Grab a ‘Goddess’

Playing a starring role in the sale of a 1972 Citroen DS 21 from the latest series of Salvage Hunters: Classic Cars, leading specialist vehicle online auction platform Car & Classic has been entrusted with offering the recently restored Citroen DS 21 for seven-day auction via Car & Classic on the 11th of February.

Having just appeared in Quest’s popular Salvage Hunters: Classic Cars programme, which is currently on its fifth series, viewed by over 500,000 people around the world, this fully restored 1972 Citroen DS is now offered by Car & Classic on its popular online auction platform. It’s also the first Salvage Hunters: Classic Cars project car to be auctioned online.

With data suggesting just over 100* Citroen DS 21s remain on the roads in the UK, this French import example for auction is rare in its own right, let alone after a painstaking and famous restoration overseen by classic car enthusiasts and co-presenters Paul Cowland and Drew Pritchard, drawing on the expertise of a team of UK-based specialists.

The restoration of the Citroen DS 21 started with leading marque specialist DS Workshop, who carried a major mechanical overhaul and also completed refurbishment works on the body and of course, that all important hydropneumatic suspension. With the mechanical work completed, the car was then repainted and re-trimmed before its big reveal on the TV show, appearing on episode one of the latest series.

Underneath the chassis received attention before being sealed to preserve the car for years to come. Outside the DS 21 was refreshed, swapping components and panels that were past their best. Once complete and rust-free, presenters Paul and Drew finished the car in a traditional Citroen shade of Brun Scarabee metallic with a subtle but contrasting Gris Palladium on the roof. Costing over four figures to paint the car alone, the quality and attention to detail is noted by the production team and Car & Classic auction consignment editor, who states the inner parts, like pillars, shuts and under the bonnet have all been painted to the same standard as the outside. This contrasts with many TV project cars that receive scant attention to meet the strict budget and time constraints a filming schedule demands. However, in an effort to set themselves apart from other shows, Salvage Hunters: Classic Cars commits considerable time investment to set its project cars apart.

“We’re really excited to be offering this gorgeous DS via our auction platform. There’s no TV magic here – the guys that have done the restoration on this really have spared no expense. If you’re after, or have always toyed with the notion of a DS, this is the one. The paint is flawless, the interior almost like new. Nothing has been missed – this is an example of how a restoration should be done. And being a TV star, you get extra kudos when you take it out to car shows and the like. It’s just a wonderful machine. If I could, I would!” said Chris Pollitt, Head of Editorial of Car & Classic.

Giving the interior a complete refresh and update from its original threadbare condition, Salvage Hunters: Classic Cars upgraded its DS 21 to a largely Pallas specification inside including the popular and comfortable seats. Modernisation was also on the cards for the restoration and this particular DS 21 now has convenience features to make the car more practical to use, such as DAB and Bluetooth, all activated via original buttons. The upgraded music system is linked to the new loudspeaker to complement the stereo at the back of the car.

In line with the extensive overhaul, the mechanical element has also been recommissioned. The 2.1-litre engine has been checked, fully serviced and cleaned, the column-mounted five-speed manual transmission inspected, and the brakes refurbished alongside a new set of tyres.

With just over 100* Citroen DS 21s on the road, the famous and no expense spared restoration and enthusiast upgrades, alongside the low mileage (indicated 47,924 km) and ownership status, this particular example is offered via Car & Classic on 11^th February for seven-day auction with a guide price of £24,000 – £28,000.

 

* Data from Cazana