‘as new’ citroën Gs sells for £8300

78-mile saloon was bought new – and last ran – more than 40 years ago

Auction house, Eddisons CJM, hammered away a virtually unused Citroën GS 1220 C-Matic on 2 June; displayed as found from a deceased estate, the GS, probably the lowest mileage example still in existence, attracted more than 75 bids worldwide.

Bought new in 1976 as an investment, the GS didn’t move out of Lincolnshire for 42 years. Supplied new by the now defunct Citroën franchise, Lumley’s Garage in Cleethorpes, it racked up 78 miles and wore one tax disc before its owner put it into storage in Epworth, near Doncaster.

Of particular interest to bidders was the GS’s Pallas trim level – a luxurious specification near the top the range – and its three-speed clutchless manual C-Matic gearbox.

The new owner won’t be driving it on the road this weekend, however – despite qualifying as a Vehicle of Historic Interest (VHI), the GS needs some recommissioning.

Rob Moss, owner and manager of Citroën specialist, Chevronics, said: ‘I have viewed this car and it is a unique piece of motoring history. Looking very closely at it, I believe the mileage to be genuine.

‘Unfortunately, the new owner will not be getting away with a small repair bill. The paintwork will require repainting on the left and right side as the dreaded tin worm has made its way under the paintwork. Rats have eaten some of the wiring loom, and I hope the engine has avoided getting damp. Parts for the C-Matic gearbox are very hard to come by, so I hope it can be revived in working order.

‘We hope to see this vehicle in good hands and that the new owner won’t be putting too many miles on her.’