by Mike –
Here is my pick for the classic car for sale today that I would like to own. I admit that I have never seen one of these in person but it sure looks like elegant fun.
1966 Citroën DS 21 Decapotable
This Citroën is to be auctioned at the Gooding auction in Arizona in January.
Gooding says:
139 hp, 2,175 cc OHV four-cylinder engine with Weber two-barrel carburetor, three-speed automatic transmission, front and rear independent, adjustable, and self-leveling suspension by hydraulic pump and nitrogen spheres, and hydraulic front disc and rear drum brakes. Wheelbase: 123 in.
* One of only 136 DS21 cabriolets built in 1965
* Repainted in original Vert Foret, with black leather interior
* Spent first 24 years in the South of France; fully documented ownership
* 23,909 kilometers
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This Citroën is up for auction here. The estimate is $200,000-$250,000. This looks like a great car to cruise around Southern France or Southern California in the summer.
Although it is expensive and not fast it is likely very comfortable and you can probably be sure that none of your friends will have one.
Let us know what you think about this classic car in the Comments.
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This is an odd looking yet appealing roadster.
Every article I have ever read on these Citroens, praises that hydro-pneumatic, self-levelling suspension to no end. It is alledgedly the most amazingly comfortable ride of any car ever built. When I was growing up in the 60’s and 70’s, very rarely would you ever see the sedan version of these cars on the road – you could go weeks and months without ever spotting one (I was, and still am, a carspotter when I am a passenger). Peugots were more popular (to a limited extent), especially that noisy, yet durable diesel 304. The most common French car on the road those days was the Renault LeCar, whose owners seem to either love them or hate them. If you had to tabulate the numbers of French cars sold in the US in those years, unfortunately you would find very low numbers, and that is why the French automakers eventually retreated from these shores – the numbers, at one point, didn’t justify them to Federalize their product to US regs. I don’t know the numbers for the Renault Alliance in the early 80’s, when Renault owned AMC, but that romance was shortlived, and they eventually sold out to Chrysler. Glenn in the Bronx, NY
~ have never seen one in person either. it’s very interesting and unusual, i’d like to experience it.
What about maintenance costs for any Citroën if one lives in the US? Are parts easily available?
I am bit dumbfounded by the high bid projection. Granted there were only 136 of DS21 Decapotables commissioned by Citroen. In this price range you do have a very wide berth of selection. This is not a restoration, more of a refresher. It does have a new coat of paint, cloth top and carpets. The rest of interior was reconditioned. Hydraulics were gone through as well. I really think these were very innovative cars with much great engineering DNA. But for this kind of money I’d be looking elsewhere.
I agree with you about the price as I said “it is expensive”.
It will be interesting to see how it does at the auction.
Hmm, interesting – but I would rather have the Nickel Car hot rod.
Love the shape and the steering wheel.