1972 Citroen DS21 IE Confort 5-Speed
Presentation
This 1972 Citroën DS21 IE Confort sedan is a French-market example that left the factory finished in Beige Albatros over gold cloth upholstery and was sold new via Citroën Pichard of Tours, France, on June 2, 1972. It was first owned by an engineer in Tours followed by a masonry contractor in Voutré, an auto body technician in Condé-sur-Sarthe, and a cheesemaker near Saint-Denis-sur-Sarthon. Chassis 01FB7443 was acquired by the seller circa 2021 and subsequently underwent a mechanical refurbishment by his son. Work involved rebuilding the cylinder head, servicing the cooling system, adding a programmable electronic ignition, installing “Supplément Confort” hydraulic spheres, servicing the brakes, and more as detailed below. The car rides on a hydropneumatic self-leveling suspension and is equipped with inboard-mounted front disc brakes as well as directional headlights. Inside, seats trimmed in gold cloth are accompanied by a single-spoke steering wheel and Jaeger instrumentation. Power is from a fuel-injected 2.2-liter inline-four, while shifting is through a five-speed manual transaxle. This DS21 is now offered with a June 1972 invoice, registration records, parts invoices from the refurbishment, and French registration in the seller’s name.
The body left the factory finished in Beige Albatros (AC087) and was repainted white by its third owner, an auto body technician in Condé-sur-Sarthe, in 1976. It was later returned to its factory finish in the 2000s, according to the seller. The car features quad enclosed headlights with directional high beams, and further details include a driver-side mirror, corrugated C-pillar trim, and stainless-steel bumpers. Areas of corrosion around the body were treated in 2026.
The 15″ steel wheels wear polished covers and are mounted with 185/80 Dunlop Sport Classic tires, and a spare tire is stored under the hood in front of the engine. The hydropneumatic system serves the self-leveling, height-adjustable suspension and also provides assistance to the steering and braking systems. Stopping power is provided by brakes actuated by a floor-mounted brake “mushroom” button that proportions stopping power between the inboard-mounted front discs and rear drums. Work from 2022 to 2023 is noted to have involved replacing the hydraulic spheres with “Supplément Confort” units and servicing the brakes as well as replacing the hydraulic rotary seal in the steering rack and repairing a subsequent leak. The tires were mounted in 2025, according to the seller.
The cabin houses individual front seats and a rear bench upholstered in factory-specified gold cloth. Interior appointments include a Jaeger clock, a heater, roll-up windows, and front shoulder belts. The seller notes that the parcel shelf was recently replaced. The rear seat cushion is torn, the
rear seat backrest foam is deteriorated, and wear is visible on the upper-left corner of the driver’s seat backrest, which the seller attributes to contact with the seat belt.
The single-spoke steering wheel is paired with a column-mounted shifter and sits ahead of Jaeger instrumentation including a 200-km/h speedometer, a tachometer, and auxiliary gauges for fuel level and coolant temperature. The five-digit odometer shows 4,500 kilometers (~2,800 miles), approximately 3,000 of which were added under current ownership.
Rebuilding the cylinder head
Installing an electronic ignition and coil from 123ignition
Installing an electronic voltage regulator
Changing the spark plugs
Replacing the water pump, radiator, thermostat, and coolant hoses
Installing a stainless-steel coolant elbow
Replacing the fuel tank, pump, filter, sender, pressure regulator, and hoses
Changing the fuel injection rail hoses
Ultrasonic cleaning and bench testing of the fuel injectors
Replacing the center and rear sections of the exhaust system
Changing the engine mounts
Parts invoices from the project totaling roughly €6,600 can be viewed in the gallery.
Installing an electronic ignition and coil from 123ignition
Installing an electronic voltage regulator
Changing the spark plugs
Replacing the water pump, radiator, thermostat, and coolant hoses
Installing a stainless-steel coolant elbow
Replacing the fuel tank, pump, filter, sender, pressure regulator, and hoses
Changing the fuel injection rail hoses
Ultrasonic cleaning and bench testing of the fuel injectors
Replacing the center and rear sections of the exhaust system
Changing the engine mounts
Parts invoices from the project totaling roughly €6,600 can be viewed in the gallery.
