One-off Citroen DS 4-door convertible on offer
Custom-built Citroen could be an affordable alternative to a factory drophead.
In 1955, Citroen launched a car that to this day, remains one of the most quirky and unconventional designs that we've seen. But there was method to the French manufacturers madness.
The Citroen DS was powered by a small capacity four-cylinder, but thanks to its streamlined aerodynamics, the car accelerated adequately and had a respectable cruising speed despite its modest power output.
What was most impressive was the car's unparalleled ride and road holding due to its advanced hydro-pneumatic self-levelling suspension system, with hydraulics also controlling the brakes, clutch, power steering and transmission.
The Citroen DS stayed in production for two decades, with new models added to the range throughout its lifespan. Nearly 1.5 million were built and some were assembled locally. In 1959 a convertible model was released, known as the Decapotable, prices for which have risen exponentially over recent years.
For most of us, a fair dinkum Decaptoable is way out of reach, but a similar experience may be available at the Shannons Summer Classic Auction this year.
Enter Lot 12, a heavily-modified 1974 Citroen DS23 Pallas. This one-of-a-kind DS has been transformed to full convertible specification. Unlike the Decapotables however, this car retains its four doors.
Its clear that the conversion took a whole lot more than just cutting off the roof, with custom features found all over, and one-off bodywork accentuating the DS23s bold lines.
The car has been owned by a French car collector and enthusiast for over 15 years, but the project was just finished three years ago. Supplied with a workshop manual and engineers certificate, the car will be sold unregistered and at no reserve. Shannons estimates it at $28-34,000.
In 1955, Citroen launched a car that to this day, remains one of the most quirky and unconventional designs that weve seen. But there was method to the French manufacturers madness.
The Citroen DS was powered by a small capacity four-cylinder, but thanks to its streamlined aerodynamics, the car accelerated adequately and had a respectable cruising speed despite its modest power output.
What was most impressive was the cars unparalleled ride and road holding due to its advanced hydro-pneumatic self-levelling suspension system, with hydraulics also controlling the brakes, clutch, power steering and transmission.
The Citroen DS stayed in production for two decades, with new models added to the range throughout its lifespan. In 1959 a convertible model was released, known as the Decaptoable, prices for which have risen exponentially over recent years.
For most of us, a fair dinkum Decaptoable is way out of reach, but a similar experience may be available at the Shannons Summer Classic Auction this year.
Enter lot 12, a heavily modified 1974 Citroen DS23 Pallas. This one-of-a-kind DS has been transformed to full convertible specification. Unlike the Decapotables however, this car retains its four doors.
I'ts clear that the conversion took a whole lot more than just cutting off the roof, with custom features found all over, and one-off bodywork accentuating the DS23s bold lines.
The car has been owned by a French car collector and enthusiast for over 15 years, and the project was just finished three years ago. Supplied with a workshop manual and engineers certificate, the car will be sold unregistered and at no reserve. Shannons estimates it at $28-34,000.
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