Fantasy Junction

Description

1972 Citroen DS21 Sedan

VIN – AC724658194
Exterior Color – Blue
Interior Color – Brown Leather
Engine – 2175cc 4 cylinder hemispherical-head
Transmission – 4-Speed Semi-Automatic
Current Miles – 36,009 miles (TMU)
Owner Purchase – Purchased October 2022
Miles since purchase – 8 miles

Highlights of this Car

- Desirable steerable headlights, Pallas upgrades, air conditioning, and rare rear heater
- Formerly owned by rock star and Citroen collector Jane Child

General Overview

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 2175cc 4 cylinder hemispherical-head engine running 8.75 to 1 compression with two-barrel Weber carburetor and 4-speed semi-automatic transmission 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 written notes offered by the proprietor of Citroen Classics of America, San Diego, CA where this car was mechanically restored, this US delivery standard DS21 was originally finished in baby blue with cloth interior, optioned with factory air conditioning, and delivered to North America. Though documentation of early ownership is currently not known, when this DS21 arrived at Citroen Classics in May 2001, it was inspected, electrical wiring was repaired and a major service was performed for the owner, Jane Child, a prominent rock musician. Child, who is also known to be a Citroen collector and enthusiast, wrote one of her songs titled “DS21” in tribute to her love for these cars. Child bought her first DS21 immediately after signing her first record deal with Warner Brothers Records at the start of her career.

Jane Child continued ownership of this car until it returned to the shop in 2013 after it had been in long-term storage. After being stored, the car needed to be recommissioned including refurbishing the fuel system and overhauling the cylinder head. At that point, Citroen Classics purchased the car from Child and elected to perform more extensive mechanical restoration. They removed the engine and transmission, rebuilt the cylinder head, serviced the clutch, cleaned and serviced the engine accessories, replaced the rear timing chain, and refurbished the suspension and brakes. While the car was being completed, a client in Canada inquired about purchasing the car and requested functional air conditioning. As the proprietors of Citroen Classics had done for Jay Leno’s Citroen, a new AC electrical system (developed by Citroen Classics) was installed to ensure more reliable air conditioning.

The owner had the car shipped to Canada in late 2013 where it was refinished with a darker blue exterior color and the interior refinished using a first-generation leather reproduction kit, similar to the original type offered in the Pallas, reproduced as an upgrade to cloth interior. In addition to the new paint and interior, European steerable headlights and glass covers were also fitted, though US marker lights were retained. As Citroen experts have concurred, this is a standard US imported DS21 Citromatic (final year of US import) which has been fitted with Pallas beltline moldings, leather interior, and B and C pillar covers used on Pallas models. A new battery was installed in October 2023 and a recent oil and filter change performed in preparation for sale.

This Citroen was previously offered on BringaTrailer in November 2022 https://bringatrailer.com/list...

General Condition

Today this rare and beautiful Citroen DS21 presents in excellent condition, featuring a thoughtful balance of high-quality refinishing rarely found in these models. The blue finish is smooth and high gloss with properly polished trim and detailing, nicely accented by the updated Pallas trim. The panel fit is generally good throughout including the doors and trunk lid. The expansive hood, often misfit, has good fit to the front fender edges. The painted wheels and polished wheel covers are properly finished and shod with three Michelin XZX 165 SR15 (rear) radial tires and one Vredestein front tire. The glass, body trim, various chrome pieces, emblems, lenses, and glass headlight covers are all in very nice condition. In addition to the cosmetic beauty of the covered lenses, the inboard headlights retain the functional steering feature which rotates the headlights in the turned direction of the car – a helpful night driving feature. The visual condition of the car is very satisfying with impressive adjustable ride height, nicely finished features, and futuristic styling, all of which contribute to the distinct Gallic charm of this series.

The interior features a nicely finished dash with original instrumentation, detailed knobs, and switches, and upgraded leather seating. The overall impression of the interior is very satisfying, with handsome accents, 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 well presented including the carpeting and various chrome trim. The factory air conditioning is in place and functions properly supplying cold air to the passenger compartment. Of note, the car is also outfitted with a rare secondary heater, mounted in the trunk and through the rear parcel shelf. 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, all systems, and the four-cylinder engine itself have been maintained and serviced displaying finishes consistent with factory cars of this period. The undercarriage is generally clean, has 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 properly prepared. The car starts with ease, humming at idle, and offering smooth highway speeds. The optional Citromatic transmission is smooth and effortless, enjoyably so when cruising at highway speeds. Handling is comfortable, easing into hard corners with responsive steering, and legendary smoothness over bumps.

Items Included with the Car

The car comes with written notations from the restoration shop, reference photos showing selected restoration work, assorted filters, a cool key fob, and a spare bottle of hydraulic fluid.

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.

Inquire About This Car

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