1972 Citroen DS 21 Pallas – Exterior and Interior – Retro Classics Stuttgart 2022

The Citroën DS 21 Pallas represents the most luxurious expression of the DS saloon, with the Pallas designation introduced in 1964 to distinguish the premium variants.

Technical Details:

The Citroën DS 21 Pallas is powered by the long-lived DX engine type, first introduced in September 1965 and designed with five main bearings, forming the technical foundation for Citroën engines for decades to come. Despite its displacement of nearly 2.2 liters, Citroën deliberately named the model DS 21 rather than DS 22. The water-cooled inline four-cylinder engine uses an overhead-valve valvetrain driven by a chain and displaces 2,175 cc, with bore and stroke dimensions of 90 x 85.5 mm. Output is rated at 100 PS at 5,500 rpm, providing confident performance for a luxury touring sedan. Power is delivered to the front wheels, a defining technical characteristic of the DS series, via a register carburetor.

Braking is handled by disc brakes at the front and drum brakes at the rear, supported by a sophisticated dual-circuit system that separates front and rear braking forces. The Citroën DS 21 Pallas reaches a top speed of approximately 175 km/h and has an unladen weight between 1,280 and 1,295 kilograms. Its long 3,125 mm wheelbase contributes to exceptional ride comfort and stability, while the overall dimensions of 4,838 mm in length, 1,790 mm in width, and 1,470 mm in height emphasize its commanding road presence.

A defining feature of the Citroën DS 21 Pallas is its hydropneumatic suspension system, which works in conjunction with a centralized high-pressure hydraulic system. This system not only supports the suspension but also powers the brakes, steering, and the semi-automatic gearbox. The suspension automatically maintains constant ride height regardless of load or driving conditions, and allows manual adjustment between multiple height settings, including a repair position. When the engine is switched off, hydraulic pressure slowly dissipates and the car gently settles onto rubber buffers; restarting the engine raises the body once again. This technology was so advanced that Rolls-Royce and Mercedes-Benz licensed the Citroën patent, with Rolls-Royce sourcing components directly from Citroën.

• Manufacturer: Citroën
• Model Name: DS 21 Pallas
• Year of Manufacturing: 1972

Design:

The Citroën DS 21 Pallas represents the most luxurious expression of the DS saloon, with the Pallas designation introduced in 1964 to distinguish the premium variants. The exterior design remains unmistakably DS, defined by its smooth, flowing silhouette and aerodynamic clarity. Later models featured the third-generation front end with double headlights, reinforcing the futuristic appearance that set the DS apart from all contemporaries. Subtle dimensional changes over the years refined proportions without disturbing the overall visual harmony.

Inside, the Citroën DS 21 Pallas specification elevated the DS to true luxury status. The cabin atmosphere emphasized comfort, calm, and refinement rather than overt sportiness. Every design element served both function and aesthetic, reinforcing the sensation of effortless travel. The long wheelbase translated into generous interior space, while the suspension’s ability to isolate occupants from road imperfections gave the Citroën DS 21 Pallas an almost floating quality, a sensation unmatched by conventional sedans of its era.

Historical Significance:

The Citroën DS occupies a singular place in automotive history, and the Citroën DS 21 Pallas stands at the summit of that legacy. When the DS was unveiled at the Paris Motor Show on October 5, 1955, it caused an unprecedented sensation, with just over 12,000 orders reportedly placed on the very first day. This extraordinary reception underscored how radically the DS redefined expectations for design, comfort, and technology.

The Citroën DS 21 continued this tradition by refining the concept into a fast, reliable long-distance touring car, particularly after the introduction of the mineral-based hydraulic fluid LHM in September 1966. This innovation significantly improved reliability and performance. By 1970, Citroën offered not only the hydraulically operated four-speed gearbox but also a mechanically shifted five-speed gearbox originally developed for the luxury SM coupé, and in November 1971, a three-speed Borg-Warner fully automatic transmission became available. These developments demonstrate Citroën’s ongoing commitment to technical evolution even late in the DS production run.

Quirks and Pop Culture:

The Citroën DS 21 Pallas achieved enduring fame far beyond the automotive world, becoming a recurring presence in cinema. In “Les Aventures de Rabbi Jacob”, Louis de Funès drives a black Citroën DS 21 Pallas with a boat strapped to the roof, ultimately crashing into a pond headfirst after his character’s risky driving antics. In “Le Samouraï”, Alain Delon exclusively steals the luxury Citroën DS 21 Pallas, reinforcing its association with elegance and intrigue. The car also appears in the Oscar-nominated film “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy” (2011), where Gary Oldman’s character George Smiley drives a DS 21 Pallas, using the car as a subtle symbol of intelligence, restraint, and authority.

Display and preservation:

The vehicle was exhibited at the Retro Classics Stuttgart in 2022. This car show is one of the major events on the classic car calendar in Germany. In 2022, it took place across five exhibition halls. Visitors can enjoy special showcases, hunt for rare parts and books, and buy cars—both private sellers and dealers offer a wide range of classic and youngtimer vehicles. In 2022, there was a noticeable increase in low-mileage youngtimers and classic cars.

Conclusion:

The 1972 Citroën DS 21 Pallas represents one of the most innovative automotive concepts ever brought to series production. Combining advanced engine engineering, a groundbreaking hydropneumatic suspension system, and uncompromising luxury, it set standards that competitors could only follow decades later. Its distinctive design, historical impact, and enduring presence in popular culture cement the Citroën DS 21 Pallas as not merely a luxury sedan, but as a defining milestone in automotive history.