1963 Citroën DS19

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 strikingly 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' ride quality for several years, the fundamental soundness of Citroen's ahead-of-its-time hydro-pneumatic suspension being demonstrated by its survival in present-day top-of-the-range models. Displacing 1,911cc, the DS' overhead-valve long-stroke engine delivered enough power to make it one of the most capable and comfortable cruisers for years to come.

Iconic Auctioneers are delighted to present to market this fabulous 1963 DS19, finished in the lovely combination of Blanc Carrare with a Rouge Carmin Jersey Rhovyline fabric with white leatherette interior. This DS19 was purchased in 2011 by its first UK owner, who had been searching the country looking for the best restored example he could find. After seeing several cars that failed to meet his expectations, he travelled down to Porto to see this fabulous example.

Having a reported €60,000 spent on genuine Citroën parts, plus hundreds of hours of labour, the car was purchased with no hesitation once he saw it in the metal, and such was his confidence in the car's preparation that he jumped in it and drove it 900 miles from Porto to North Yorkshire to join his private Collection. Between 2011-2019 the car had little use and wasn’t actually UK-registered until 2019 when it was sold to another private Collector in Yorkshire.

The current private owner, our vendor, purchased the car to join his Collection having been impressed with its wonderful condition. In April this year, it was sent to Grove Classics in Surrey for some routine pre-sale minor jobs and detailing, to ensure that it's ready for its next lucky owner to use and enjoy. There is a small history file accompanying the car which includes the invoices for the recent work.

It’s hard to find top-class examples of the DS19 and we’re confident that this particular example is one of the best you’ll find on the market today. It really needs to be seen in the metal to be appreciated, so we encourage all interested parties to come along to the NEC to see for themselves.