If you were going to list the Top 5 most significant cars since the dawn of automotivedom, what would you expect to see? Ford Model T, Volkswagen Beetle, Mercedes Gullwing and, dare I say, the Toyota Prius? Our Pick of the Day is the fifth on this controversial list, a car so revolutionary in design and engineering that its antiquated engine could not drag it down. This 1971 Citroën DS 21 Pallas is listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Trois-Rivières, Québec, Canada.
Let’s go down the list to see why the Citroën DS could be considered one of the Top 5 most significant cars ever.
Design
In 1955, the year when it seemed automotive style found its mojo like never before, the DS looked like it came from outer space. Its aerodynamic shape was the antithesis of anything coming from any major automotive market, yet it still was graced with Atomic Age trappings that made the original design unmistakably 1950s. The DS’s design offered a Cd in the mid-30s, something that wouldn’t be surpassed by industry standards for almost 30 years.
Engineering
The hydropneumatic system controlled the suspension, steering, clutch, and brakes. Though complicated to a fault, the system offered an unparalleled ride, self-leveling ability, and sharp handling. Driving a DS for the first time was a jarring experience but, once a driver was used to the system, going back to convention felt like a downgrade. And then there was that front wheel-drive system, though not very remarkable considering Citroën had been building FWD cars for over 20 years.
Safety
A semi-monocoque platform, working in conjunction with the suspension famously allowed a tire to be changed without a jack. The car also had the ability to be driven with a flat tire. Starting with a heavy facelift for 1968, the inboard headlights swiveled with the steering, directing light where a driver aimed the vehicle. Power disc brakes were standard as well.
The downside to the DS was its four-cylinder engine. Initially, an air-cooled flat-six was planned, but the idea was discontinued due to several considerations including cost. The inaugural 1.9-liter four featured hemispherical heads, but it also gave a top speed of 90 mph—certainly not performance on par with its caliber. Certainly, the aerodynamic design allowed the four to get to speed better than it had a right to—especially with fuel-injected 2.1- and 2.3-liter versions. Perhaps for Europe it was adequate, but American driving conditions demanded more.
The DS, as well as the subsequent downmarket ID, was produced through 1975, upon which it was replaced by the CX—also unusual, but not splashing in the same manner as the DS did 20 years earlier.
Our Picks of the Day generally catch our eye for a certain style, rarity, or what-not but, for this 1971 Citroën DS 21 Pallas, the story behind it is what has caught our attention—here’s it is from the original owner and seller: “In April 1971, following my visit to the Montreal International Car Show where I had the chance to sit in a Citroën DS and experience its remarkable comfort, I made a decision the next morning, April 14, 1971, to visit the Montreal Citroën dealer on Saint-Catherine Street in downtown Montreal. In the showroom that day, there were only two DS Pallas models on display: one black and one red. I immediately approached the black DS Pallas, but unfortunately, the salesman informed me that it had just been sold to a well-known French-Canadian singer. The only remaining 1971 Pallas with directional headlights was the red one. The newer 1972 models had just arrived, but these no longer featured directional headlights as Citroën had adhered to American standards for these models. Therefore, on April 14, 1971, 53 years ago, I purchased my DS Pallas in red. A few years later, the red color faded somewhat due to sun exposure, prompting me to have it repainted in black. Knowing that Citroën had ceased exporting cars to America that year, I decided to use my DS only during the summer season. Recognizing its uniqueness, I later stored the car and reserved it solely for special events. This explains why the car remains in its distinctive condition today. You can see for yourself.”
As this version is a Pallas, it features the most sumptuous interior among all DSs. Features include a four-speed semi-automatic transaxle, AM/FM radio, and comprehensive service records dating back to 1971, among other things. The engine and transmission were overhauled in November 2023. Interest piqued? You should reach out to the seller and discuss the $70,000 (OBO) asking price.
Click here to view this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com
