1972 Citroen DS20

The Citroën DS20 is a front-engine, front-wheel drive saloon and estate built between 1965 and 1975. A specific version for the UK market, the DS19A, was briefly built at Citroën’s Slough factory between 1965 and early 1966.

The Citroën DS19A/DS20 first appeared in September 1965 with the familiar DS19 engine superseded by an improved, five-bearing 1985cc unit. Beneath the now-iconic coachwork, there was rack & pinion power-assisted steering, the famous independent suspension with a unit on each wheel and power-assisted braking with front discs and rear drums. There was also now green LHM (Liquide Hydraulique Mineral) fluid for hydraulic system. The Safari version came with two folding seats in the luggage compartment while the Familiale had benches front and rear plus a middle row of three folding seats.

The DS19A was introduced during the last phase of Citroën’s assembly plant in Slough – it would cease operations in 1966 - and the British models came in right-hand drive with leather upholstery, a manual gearbox and Lucas electrics.

In August 1967 the model gained a completely new frontal treatment with faired-in headlamps and the Safari gained the option of semi-automatic transmission; this was more popular in the UK than in France. 12 months later the 19A was re-branded as the DS20 with a 103bhp power output. There was also a Pallas option, for those who craved even more comfort, plus a Prestige version for the managing director.

The manual gearbox option was dropped by the late summer of 1969 on the saloon and there was now an improved “safety” dashboard. By the end of 1971 the Citroën DS20 had gained the directional inner headlamps of the more expensive versions although this was remained an option on the estates together with power steering. The Prestige version was now deleted. Production of the Citroën DS20 ended in April 1975, together with the remainder of the D-range.

The Citroën DS19A and DS20 were powered by a 1,985cc S4 OHV engine married to either a four-speed semi-automatic or a four-speed all-synchromesh manual gearbox.

Whichever version of the Citroën DS19A or DS20 you opt for, it will be an experience never to be forgotten, with incredible ride qualities and superb handling. Some motorists prefer the more conventional four-on-the-column of the early models while others swear by the semi-automatic box. All estate versions and the Pallas are especially desirable while the pre-1967 facelift models – and especially the now very rare Slough-built models – are much sought after.

As with any DS, check a 19A or 20 for rust where the floor of the boot meets the rear cross member, at the side rails, front and rear wings, around the headlamps of the post-1967 versions – and on the suspension pipes; fluid leaks are a common sign of problems in this department. In terms of mechanical issues, the engine is known for its durability but pay particular attention to the accumulator sphere while replacement of the inboard front disc brakes can prove to be a very time-consuming experience. There is very good parts availability for the Citroën although a Slough car’s hide trim will be expensive to refurbish.

Alternatives to the Citroën DS19A and DS20 include the Rover P6/P6B 2000/2200, the Triumph 2000 Mk. I and Mk. II, the Wolseley 18/85 and Six “Landcrab”, the Saab 99, the Peugeot 504, the Volvo 144, the BMW 1800/2000 “Neue Klasse“, the Fiat 2300 Berlina, the Alfa Romeo 1750/2000 Berlina and the Lancia Flavia/2000 Berlina.