Seller Video
Bids & Comments
CJFA (The Seller)
Nov 1, 2026 · 18:11
@cjbenedikt
Thank you for your question. Yes, the front brake pad wear warning system was original equipment on the 1972 Citroën DS21, as confirmed by the period owner's manual. However, I have not specifically checked whether the warning system is still connected and operational on my car, so I cannot confirm its current functionality. I prefer to be transparent rather than give you an uncertain answer.
Thank you for your question. Yes, the front brake pad wear warning system was original equipment on the 1972 Citroën DS21, as confirmed by the period owner's manual. However, I have not specifically checked whether the warning system is still connected and operational on my car, so I cannot confirm its current functionality. I prefer to be transparent rather than give you an uncertain answer.
Nov 1, 2026 · 16:29
@seller Thank you for answering my questions and for providing a cold start video. Citroen used to have a built in monitor for measuring the front brake pads thickness. A thin wire that would warn the driver if it was touched when the pads were too worn. Do you know whether your DS still has that? Thank you
CJFA (The Seller)
Nov 1, 2026 · 09:54
@controls99
Thank you for your positive comments about the hydraulic system and the comfort spheres. I'm also pleased that you noticed the original yellow factory markings, which have been preserved on the sections of the front doors normally hidden behind the front fenders. Thank you as well for explaining the escrow process and sharing your experience with international shipping. I intend to contact Escrow.com directly to confirm how their service works, particularly the conditions for releasing the funds when the transport company collects the vehicle. In principle, the arrangement you describe sounds very good to me. If the funds can indeed be released upon collection of the vehicle, as you explained, I believe this is certainly an option worth exploring. Thank you again for your helpful information and your interest in the car.
Thank you for your positive comments about the hydraulic system and the comfort spheres. I'm also pleased that you noticed the original yellow factory markings, which have been preserved on the sections of the front doors normally hidden behind the front fenders. Thank you as well for explaining the escrow process and sharing your experience with international shipping. I intend to contact Escrow.com directly to confirm how their service works, particularly the conditions for releasing the funds when the transport company collects the vehicle. In principle, the arrangement you describe sounds very good to me. If the funds can indeed be released upon collection of the vehicle, as you explained, I believe this is certainly an option worth exploring. Thank you again for your helpful information and your interest in the car.
Nov 1, 2026 · 02:10
It is rare to still see the yellow assembly marking on the body panels.
Nov 1, 2026 · 02:05
@CJFA, thank you for the very detailed answers to my questions. Pump cycling time is very good. It appears you have done some of the latest maintenance on the car. I prefer the softer spheres myself. I used a specialized shipper that handles Citroens for my last shipment. They can also handle escrow through a third party like escrow.com. Escrow is where I send the money but it is held by a third party until the vehicle, owner and paperwork are verified by the shipping company at pickup. The funds are then released to you at pickup. It protects both parties and makes sure everything is legal. They also handle all transport from France to US port and all the paperwork to get the car from France to the USA. Very professional company and people. They handle many classic cars. If you can, take a look at escrow.com , they are a very big company that handle escrow funds for large purchases.
CJFA (The Seller)
Oct 31, 2026 · 23:22
@controls99
I've just added several photographs taken recently during work on the steering system. The steering rack was removed to replace hydraulic components, including the rotary hydraulic seals. With the front fenders removed, I took the opportunity to photograph the normally concealed sections of the front doors. These photographs show the original factory paint and yellow production markings, which have been preserved. The doors have not been replaced, and only the exterior surfaces of the car have been repainted. The original factory finish remains visible in these hidden areas. I hope these additional photographs help document the car's originality and answer some of your questions.
