Description
History:
The Citroën DS has made history. Only a few cars have been allowed to be immortalised as style icons in the automotive world. The then head of state Charles De Gaulle was also a fan of the Citroën DS and ID and had the entire state fleet equipped with them. De Gaulle also appeared at the parade in Paris in a semi-convertible, like the example for sale here. The company AEAT (Anciens Etablissements Ansare & Teisseire) equipped some of the ID and DS between 1957 and 1973 with the roll-up roof, which gave the style icon an additional charm. To maintain stability, a sturdy frame was built onto which the high-quality fabric roof is stretched. This Series 2 ID19 spent many years in a German collection before being imported to Switzerland in 2012 and taken over and restored by Goodtimer in 2020. The restoration, costing well over 50, 000 Swiss francs, included a full conservation (ice blasting and hot wax) of the vehicle's basic structure and a complete restoration of the interior, in addition to the mechanical overhaul.
Body and paint:
On a sound substance, the add-on parts of the body were removed and the hidden structures and sheet metal were freshly built up and conserved. The few welding sins from the past were undone and where necessary new sheet metal was welded in. Except for a less than perfect gap in the right side panel, the entire body is in perfect condition. After the paintwork was renewed in Germany at the turn of the century, the entire paintwork was sanded and fully restored. Thanks to the excellent substance of the paint, the body now appears as if freshly painted. The chrome parts have been refreshed, the rims freshly painted and fitted with new chrome caps. The window panes and glasses are as good as new and in good working order. The boot is dry and lined with a useful, but not original, protective mat. All seals are in good condition and unbroken. The roll top has been completely restored and impregnated.
Interior:
The DS-typical velour seats have been reupholstered and freshly. Upholstered. The seat frames have been overhauled, as have the hood catch and the window regulators. The interior panelling was completely renewed during the restoration. The carpet landscape in noble and calming grey is new and corresponds to the original. The instruments, switches and gauges are easy to operate and read and all functions are impeccable. The heating system was renewed during the restoration work.
Engine and mechanics:
The smooth 1. 9 litre engine purrs quietly and delivers its almost 70 hp very well and sufficiently on the road. The engine as well as the gearbox are sound and noiseless. The compression is flawless and an inspection for the first year of operation has already been done. The steering wheel gearstick is hard to beat for comfort and the synchronised transmission shifts with ease.
Chassis:
The famous hydraulic suspension had to be revised after the long standing time, pump and regulator are new. The brakes and wheel bearings have also been renewed. The disc wheels are freshly painted and decorated with new, original chrome caps. The underbody was exposed at great expense, ice-blasted at high pressure and freshly preserved.
Driving experience:
A DS is not only divine in its appearance, it is also divine to drive. The uniqueness of the large roll roof gives the driver a draught-free, open driving experience and the rear passengers an unforgettable open air feeling. The Goodtimer owner has worked for the Citroën brand for many years and cannot hide his old love for the French. Therefore, any judgement is subjective and should be discovered and judged by lovers of such cars themselves.
Recommendation:
In addition to the unique driving comfort and the wonderful presentation, this example also proves itself with its collector-worthiness. According to DAT statistics, there are still seven of these semi-convertibles registered, which is why the preservation of such an example must be a high priority. The rarity of the AEAT Semi Cabriolets makes it difficult to find a market price. At an auction in Germany, the equivalent of CHF 72, 435 was achieved. The insurance value is CHF 65'000, at which price this DS is now on offer.
ATTENTION: The listed retail price in pounds is only a guide. Please send price inquiries to using the button below
