Sable Métallisé

When the DS (French for Goddess) was unveiled at the 1955 Paris Motor Show, l’auto-journal ran the headline “The bomb has exploded!” And what a bombshell it was, because by the end of the show, over 80,000 purchase contracts had been signed! In just under twenty years of production, 1,455,746 units of this model were sold. With its unusual design, hydropneumatic suspension, high-pressure brakes, power steering, semi-automatic transmission, engine-mounted spare wheel, and many other features, the DS was probably the biggest sensation in automotive history. For the 1966 model year, the DS Pallas (Pallas being the ancient Greek goddess of wisdom) was added to the “regular” DS lineup. Technically identical, the Pallas was distinguished by a more luxurious interior with thicker seats and carpets, and by significantly more chrome trim on the exterior. For the 1967 model year, all models received a redesigned front end with twin headlights behind a single lens, one pair of which were connected to the steering via cables – the famous DS cornering lights were born! At the end of the 1960s, a DS Pallas was the most comfortable car available and was recognized as a benchmark by Mercedes and Jaguar. To this day, we know of no car that smooths out road imperfections better than a DS. The millionth DS, won by a student in a radio contest in 1970, was painted in sable métallisé (sand metallic), just like the car in question.

This car was registered in Villars, southwest of Lyon, France, until 2005, when it was exported to Germany by a teacher and sold to someone in Berlin. At that time, the odometer read 48,172 km, which, according to the then-owner, corresponded to 148,172 km. The new owner in Berlin had the car completely disassembled and rebuilt in 2005/2006 by a restoration company near Gorzów, Poland, specializing exclusively in Citroën D models and Volvo P1800s. The engine showed no significant signs of wear and therefore only required resealing. Almost exactly at that time, on March 2, 2004, our managing director founded Atelier Automobile GmbH. He knew the restorer from near Gorzów, and our first restorations were carried out in collaboration with this company. A genuine transfer of expertise took place. However, we did not supervise the work on this particular car. The Gorzów company no longer exists, but we still maintain contact with the employee who carried out the work back then, and he occasionally helps us out.

Almost exactly at that time, on March 2, 2004, our managing director founded Atelier Automobile GmbH. He was familiar with the restorer from near Gorzów, and our first restorations were carried out in conjunction with this company. After 2006, the car was serviced at Automobiles Françaises in Berlin, where everything that wasn’t working properly was always replaced, and most of the receipts are available. This included work on the steering, radiator, clutch, exhaust, brakes, alternator, etc. In 2009, at 62,000 kilometers, the speedometer was replaced and the odometer reset. The current mileage of 60,430 kilometers therefore corresponds to a total mileage of 222,430 kilometers. The engine still runs perfectly, and both the compression and oil pressure are completely fine. Since the DS 21 engines, considered the most robust, typically cover 400,000 kilometers or more, it can be assumed that the engine won’t require any major work for the foreseeable future. Automobiles Françaises also ceased operations two years ago, and that’s how the car came to us. Sometimes things come full circle.

Since its restoration, this car has been in the hands of only one very caring owner. The gentleman has now purchased another car, and therefore the DS is for sale. Twenty years after its restoration, the car still looks as if it were completed just recently, which speaks volumes about the high-quality workmanship. Only the carpet is the original from 1971, and a new carpet would certainly do the car good.

We subject every vehicle to a systematic inspection – from the bodywork and engine to the electrical system. Based on this, we will prepare three offers. You decide which one best suits your needs.

Economy – €48,500
A roadworthy, inspected, and safe vehicle with a major service, oil change, classic car certification, and valid vehicle inspection until August 2026.

Standard – €52,300
Includes a replacement steering gear, new bump stops, and a new vehicle inspection.

Supreme – €59,400
Additionally includes new door lock cylinders, new carpet, new tires, and new cavity and underbody wax treatment.

We would be happy to send you the details of the three offers. Or simply give us a call and we’ll explain everything to you personally.