1972 CITROËN DS21 SUPER 5 ELECTRONIQUE

This Citroën DS21 Super 5 Electronique, presents as a highly original and well-documented example of the idiosyncratic French luxury saloon. Under the bonnet is a 2,175cc four-cylinder engine with electronic fuel injection, driving the front wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox with column gearshift.  The odometer reads 96,902 miles.

First registered in 1972, this DS21 Super 5 Electronique, is a rare UK-market, right-hand drive car with only eight previous registered keepers over 48 years. The current vendor has owned the car for 13 years, during which time they have spent in excess of £25,000 in maintaining and enjoying the DS (pronounced Déesse’ in French, meaning ‘Goddess’).

The DS is a landmark in 20th century automotive design and engineering.  It combined many ground-breaking features – such as directional headlights, fibreglass panelling and different front and rear track widths – into its streamlined Flaminio Bertoni-designed body and was the first mass-produced production car to feature disc brakes.

It is most famous for its hydro-pneumatic suspension system with automatic levelling and variable ground clearance, which delivered a ‘magic carpet ride’ of unrivalled smoothness. This system was also used for the power steering and braking assistance. The patent was also used under licence by Rolls-Royce for their luxury vehicles.

Now presented in gloss black paintwork, it is believed the car was originally red – and the HPI record shows a colour change on record in 1996 to black.  The fibreglass roof has signs of rust, which the seller states to have been present for over ten years.  There are small marks around the vehicle, including minor scratches and some ‘bubbling’ under the paint, most noticeably on the left-rear door, but in general it presents with a handsome patina.  The chrome around the car – including the roof strip, mirrors and front and rear bumpers – presents very well.

The elegant glass Marchal headlight lenses are free of imperfections, while the rear lights, indicator flutes and badging are damage-free.  There is a crack in the fibreglass boot lid which has affected the paint finish.  This DS21 Super 5 Electronique, retains its original Citroën steel wheels and hubcaps, which are in good condition with only the odd minor dent on the face.

Upholstered with black vinyl and red carpeted door cards, the DS’s cabin has been professionally cleaned while preserving its 1970s originality.  It is believed to have never been restored.  All switchgear is present, with minimal signs of wear, while the seats are in good order with no scratches, rips or tears to the material.

There are minor signs of corrosion under the headlining and rubber door seal.  Contact points including the gearstick and pedals are in good condition, though the wrap on the steering wheel is beginning to peel. However, there is a new steering wheel on order from Citroen Classics and it will be included in the sale. The vendor reports that there are no warning lights on the dashboard and that everything works as it should.

The seller states that the Citroën has been regularly maintained, and most of the £25,000 spend over the last 10 years or so has been in the places not immediately visible.  The brakes, suspension and spheres, engine and gearbox have all received attention to ensure the car is in excellent mechanical order.

The most recent M.O.T. Test was on 5th June 2020, which the car passed with no advisories – though due to its age, the elegant French saloon is M.O.T. Test exempt.  The wheels are fitted with Hankook K702 and Michelin XAS tyres, which have ample tread remaining.

The seller states that the car is accompanied by a large history file, including numerous invoices for parts and labour, as well as old M.O.T. Test certificates and Road Fund Licences.

Hailing from an era when Citroën was synonymous with cutting-edge luxury and design, this well-maintained DS21 Super 5 Electronique is a usable and attractive example of a landmark car.  It would make for an enjoyable weekend cruiser or a strong base for further worthy restoration, having been voted by a panel of twenty car designers, as the most beautiful car of all time for Classic and Sports Car magazine in 2009.

All cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check.  This vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.