1972 Citroën DS21 EFI Pallas

• The DS Pallas is the more luxurious version of the DS
• Thought to be one of only two RHD/UK-supplied EFI Pallas' supplied to French diplomats, fitted with a fully automatic gearbox and factory A/C
• Fitted with the more powerful EFI engine; first registered in the UK on the 22/09/1972
• Wearing its original registration number MKX 884L (assigned SRC 7 between 1988-2007)
• Formerly Green but painted Bronze in 2001, whilst being restored by a Mr Lowdell
• This car has formed part of a large collection with little or no use. An element of recommissioning is to be expected to return it to the road once again

Just as it had done 21 years previously with the revolutionary 'Traction Avant', Citroen 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.

The DS 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 capacities, while other DS developments included a restyled front end, swivelling headlights, fuel injection, and a five-speed gearbox. The DS was one of the first mass-market cars to use electronic fuel injection

The car presented here is a 1972 Citroen DS21 EFI Pallas, a desirable and very rare (1 of 2 examples possibly), UK-supplied RHD car fitted with a fully automatic gearbox and factory A/C. According to the son of the restorer, a Mr Lowdell, he understands the car to be one of only a pair originally supplied to French diplomats based in the UK, who specified them with the fully automatic BorgWarner gearbox (supposedly with a different 2nd gear to allow a walking speed to be maintained smoothly, no doubt for diplomatic-style driving; this gearing was later altered to a conventional one). Mr Lowdell did used to own the car, later selling it to a Mr Cooper, who commissioned Mr Lowdell to fully restore it, taking approximately 10 years, concluding in 2001. Prior to this, the car was Green with a Green interior, with the Bronze paintwork being done by Rolls Royce.

The sought-after Pallas is the more luxurious version of the DS, easily recognised by the trim on the body panels and the more luxurious interior (carpet on the sills, optional leather seats etc.).

Restored to a high standard some 20 years ago, it has held up well with very little use and proper storage. With only four previous keepers, and being SORN'd in 2010, this lovely French icon requires some TLC to make it 'formidable' once again.

In recent years, this car has formed part of a large collection and as such has received little or no use and an element of recommissioning is to be expected to return it to the road once again. Your inspection pre-sale is welcomed and encouraged to appreciate the potential of this rarely offered motor car.