1975 Citroën DS – Project Profile

While we have nothing but love for a classic that gleams and glistens from underneath a generous coat of glossy wax, we can’t deny that a ratty old classic is just as likely to turn our heads, too. There is something so pleasing about seeing a classic car that’s a bit rough around the edges. A classic that shows signs of use and a life lived is a classic that we should all appreciate. These battered beauties go to show that a classic can be as usable and as dependable as any modern car. We like that, which is why we like this very frilly around the edges 1975 Citroën DS. But before you recoil in horror, remember, the panels are all bolt-on, and as such, what dresses this French fancy is by no means a reflection of what lies beneath. In fact, this DS is mechanically on point.

Before we get into the specifics of this Citroën DS, it’s worth considering the pros of buying a car like this. The rough look might not be for you, but by being a bit rough, it makes it an attractive price. Just £3,300 in fact. For a running DS that’s not a million miles away from being daily transport. This could be your bargain path into DS ownership. Panels are bolt on, as we mentioned, and as such, you could buy this and restore it as you go, bolting on better panels as they become available. Same goes for the interior. Or of course, you could keep it ‘as is’ and enjoy your rough but still brilliant slice of classic French motoring. One that despite its aesthetic shortcomings, would still turn heads on the road and at any classic car show.

What is it? 

What we have here, dear reader, is 1975 Citroën DS. It’s a Super 5, or was in a past life. It’s now more of a collection of flaking paint, dents, rust, threadbare cloth and some gaffer tape. Why then are we suggesting you buy it? Well, it’s only £3,300 for starters, that makes it a bargain. Even with the current ‘patination’. Crucially though, what this car lacks in shiny paint, it more than makes up for with the important stuff underneath. It’s had thousands spent on the engine, the transmission and the all-important hydraulic suspension. It was used regularly up until recently, and drove up and down the UK in the pursuit of classic car shows. It’s not been used properly for the last six months, so needs some light recommissioning, but it sounds like nothing a good service wouldn’t sort out. And while the body is rough, none of it is structural, so it’s not an issue for the MOT man, nor is it too hard to change should you wish. This is a bargain way into Citroën DS ownership. One that you could enjoy ratty, or one you could restore as you go.

Why is it a project? 

Well, there’s the obvious flaky bodywork with no shortage of speed holes, but that’s somewhat subjective, as you may wish to keep it like that. We would, though we would change the tape-covered boot lid for something more solid. Don’t want the bread and milk to get wet on the way back from Tesco Express. The interior is a little worn, though the vendor is keep to point out that it’s still supremely comfortable. As for the real work that needs doing before you can enjoy this French icon, the first port of call would be a thorough service. The seller states that while the car was used on the regular, it’s now been sat for around six months and is running a bit rough. Service, plugs, leads, maybe electronic ignition, should be all good. We’ve been led to believe by some people who have seen the car at shows that the engine has been rebuilt, as has the suspension. As for the structure of the DS, the seller states the floors are solid, though the sill ends could benefit from some attention. It is a proper project, make no mistake, but it’s also a bargain 1975 Citroën DS, which means it’s worth taking on.

Five things to look for: 

1) Rust

It’s obvious that this 1975 Citroën DS needs a hole host of new panels, if you want to go down the restoration route. However, it’s worth inspecting what’s there, as some may be salvageable. Other than the bodywork, you need to check the aforementioned sill ends to see how much work they require, check the floors to be safe, the inner wings and of course, all the pillars, as they hold the car’s strength.

2) Engine

If the car was indeed being used regularly recently it should, as we said earlier, just need a good service. However, it’s not going to hurt to check the engine over for any leaks, and listen to it for any untoward knocks or grumbles. A compression check might be worth doing, too. It only takes a minute, and is worth doing for peace of mind.

3) Suspension

The seller states that the suspension works as it should, rising and lowering, and that there are no leaks to be observed. This is of course, great news. However, it would be remiss of you to not at least look at the spheres that control the suspension pressure, along with the lines and fittings. Just for peace of mind.

4) Steering

Check there is no excessive play in the steering, have a listen for any knocks or bangs and feel the steering as it goes from lock to lock and see if there are any grumbles or rough sections. The steering is crucial to the driving experience of a DS, so you want it to be decent. Though don’t let it be a deal-breaker – new and refurbished parts are available, thanks to the massive following the DS has.

5) Trim 

Yes, this might seem a bit odd, but trim is important. The sections on the C pillars, for example, are hard to find. In fact, all these small detail parts are difficult to trace, so you need to make sure you can restore what’s there if you plan to go down the ‘shiny’ route. Bumpers, roof trim, rear roof, bumper and marker lights – check it all.

What should you do with it? 

If it were our money (and it might well be, we can’t stop thinking about this car) we’d give it the mechanical tickle it needs to get it running strong, full fluid and filter change, electronic ignition, probably new tyres and so on, and we’d get those sills sorted. We’d change the boot lid for one made mostly of metal, and then we’d go all out and have the interior restored to near new condition. Imagine this ratty old thing, but with a perfect, serene, immaculate cabin. It would make for a fascinating juxtaposition, but would also make owning this DS so much more complete. Plus, a DS is all about the drive and the comfort it affords. So yeah, make it fresh, clean and comfortable inside, then embrace that real world, irreplaceable patina on the outside. Perfection.

For more like this, here’s where you can find a classic Citroen DS for sale.