I've just added several photographs taken recently during work on the steering system. The steering rack was removed to replace hydraulic components, including the rotary hydraulic seals. With the front fenders removed, I took the opportunity to photograph the normally concealed sections of the front doors. These photographs show the original factory paint and yellow production markings, which have been preserved. The doors have not been replaced, and only the exterior surfaces of the car have been repainted. The original factory finish remains visible in these hidden areas. I hope these additional photographs help document the car's originality and answer some of your questions.
CJFA (The Seller)
Oct 31, 2026 · 22:38
@controls99
Thank you for your interest in my DS21. I'll try to answer all your questions as accurately as possible. **Vehicle history**
The car has a documented ownership history, supported by historical French registration records and its original purchase invoice dated June 2, 1972. - First owner: An engineer in Tours, France, from June 1972. Registration number 6727 QB 37. - September 13, 1974: The car was taken in trade by Garage Saint-Simon in Tours and subsequently resold. - Second owner: A masonry contractor in Voutré, from February 1975. Registration number 633 KZ 53. - Third owner: An automotive bodywork and paint specialist in Condé-sur-Sarthe, from April 1976. Registration number 875 QB 61. - Fourth owner: A cheesemaker, from March 1981. The corresponding historical documents have been provided with the listing. **Hydraulic spheres and suspension**
All five hydraulic spheres were replaced with new ones in 2025, using the special "Supplément Confort" specification. These spheres cost only slightly more than standard replacements, but their different calibration helps restore the exceptionally soft and comfortable ride for which the Citroën DS is famous. Standard modern replacement spheres generally provide a somewhat firmer ride. **Hydraulic pump cycling**
With the engine idling, the vehicle stationary, and no controls being operated, the hydraulic pressure regulator cycles approximately every 60 to 70 seconds. **Body structure**
I will check whether I have any photographs of the car with the fenders removed, showing the underlying structure. I am not certain that I have such pictures available. **Interior**
The headliner has previously been replaced, as can be seen in the photographs. There are no cracks in the dashboard. The gold cloth upholstery is the car's original upholstery from 1972. **Registration**
The car has a standard French registration certificate (carte grise normale), in my name. It undergoes the standard French roadworthiness inspection every two years, which I personally prefer. In France, a vehicle registered as a historic collector vehicle (carte grise de collection) can benefit from a five-year inspection interval for a car of this age, but I prefer to retain the standard registration and inspection schedule. **Clutch and front brakes**
Unfortunately, I cannot tell you when the clutch or front brakes were last replaced, as I do not have a documented history for those components. However, both are currently functioning properly. **Independent inspection**
Yes, an independent third-party inspection is possible. **LHM hydraulic fluid and hydraulic system**
The LHM hydraulic fluid was replaced and the system bled in 2025. The rear brakes were also recently refurbished, which involved bleeding the hydraulic system again. As of today, we have not observed any hydraulic leaks. The car recently passed its standard French roadworthiness inspection successfully, with no defects or hydraulic leaks reported. This was the regular inspection, not a less frequent inspection under historic vehicle registration. **Escrow payment**
Regarding your question about escrow payment, I am not familiar with this system. Could you explain how it works in practice? I hope these answers help clarify the condition and history of my DS21. Best regards
Thank you for your interest in my DS21. I'll try to answer all your questions as accurately as possible. **Vehicle history**
The car has a documented ownership history, supported by historical French registration records and its original purchase invoice dated June 2, 1972. - First owner: An engineer in Tours, France, from June 1972. Registration number 6727 QB 37. - September 13, 1974: The car was taken in trade by Garage Saint-Simon in Tours and subsequently resold. - Second owner: A masonry contractor in Voutré, from February 1975. Registration number 633 KZ 53. - Third owner: An automotive bodywork and paint specialist in Condé-sur-Sarthe, from April 1976. Registration number 875 QB 61. - Fourth owner: A cheesemaker, from March 1981. The corresponding historical documents have been provided with the listing. **Hydraulic spheres and suspension**
