1972 Citroen D Super 5

When the DS was unveiled at the 1955 Paris Salon, there were gasps of amazement all round-and rightly so. Looking like something that had just arrived from outer space, the DS was revolutionary in every sense, and suddenly Citroen's Traction Avant looked decidedly 'old hat'. In the first 15 minutes of the show, 743 orders were taken, and sales for that first day totaled 12,000.It pushed the boundaries in the "ride versus handling' compromise equation beyond what was thought possible in a motor vehicle. The DS was the first mass-produced car with front disc brakes that were mounted inboard on either side of the differential and was effectively a mid-engined, front-wheel drive, car. It also featured 'hydropneumatic' suspension, which included an automatic leveling system, variable ground clearance, power steering, and a semi-automatic transmission.Over its twenty years of currency, the DS appeared in a variety of body shapes with a number of different engines and transmissions, and in 1957 it was decided to produce a simplified version known as the ID19 (in French ID is pronounced "Idée"- idea). This was essentially a DS19 but without the hydraulic steering, brakes or gearbox, while the engine had a lower output and the interior was a little less luxurious.The ID was replaced by the D Spécial and D Super in 1970, but these retained the lower specification and position in the range. The D Super was soon made available with the 2175cc engine and a five-speed gearbox and named the 'D Super 5'.

This, right-hand drive, D Super 5 has been enjoyed by its two owners since 1972 and the second one has known the car from new, as the first owner was his neighbour. The Citroen was used as everyday transport until 1983, at which point it was taken off the road and put into dry storage. The second owner became the car's custodian in the mid-1990s, leaving it in storage until it was decided to reinstate the car and get it back on the road. Over the last 10 years "LTN583L" has enjoyed a comprehensive, professional restoration and during the car's preparation, they were pleased to discover that it was in particularly good condition structurally. All that was required was a replacement rear o/s wing, both front doors, sills, and the rear boot panel, and these were fitted before the car was professionally finished in sparkling white. The original engine was rebuilt, a new clutch was fitted and the original gearbox was serviced and continues to function well.

The all-important, hydraulic system was also refreshed and apparently is working perfectly. The original interior trim is tidy and undamaged, including the carpets, however, the headlining has been replaced and new seat covers fitted. The whole project has resulted in the vehicle presenting very nicely today and will reward closer inspection. According to the DVLA, this D Super 5 is one of five 1972 registered cars on the road and there are less than 20 on the road altogether, including LHD cars, making this a rare motor car.

This is a super example of an amazing design, and with all the hard work undertaken, this French 'spaceship' requires nothing else other than to be driven and enjoyed. Amusez-vous bien!