The search begins ... (Mar 2008)
Where to start? Haven't seen any in newspaper adverts for some time.
Internet search engines!? Various combinations of keywords
(Citroen, Citroen DS, Citroen DS sale etc) were used to see what was out there.
Price, as always, was a factor. Finding a nice DS convertible
listed in the UK for £85,000 (AU$200,000+) brought me back to earth. Australian examples of 'Classics' varied
from those on car sales pages at $20,000 - $30,000 with just one at $12,000, to
ebay listings with prices going up to $6,600. Also found under general car sales a "Parisienne" - a model assembled
in Australia in the early 1960's to meet 'Local content' rules and qualify for discounted rate of import duty.
If the car is in another state, other country, how do you decide? Check on condition?
Checked out the enthusiasts clubs around Australia also. Made contact with A.C.E.
(Association of Citroen Enthusiast of WA) to locate a man and business I'd come across
14 years before. C.A.R.S. (Citroen Automobile Restoration Service) was operated by Laurens Borg.
I'd called into his workshop in 1994 to deliver something and looked at his restoration of a DS Safari.
Laurens had also stayed with us and allowed me to drive his own car. My first drive of a Citroen.
Two replies came back from A.C.E. telling me Laurens had 'retired' and moved. One of the correspondents
had stayed in Denmark recently and we had a number of common friends/acquaintances. They provided me with
Laurens contact details as well as an offer of a car. A 1973 Citroen D Super 5
I called Laurens - on his 21st Wedding Anniversary as it transpired - and renewed our acquaintance. He was as busy as ever in his retirement
but was ready to help me 'join the club'
I made email contact with three owners as I narrowed my choice - by necessity rather than choice actually.
If I'd had me dr'uthers I'd have had all three.
Have the following under consideration:
A: 1973 D Super 5 - one owner for past 33 years, enthusiast, reputation for care to detail.
B: No © free pic available
B: 1974 DS Safari - past history unknown, two owners in recent years, resprayed (Brun scarabee), daily drive, has seats in rear.
Looks good paint in photos, trim OK.
C: 1964 ID "Parisienne" - known history, re-built motor, repainted 18 years ago,
much work done to hyraulics, panel and trim need attention. Due for repaint. Not yet roadworthy or lic.
next: inspection and decision