A Second Life

In the 1980s, the DS, then fitted with a 2-litre engine, was passed down to me. However, age, along with irregular use and maintenance, began to take its toll, resulting in mechanical issues and blemishes appearing on the bodywork and interior. Thankfully, the underbody remained rust-free, thanks to the dry Mediterranean climate. In 1988, Tzavaras Bros., Citroën experts in Greece, carried out a major upgrade on the DS, using a donor car sourced from France. That 2,3-litre fuel-injected DS was mechanically sound but had a severely corroded underbody.

The challenging “transplant” resulted in a significantly enhanced DS, featuring the most powerful engine and a full array of Pallas accessories, including tinted windows (a rare option back then) and luxurious leather upholstery, though air conditioning was notably absent. It’s worth noting that opting for air conditioning in a classic car may not be ideal, as it can sap power and put extra strain on the engine, particularly during the sweltering Mediterranean heat waves.

In the 1990s, my father had portions of the dashboard beautifully handcrafted from walnut wood (see bottom photo). Between 2020 and 2025, the iconic hypcar underwent a slow yet thorough restoration at the Horevas workshop. Every detail was carefully attended to, ensuring that both mechanical and body aspects were meticulously addressed. The DS’s superstructure was stripped down, and any parts that were slightly (or more than slightly) rusted were either replaced or treated appropriately. Additionally, the body and panels received enhanced protection against rust, while modern materials were used to improve the soundproofing of the underbody and firewall.

During this overhaul, the engine received a meticulous inspection, leading to the replacement of the pistons and cylinder liners. We also installed longer third and fourth gears to ease the strain when cruising at speeds over 120 km/h, which is a rare feat these days. To top it off, we gave the DS a fresh coat of the original paint. Inside, we kept the original Pallas leather seats and door panels, all lovingly reconditioned. However, we completely renewed the surrounding upholstery lining.