Citroën DS
DS floats back into life for the first time in decades
Brian sits in his garage, wrapped up in a big winter coat, watching closely as we attempt to start the car he bought brand new in 1971. As you’ll know if you read my previous report (PC, February 2017) the pensioner left the car half restored in 1983, then I spotted it peeking out of an open garage just a few streets away from my house last summer. Just before I was due to purchase the old thing, Brian ended up seriously ill in hospital and the deal was put on hold.
Fortunately, he’s now back home recovering and keen to supervise the sale and recovery of what has turned out to be something far more special than I initially believed. Brian’s beloved car has been slumped against the wall of his double garage for decades.
I spent last night clearing a path to the car, removing panels from the roof and carefully stacking parts ready for transportation. The rest of my time has been spent dusting. Gently brushing it away has revealed shiny surfaces and clean plastics. The ‘Fauve Targa’ seats were caked but the vinyl has begun to reveal itself, with not a tear or crease to be seen.
Following an evening of lifting, shunting and organising, I conclude the car is in mystifyingly excellent shape. And above all, corrosion-free. Despite the passing decades, Brian had been so completely thorough in his work back in t he early Eighties, no welding of any kind would be required in this restoration. With every step, I begin to feel like this will be more of a mere re-commissioning job combined with some vigorous dusting.
Specialist help
A cup of tea turns up, courtesy of Brian’s daughter Karen and I sit down for a while to consider the next step. Would the car start? Karen laughed: ‘I don’t think it’ll be driving out of here!’ I am inclined to agree, so instead of poking about with the engine, I resolve to pump up the tyres to see if it will move. It does!
Expert specialist assistance then arrives in the form of Barry Annells – a well-known name in Citroën circles. He runs the Bourne Citroën Centre with son Pete and they know a thing or two about the DS. Barry learned from his father, who began repairing Traction Avants in 1951.
‘We’re armed with priceless wisdom and generations of experience…’