The 1973 Citroën DS 23 IE Pallas represents the most refined phase of the legendary DS, combining Citroën’s revolutionary hydropneumatic engineering with the larger 2.3-litre fuel-injected engine and luxurious Pallas specification.
This specific 1973 Citroën DS 23 IE Pallas has been sold and is now preserved in the Giro Classico archive. The original vehicle page confirms the car as a fuel-injected 2.3-litre Pallas with C-Matic transmission, comprehensively restored in 2011.
1973 Citroën DS 23 IE Pallas
The Citroën DS stunned the automotive world when it appeared in 1955.
Its engineering was radically advanced for the period and included:
- self-levelling hydropneumatic suspension
- power-assisted steering
- hydraulically assisted braking
- aerodynamic bodywork
- front-wheel drive
- exceptional ride comfort
By the early 1970s, the DS had evolved into a highly sophisticated grand tourer, and the DS 23 IE Pallas sat close to the top of the range.
The 2.3-litre fuel-injected engine
The DS 23 uses the largest-displacement engine fitted to the series, with 2,347 cc.
The IE – Injection Électronique version added electronic fuel injection, improving:
- throttle response
- drivability
- cold starting
- fuel delivery
- high-speed refinement
The Giro Classico page confirms that this specific car is a fuel-injected 2.3-litre DS23.
For collectors, the DS 23 IE is particularly desirable because it combines the mature DS chassis with one of its most advanced road-going powertrains.
Pallas specification
The Pallas trim level transformed the DS into a more luxurious long-distance car.
Typical Pallas features included:
- richer interior materials
- upgraded trim
- improved sound insulation
- additional brightwork
- more sophisticated cabin detailing
The Pallas specification is important because it represents the more elegant and prestigious side of the DS range, making the DS 23 IE Pallas especially attractive to collectors interested in late-production cars.
C-Matic semi-automatic transmission
This particular DS is fitted with the C-Matic semi-automatic transmission.
The system offers a very different driving experience from a conventional manual gearbox and complements the relaxed character of the Pallas.
When evaluating a C-Matic-equipped DS, attention should be paid to:
- smooth engagement
- clutch control
- hydraulic operation
- transmission behaviour
- maintenance history
A properly maintained system suits the DS exceptionally well.
Hydropneumatic suspension
The DS remains famous above all for its hydropneumatic suspension.
The system uses pressurised hydraulic fluid and gas-filled spheres to provide:
- self-levelling ride height
- exceptional comfort
- stable behaviour under load
- adjustable ground clearance
The Giro Classico description also recalls how advanced the DS remained throughout its production life, with its suspension technology continuing to define Citroën’s engineering identity for decades.
Directional headlights and late-series technology
Later DS models introduced several important developments, including:
- swivelling headlights
- fuel injection
- larger-displacement engines
- five-speed gearbox availability
These changes made the late DS substantially more refined than the earliest cars while preserving the original futuristic character.
Comprehensive restoration in 2011
This specific DS 23 IE Pallas underwent a comprehensive restoration in 2011.
The work included:
- bare-metal repaint
- complete engine rebuild
- running-gear overhaul
- replacement suspension components
The car was finished in Brun Scarabée metallic brown with tobacco-coloured Jersey trim.
According to the original Giro Classico listing, it had covered fewer than 5,000 km since restoration when offered for sale.
Restoration documentation
The car is accompanied by:
- a photographic record of the restoration
- French Carte Grise
These are important assets on a restored DS because they help demonstrate the scope and quality of work completed.
Why the DS 23 IE Pallas is collectible
The DS 23 IE Pallas brings together the key elements collectors look for in a late DS:
- 2.3-litre engine
- electronic fuel injection
- Pallas luxury specification
- mature hydropneumatic system
- iconic late-series styling
- strong long-distance usability
- exceptional design significance
It is one of the clearest expressions of the DS concept at full maturity.
What to inspect before buying a Citroën DS 23
A specialist pre-purchase inspection should focus on:
- chassis and platform corrosion
- sills and floor sections
- rear suspension mounting points
- hydraulic system
- suspension spheres
- hydraulic pump
- steering
- brakes
- engine condition
- electronic fuel injection
- cooling system
- C-Matic transmission
- electrical equipment
- body alignment
- interior trim
- restoration documentation
The quality of previous structural and hydraulic work is often more important than cosmetic presentation alone.
Hydraulic-system condition
A DS can be exceptionally reliable when maintained correctly, but the hydraulic system should be checked carefully.
Important areas include:
- leaks
- pressure build-up
- suspension height control
- brake response
- steering operation
- sphere condition
- hydraulic-fluid service history
On a restored car, invoices and specialist documentation are especially valuable.
Originality and provenance
Collector value is influenced by:
- correct model specification
- factory colour combination
- engine and transmission configuration
- Pallas trim
- documentation
- restoration quality
- ownership history
A well-documented restoration can be highly desirable, particularly when it preserves the correct late-series specification.
This 1973 Citroën DS 23 IE Pallas has been sold
This specific 1973 Citroën DS 23 IE Pallas is no longer available. The Giro Classico page clearly confirms its SOLD status.
The page remains online as part of the Giro Classico handled-car archive and as a useful reference for collectors researching late Citroën DS models.
Looking for a comparable European GT currently available?
There is currently no directly comparable Citroën DS in the Giro Classico inventory.
For buyers attracted by the same broad themes of 1970s European prestige, fuel injection, four-seat usability and sophisticated engineering, the most relevant current alternative is the 1975 BMW 3.0 CSi E9.
The BMW is mechanically very different, but it is a strong alternative for a collector looking for:
- a prestigious European coupé
- fuel-injected six-cylinder power
- four-seat grand-touring usability
- distinctive 1970s design
- strong international collector appeal
Discover the 1975 BMW 3.0 CSi E9 currently available at Giro Classico
DS 23 IE Pallas or BMW 3.0 CSi?
The Citroën DS 23 IE Pallas offers:
- front-wheel drive
- hydropneumatic suspension
- 2.3-litre fuel-injected four-cylinder engine
- C-Matic transmission
- exceptional comfort
- radically innovative engineering
The BMW 3.0 CSi E9 offers:
- rear-wheel drive
- 3.0-litre fuel-injected inline-six
- manual gearbox
- more sporting handling
- elegant coupé proportions
- stronger performance focus
They appeal to different driving tastes, but both represent sophisticated European engineering from the same era.
Looking specifically for another Citroën DS 23?
Giro Classico can assist with the search for:
- Citroën DS 23 IE Pallas
- Citroën DS 21 IE
- Citroën DS 21 Pallas
- DS 23 manual
- DS 23 C-Matic
- original or comprehensively restored late DS examples
The service can include:
- private and off-market sourcing
- provenance research
- restoration assessment
- hydraulic-system inspection
- pre-purchase due diligence
- valuation
- negotiation
- international transport
Discover Giro Classico’s Collector Car Advisory service
For further information regarding sourcing a Citroën DS 23 IE Pallas, evaluating a restored car, checking the hydraulic or C-Matic systems, arranging a specialist inspection, or regarding the 1975 BMW 3.0 CSi E9 currently available, please contact us directly.
Because in the end, we never truly own these cars, we simply preserve them for the next generation.
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