KM: 19 151 Kms
YEAR: 12/1972 (73 Model)
COLOUR: Gris nacré AC095
MODEL:
In September 1972 (model year 1973), the DS 23 replaces, with an engine displacement of 2,347 cc, the DS21. Like the outgoing version, it was available with a carburettor (115 HP, 179 km/hr) or fuel injection (130CV, 188 km/hr).
The DS 23 was delivered in either “Confort” or “Pallas” specifications, with the latter selling the most. Three types of gearbox were available:
4 speed hydraulic semi-automatic box
5 speed manual box
3 speed fully automatic box
This DS 23 is a Pallas version, with carburettor and hydraulic gearbox. It’s an export model (known as “P.O.” – Pays Outremer). In this specification, it gains 3 dust filters, on the openings for the hydraulic fluid, petrol tank, and gearbox, as well as a water thermometer on the dashboard in addition to a simple warning light. Sold new in Switzerland, this DS was equipped from the outset with white headlamps, and the directional lights being equipped with extra fuses.
Price at the time: 4,115 euros (Minimum monthly wage: 122 euros)
HISTORY:
In the 1980s, Mr Lafont had a classic car business on the boulevard Carnot in Cannes. I would often visit to admire his beautiful cars. One day, I was admiring a blue Citroen SM with only a few hundred kilometers. Mr Lafont explained to me that this car had been found unsold in Italy, from when it was new, but it was missing a blue head rest. I didn’t yet have the means to buy this gem, but I did have the correct blue headrest. I returned the following day with it in exchange for 150 Francs. He was very grateful to me.
Time passed. In 1998, he called me to give me a tip-off for the future museum: it was this DS, described as being close to new condition. It was in a dry garage in La Frette, to the north of Paris. For 7 years, I badgered the owner who never got round to actually selling it. He never allowed me to come and see the car, to the point that my friends were beginning to doubt its existence.
Finally the first meeting happened in 2005. This was a great moment, the discovery of a 30 year old but nearly new DS. This was followed by annual visits and 4 years of negotiation. Finally the owner moved house in the summer of 2009 and this allowed me to complete the business.
The first owner was a Swiss man living in our beautiful South West. He filed for bankruptcy and his property was seized. The DS was sold at auction in 1998. This is how the Parisian seller, who worked for the auctioneer, came to acquire it. He took great care of it and only covered 50 kms in 11 years.