Just as it had done 21 years previously with the revolutionary 'Traction Avant', Citroën stunned the world again in 1955 with the launch of the futuristically styled 'DS'. Beneath the shark-like newcomer's aerodynamically efficient, low-drag bodyshell there was all-independent, self-levelling, hydro-pneumatic suspension; plus power-operated brakes, clutch and steering. No European car would match the DS's ride quality for several years, the fundamental soundness of Citroën's ahead-of-its-time hydro-pneumatic suspension being demonstrated by its survival in its present-day top-of-the-range models. The DS's original 1,911cc, overhead-valve, long-stroke engine was replaced in 1966 by a short-stroke 1,985cc unit, also available in 2,175cc and 2,347cc versions, while other DS developments included swivelling headlights, fuel injection and a five-speed gearbox. By the time production ceased in April 1975, more than 1.3 million of these wonderfully idiosyncratic cars had been built.
Built to top-of-the-range Pallas specification, this fuel-injected, 2.3-litre DS23 has the desirable C-Matic (semi-automatic) transmission. The car was comprehensively restored in 2011 when the body was treated to a bare metal re-spray, the engine rebuilt and the running gear overhauled with new suspension parts. Finished in Brun Scarabée (brown metallic) with tobacco coloured Jersey trim, the DS has covered only some 1,800 kilometres since restoration. The car comes with a photographic record of the restoration and French Carte Grise.

Cette DS 23 aux spécifications Pallas, haut de gamme de la série D, à moteur à injection, est équipée de la rare boîte C-Matic semi-automatique. Totalement restaurée en 2011 avec mise à nu de la coque, réfection du moteur et trains refaits avec des pièces de suspension neuves, elle n'a couvert depuis que 1,800 km. Peinte en Brun Scarabée (brun métallisé) avec intérieur en jersey tabac, avec le dossier de photos de sa restauration et sa carte grise française.