1969 Citroen DS21 Pallas

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

“Drive the future—today.” The 1969 Citroën DS21 Pallas represents the pinnacle of Citroën’s revolutionary DS line, which debuted in 1955. Designed by Italian sculptor and industrial designer Flaminio Bertoni, the DS stunned the world with its futuristic styling and advanced technology. By 1969, the DS21 Pallas had evolved into a luxurious and refined version of the original.

The DS21 featured a 2.1-liter inline-four engine paired with Citroën’s signature hydropneumatic suspension system, which provided an exceptionally smooth ride and self-leveling capabilities. The Pallas trim, introduced in 1964, added premium features such as upgraded interior materials, additional sound insulation, and distinctive exterior trim, including stainless steel accents and unique badging. In 1969, the DS21’s engine was backed by a hydraulically actuated semi-automatic transmission, known as the “Citromatic-Drive,” further enhanced the car’s futuristic appeal.

As Road & Track commented about the DS21, “Its ride quality is unmatched, and its styling is like nothing else on the road.” And this DS was delivered in 1969 through the newly established dealership Citroën Cars of Beverly Hills. Specially commissioned by René France, then director of Citroën USA, the car served as his personal demonstrator and was outfitted with a number of rare and distinctive features — including a striking, special-order tan vinyl roof. After three months and 10,087 miles of use, in June 1969, France sold the DS21 to television and Disney actor Ken Berry, known for his roles in F-Troop and Herbie Rides Again.

Highlights

• Three-owner avant-garde DS21 in luxury Pallas trim

• Original owner was actor Ken Berry purchased at Citroën Cars of Beverly Hills

• Awarded Best of Show at the Oneida Community Mansion House Car Show, Oneida, New York

• Resprayed in the original 1969-only Brun Ecorce (AC 401) paint

• Natural Tan Leather Pallas interior

• 2.1-liter inline-four “DX” engine rated at 109 hp

• Four-speed semi-automatic “Citromatic-Drive” transmission

• Famous hydropneumatic self-leveling suspension with adjustable ride height

• Unique single-spoke safety steering wheel

• Gradulux accessory rear window venetian blinds

Features

• Engine rebuild and other work in 2013 (under prior ownership) by PWK-Import-Export of San Clarion, California, including:

  • New Mahle cylinder liners

  • New pistons

  • Refurbished cam

  • Replacement Citromatic-Drive gearbox with a stronger DS23 clutch

  • High-volume hydraulic pump

  • New suspension spheres all around

  • Rebuilt power steering system

  • Rebuilt centrifugal regulator for shifter

• Interior restoration (under prior ownership) in 2017 including:

  • New seat upholstery

  • New carpets

  • New headlining

  • New door panels

• Repainted in 2023 in original 1969-only Brun Ecorce color

• All upgrades detailed by invoices from 1969 to date

• Pallas package includes:

  • Chrome accents

  • Stainless steel rocker trim

  • Upgraded interior materials

  • Enhanced noise insulation

  • Thick carpeting

Known Imperfections

• Original Con Edison radio has never been wired for use

• Carpet needs minor restitching

• To improve the hydraulic pump cycle time a rebuilt shifter controller box could be installed. The component must be ordered from Denmark at approximately $3,000 plus installation. The hydraulics work fine as is, they will just be a couple of seconds faster with the rebuild “brain box.”

Included

• Ken Berry’s warranty card

• Original Warranty and Maintenance Booklet

• Original Operator’s Manual (in French)

• Invoices from 1969 to date

• Car cover

• Box of oils, lubes, and other things you might need

Ownership History

The consignor of the 1969 Citroën DS21 Pallas states, “When Citroen opened its first US Dealership in Beverly Hills this was the demo car. In walked actor Ken Berry of “F-Troop” and “Mayberry RFD” TV show fame and bought it. He kept it his entire life. I am the third owner.”