All five hydraulic spheres were replaced with new ones in 2025, using the special "Supplément Confort" specification. These spheres cost only slightly more than standard replacements, but their different calibration helps restore the exceptionally soft and comfortable ride for which the Citroën DS is famous. Standard modern replacement spheres generally provide a somewhat firmer ride. **Hydraulic pump cycling**
With the engine idling, the vehicle stationary, and no controls being operated, the hydraulic pressure regulator cycles approximately every 60 to 70 seconds. **Body structure**
I will check whether I have any photographs of the car with the fenders removed, showing the underlying structure. I am not certain that I have such pictures available. **Interior**
The headliner has previously been replaced, as can be seen in the photographs. There are no cracks in the dashboard. The gold cloth upholstery is the car's original upholstery from 1972. **Registration**
The car has a standard French registration certificate (carte grise normale), in my name. It undergoes the standard French roadworthiness inspection every two years, which I personally prefer. In France, a vehicle registered as a historic collector vehicle (carte grise de collection) can benefit from a five-year inspection interval for a car of this age, but I prefer to retain the standard registration and inspection schedule. **Clutch and front brakes**
Unfortunately, I cannot tell you when the clutch or front brakes were last replaced, as I do not have a documented history for those components. However, both are currently functioning properly. **Independent inspection**
Yes, an independent third-party inspection is possible. **LHM hydraulic fluid and hydraulic system**
The LHM hydraulic fluid was replaced and the system bled in 2025. The rear brakes were also recently refurbished, which involved bleeding the hydraulic system again. As of today, we have not observed any hydraulic leaks. The car recently passed its standard French roadworthiness inspection successfully, with no defects or hydraulic leaks reported. This was the regular inspection, not a less frequent inspection under historic vehicle registration. **Escrow payment**
Regarding your question about escrow payment, I am not familiar with this system. Could you explain how it works in practice? I hope these answers help clarify the condition and history of my DS21. Best regards
Oct 31, 2026 · 02:09
Does it have a standard carte grise or carte grise de collection? Do you have it registered with FFVE in France for reduced testing? When were the clutch and front brakes last replaced? Are you open to third party inspection? LHM last flush and refill? Any hydraulic leaks whatsoever? Thx
Oct 31, 2026 · 01:24
Are you willing to do escrow for payment?
Oct 30, 2026 · 20:33
@CJFA, I meant no offense. The car looks solid and overall quite clean. I will defer to you on the heritage aspect as I do not live there anymore. I have a lot of interest in your car as an addition to my Pallas as more a drivers car than a show car. When were spheres last replaced and which ones? Pump cycling time when running? Any pictures of the car without it's body panels showing the skeleton? Headliner condition? Any cracks in the dashboard? Merci en avance
CJFA (The Seller)
Oct 29, 2026 · 20:50
@controls99 Thank you for sharing your experience. I would just like to clarify one important point for potential bidders. My 1972 Citroën DS21 does not require the special French cultural heritage export authorization you mentioned. Under French regulations, the specific cultural property export requirements for motor vehicles apply to vehicles over 75 years old with a value of at least €50,000. My DS21 does not fall into this category. Normal export and import formalities still apply, of course, and transportation and import arrangements remain the buyer's responsibility, as clearly stated in the listing. I simply wanted to avoid any misunderstanding regarding the export requirements for this particular vehicle. Thank you.
CJFA (The Seller)
Oct 29, 2026 · 20:45
@cjbenedikt Thank you for your questions. Regarding pictures 107 to 113, what you are seeing is dirt accumulated from regular road use, not rust. The car is regularly driven. Regarding picture 115, yes, the indentation is indeed present, as shown in the photograph. I do not know its origin and prefer not to speculate about it. As for the front seats, there are no additional seat covers to remove. What you see is the car's original gold cloth upholstery from 1972, which has never been replaced. The original purchase invoice confirms this interior specification. Finally, I will record a new cold-start video today and upload it to the listing. Best regards
Oct 28, 2026 · 22:08
@seller Is it possible to see the front seats without the cover? And also perhaps have a cold start video?
Oct 28, 2026 · 22:04
@seller I'm a little worried about what looks like rust in pictures 107 to 113 and the dent in the frame (?) in picture 115.
