1972 Citroen DS20 Super

Lot details
Registration No: CAU863K
Chassis No: 0IFD7063
Mot Expiry: Sept 2011

The iconic Citroen DS has enjoyed countless accolades since it first saw the light of day in 1955. Classic & Sports Car named it the most beautiful car of all time following a poll of 20 of the world's most influential car designers, including Giugaro, Bracq and Fioravanti. It also came third in the Car of the Century competition of 1999. The futuristic design of its Flaminio Bertoni-penned body was a stunning sight in the austere world of the '50s, and remains so even today. The self-levelling hydropneumatic suspension was also way ahead of its time, delivering a 'magic carpet' ride that many manufacturers would be grateful for even now. It also endowed the car with good enough handling to win the Monte Carlo Rally in both 1959 and 1966, despite its relative lack of power.

The DS 20 Super on sale is an extraordinary find. It was bought new by Mr W H Whetton from Bristol Street Motors in June 1972 and used by him until he passed away some years ago; since when it has been stored in the same heated garage in which it has resided all its life. The Citroen is naturally of great sentimental value to the Whetton family and it has understandably taken some time for Mr Whetton Junior to bring himself to part with the DS; especially as he accompanied his father to the showroom when the car was first collected. An original RHD example, it is finished in White complemented by Red draylon trim. The vendor tells us that the coachwork, paintwork and interior "look near perfect for 38 years old" and the gearbox has "no faults - superb". Proudly exhibited by Mr Whetton Senior on numerous occasions, the Citroen has covered just 34,000 miles from new (a figure substantiated by its extensive history file which begins with the original sales invoice and continues via a sheaf of old MOTs and other paperwork to the present day).

MOT'd into September 2011, this time warp Citroen will surely have no problem finding a suitably deserving new home.