legendary smoothness over bumps.

Items Included with the Car

The car comes with copies of invoices from the restoration and refurbishment as well as a container of spare hydraulic fluid for the onboard hydraulic system.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608