Oct 28, 2026 · 07:49
Ok thanks
I just 2 cars shipped from france
Professional
Cheaper ,compare to others infos below
Help if needed
No problem
I just 2 cars shipped from france
Professional
Cheaper ,compare to others infos below
Help if needed
No problem
Oct 28, 2026 · 07:21
40 feet container
Le Havre / Miami 2!!!! Cars 7000€
Just did recently
Ok for the trim no present
Interior new leather from A to Z expect 6000€
Le Havre / Miami 2!!!! Cars 7000€
Just did recently
Ok for the trim no present
Interior new leather from A to Z expect 6000€
CJFA (The Seller)
Oct 28, 2026 · 07:02
@Biscotte57 “No side trim on DS models in Confort trim, only on Pallas models.”
Oct 28, 2026 · 06:52
Elle est magnifique! @Dollycat3, xheers back
Oct 28, 2026 · 06:50
To change all interior leather great quality
Expect 5000€
Blondeau france meulin
2 front seats
2 heads set
Accoudoir between passenger
Back seat , all 4 doors panels side
All new foam
Headliner , floor foam and carpet extra
Hood engine noise reduction 80€
As per shipping car
Every included around 8000€
I can help any of you
Nô
Problem
Expect 5000€
Blondeau france meulin
2 front seats
2 heads set
Accoudoir between passenger
Back seat , all 4 doors panels side
All new foam
Headliner , floor foam and carpet extra
Hood engine noise reduction 80€
As per shipping car
Every included around 8000€
I can help any of you
Nô
Problem
Oct 28, 2026 · 04:47
Wonderful DS21 in beautiful Beige Albatros over beautiful gold cloth upholstery, just beautiful 👍…@hoppy18
Oct 27, 2026 · 16:54
Trim around the car is not present
Baguettes autour de cette ds devrait être présentent
Strange
Étrange
Baguettes autour de cette ds devrait être présentent
Strange
Étrange
Oct 27, 2026 · 03:16
I already have the 1972 DS Special here in the States…I need a DS in Portugal!
Oct 27, 2026 · 03:13
I think she belongs in Nazare, Portugal
Oct 27, 2026 · 02:24
@LLynn, keep in mind I got quotes from several shippers that were higher and lower. The one I chose had specific experience in safely shipping DS models with their unique suspension. Many don't even know what a Citroen DS is. Also remember that currently rates favor the Euro. So exchange rates can quickly change your costs. I chose not to ship from port in New York/Jersey and instead picked the car up myself. That saved an additional $1900 that would have gone on top of the $10K. Then we have the issue in France where these are now "heritage cars" and require French government approval before they can be exported. Additional $1700. Then the ultimate. There are expert French scammers out there. Full ID, vehicle titles, carte grise, etc. Private listings are especially vulnerable. I personally recommend buying from a verified dealer as I did. Unless you are physically there to review the car, it can be perilous. I know from the experience of a close friend who thought he had found an SM. Thousands later, no car, no money. This listing may very well be totally legitimate. If buying here, do what I did, set up an escrow account for the purchase. If the seller won't go for it, it might be a warning sign. Escrow safeguards things both ways. Just my 2 cents worth. GLWTA
Oct 27, 2026 · 00:46
@controls99, thanks for the heads up on shipping, honestly I thought it would be about double that. Cheers,
Lynn
Lynn
Oct 26, 2026 · 19:04
Unfortunately, I just set up importation of one. It will cost at least $5000 in transport costs. Then you have import taxes, port charges another $2500-3000 in the US, in addition to US delivery add $1500 minimum for closed carrier or more if not in Midwest. Mine ended costing almost $10k total by the time it got here. I strongly recommend using a broker to handle things. The paperwork can be onerous. Just FYI
Oct 26, 2026 · 18:11
Where is this car located at the moment?
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The all interior need to be replace ( ) !
Best way to convince a new owner
Make sure you remove back wing from the car
One bold just need the bumper
This is where rust appear
Due to get the most water due to rain snow or salt
If its no rust ! Only other parts are the longerons frame from
Back to front
Merci