1975 Citroen D Special

Citroen D Special and D Super(Saloon) , 1969 - 1975

The Citroen D Special and D Super were in production from 1969 to 1975. They are front engine, front wheel drive saloon cars, and were the final iterations of the ID saloon. Not badged as D Special or D Super, the Safari estate models were part of the same family. The DS20 was technically similar barring a more advanced hydraulic system.

The Citroen D Super and D Special range was launched in 1970 as a four door, five seat saloon. Intended to replace the ID, the range comprised the D Special and D Super. The D Special replaced the ID19, while the D Super replaced the ID20. Both cars featured hydropneumatic self levelling suspension, though unlike the DS they had manual steering and conventional braking systems as standard. Power steering was optional

In 1970 both models progressed from a handbrake to a foot operated parking brake, and the D Super could be specified with an optional five speed gearbox. From 1971, the contrasting roof was painted to match the main body colour. 1972 saw a new design of door handle - recedes rather than push button, for safety reasons. The D Special saw a new engine with 98bhp, while the D Super got 108bhp and a reversing lamp as standard fit. The five speed option for the D Super was deleted in 1973, when a new model was launched. The D Super 5 was a D Super with the 2175cc DS engine, power steering and a five speed gearbox as standard. The range continued in this form until January 1975, when the D Super 5 was discontinued. The D Special and D Super were discontinued in June 1975.

Break estate equivalents were available; the "Safari" as it was known in Britain was always an ID rather than a DS, though it had the same hydraulic system as the more expensive model with power steering and powered brakes. The Break 20 was equivalent to the D Special, and the Break 21 equivalent to D Super. The Break 21 was replaced by the Break 23 in 1972. All Breaks or Safaris were available as five seater, or seven seat Familiale spec models.

The Citroen D Special uses a 1911cc four cylinder engine inherited from the previous ID19. The engine drives the front wheels through a four speed manual gearbox. The D Super uses a 2088cc derivative of the same engine, while the D Super 5 uses a 2175cc variant. Some late Safaris used a 2347cc variant, which as with the Super 5 was available with a five speed gearbox.

All D models used Citroen's hydropneumatically interconnected suspension, which used fluid and gas to ensure a level ride which insulated passengers from the surface underneath. Disc brakes all round were standard, and power steering was available as an option.

The D range aren't fast cars, but they do have considerable charm to drive. They're not for the novice and you need to think about how to make smooth progress, but it's a beautiful cruiser when you give it chance. The brakes are modern car sharp, so be careful until you get used to it. And nothing rides even remotely like a D. If you want a pillow soft smoothie, this is it.

Panels and trim are still relatively plentiful; courtesy of the D's similarity to the iconic DS. Citroen events can prove fruitful for spare parts, while there's plenty of mechanical support out there courtesy of the engine's long life. Having begun life in the Traction Avant, it was still in use in the 1990s courtesy of the CX.

Floorpans are prone to rust, as are the rear crossmembers, and the sections behind the rear panel. The roof gutters and screen frame are susceptible to rust; the roof itself isn't as it's made of GRP. Trim can be retrimmed, and many have been upgraded to DS trim. Correct original trim can be harder to find as a result but is still out there.

The Citroen D Super 5 is the most desirable D saloon, though the Safari models have a wider appeal among Citroen enthusiasts. Bigger engines are also better, as is higher spec, making the D Special the least desirable of a generally desirable range. That doesn't mean D Specials are unwanted, more that the rest are more fiercely contested.

Alternatives to the Citroen D Super and D Special would include Citroen's own technically audacious DS models - especially the DS23 Pallas. Citroen's later CX model may also appeal, though if you want a 1970s car of class and quality a W114 Mercedes or a Rover P6 might be a wise alternative.