When Joost is over Citroën DSpécial from 1974 starts then it doesn't stop, here speaks a passionate oldtimer enthusiast who knows what he's talking about. The refined luxury in a very comfortable car, that is the most desirable combination for him.
The DS had very good suspension response to large bumps in the road surface, the suspension was tuned to the bad post-war roads. This flexibility contributes to the fact that the driver hardly notices how bad the surface can be. The Citroën DS still captures the imagination and continues to turn heads. In fact, it can sometimes cause a small crowd at a gas station. For many it remains a pleasure to see how the French lady reaches the right height and the driving pleasure can begin.
Technical development
De Citroën ID/DS was built up to and including 1975 in many different versions, of which the Citroën DSpécial was an entry-level model. The DS became more and more luxurious and more powerful in the 20 years that they were built. The first DS (19) had an engine capacity of 1911 cc and a top speed of 140 km per hour. The Citroën DSpécial/ID version has an engine of origin coming from the Citroën HY (capacity 1999 cc and approx. 99 hp)
Acquisition Citroën DSpecial not recommended!
Joost: “I enjoy the lines of the goddess. Driving remains for me that memory of the boyhood dream. Still, the car was not recommended to me, it would be a risky car due to the gas cushions (hydropneumatic suspension system). A complex car in other respects as well. There used to be few mechanics who could repair the DS properly. Still, I have faith in the car and with some guts I ignored all the advice. Maybe you can't call it love, it's more: Loving.”
Reliable history of the Citroën DSpecial
The nicest story for Joost was that he got a tip that there was one Citroën DSpécial had stood for years - from 1983 - in a corner of a garage in Belgium and much later underwent a complete restoration, which took 2 years. After the restoration (2015) less than 7000 km had been driven until today. The photos that were sent to him were very hopeful! There was a list of work: Total engine overhaul, no welding, leather interior, original carpet, white roof in harmony with the beautiful blue paint, and plastic rear panels (so 100 percent rust-free). Joost himself provided the car with a few extras, such as a Twingo roof to give free play to the sun's rays and a tow bar for the vintage caravan.
Not 100 percent original?
But plenty of fun and that is what makes Joost so enthusiastic. Driving with the qualities of the Citroën DSpécial, the comfort, the constant ride height, good driving on any road surface, a real goddess. His deep source of satisfaction is 100 percent original.
Nice story and nice that you enjoy your Goddess Joost. I think back with great pleasure to the time when I had a DS21 myself, that wonderful feeling cannot be matched in any other car.
Yes and it drives 🤤 nice!
Le dieux des voitures!
Et sa reste toujours!
In a HY, the engine turns the other way around 🤔
I also thought that the HY motor turns the other way. With the ID and DS the gearbox is in front of the motor and with the HY behind it. A story that was already told 30 years ago was that someone had done such an engine change and the car had 1 forward gear and XNUMX reverse.😄
The car has aged better than I have.
Brilliant, this is driving history.
Have fun
Thanks!!
MVG
Joost
Lovely, those 70s colors!
'The engine of a HY'..?
The bus has a 1600cc engine, and is actually a tuned DS engine (which in turn came from the TA).
This old 1911cc block has a triple bearing can, while the later 1985cc has a five bearing block.
The DSpecial is the entry ID, followed by the more luxurious DSuper.
Then comes the DS or manual or (semi) automatic.