Citroen DS21 Pallas test-drive

1966 Citroen DS21 Pallas road-test. Owner: David Towle. Designed to be a replacement for the prewar-styled Traction Avant, the DS model was launched on October 5, 1955, and remained in production with very few changes until the early 1970s. The DS, short for Derivation Special, had an advanced aerodynamic shape; a central hydraulic system that controlled the steering, brakes and clutch; an air/fluid hydro-pneumatic, self-leveling suspension system; and a single-spoke steering wheel.

By 1966, the DS was available with either a 90hp, 1,985cc inline-four or a larger, 109hp, 2,175cc version. The small engine models are DS19s, while the larger, 2,175cc versions are known as DS21 Pallas; they feature those distinctive, diagonally positioned quad-round headlights.

John Lobre

Organic. Simple, yet revolutionary. The DS was a total contrast to the U.S. manufacturers approach to building automobiles. It is unique in style and technology. This example is a beautiful sedan with good cruising characteristics. For me, it ranks high as one of the greatest cars of the 20th Century. Solid and steady as she goes. The ride quality and dampening was nothing less than outstanding. I can’t think of a car from the 1960s or, for that matter, the 1970s that gives a better ride. It held its line nicely through turns, thanks to precise steering and, of course, the sophisticated hydro-pneumatic suspension. The engine had excellent low-end torque and the clutch easy actuation. The seating was very comfortable, and all the gauges were clearly visible. The steering wheel was not adjustable, but located perfectly. For me, this DS is highly desirable: It’s a good driver and has a fine restoration.

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Eric Holveg

With its advanced aerodynamics and added safety features, the DS is an excel-lent example of form following function. Its flowing bodyline might be too radical for some people’s taste, but every aspect of the design makes sense; it is practical sculpture. Compared to the American cars that were available at the time, the DS ranks high, with lots of character. There’s no mistaking a DS for a Chevy Impala, that’s for sure. On the road it gives a luxurious ride for long-haul runs. I noticed that it leans into corners more than I would desire, but it always maintains total control. Easy-shifting transmission and quick steering makes for a car that’s good on the highway as well as secondary roads. Seats and roominess are more comparable to quality home furnishings than to other cars. It’s just that comfortable. As one of the most originally designed cars of the 20th Century, the DS still looks fresh today.

Chris Ottman

The DS has great lines, very futuristic. The George Jetson House of Styling could have designed it. Even the interior has a very artistic theme to it. While the whole car is loaded with character, the most distinctive features to me are its long, sloping hood and bug-eyed headlamps. Ride was excellent, though I found the brakes to be slightly softer than I would have expected. Handling was great, with no noticeable roll through any turns. On the road, the car shifts smoothly and accelerates with little effort. I was greeted by a very plush interior. Instrumentation was very easy to read. The dash-mounted rear-view mirror vibrated just like the one in my Citroen 2CV. Overall, I would love to own one of these. I might swap the wife for one, but it would have to be in excellent condition.

 

Michael Cannon

I love it. The distinctiveness is very appealing. The long hood and pinched rear end — it reminds me of an armadillo. Its character is derived from its originality It’s so French. On the road, it gave a great, smooth ride, even over bumps. Brakes, however, were a little iffy. A lot of pedal effort was required at first, then very light pressure was needed. Little road noise was evident, even with the windows down.

 

At times the DS exhibited lots of body roll; however, it always felt stuck to the ground. I found it to be a little light on power, but plenty to get you where you need to go. It offered superb outward visibility through the windshield. The mirrors, though, were too small. Seats are very comfortable, with nice positioning of stalk controls near the steering wheel. This car is the best. It’s a great combination of distinctive styling and quality engineering. 

Citroen DS owners and fans club and group

 

 CARS SPECIFICATIONS

Car	1966 Citroen DS21 Pallas
bodywork
body type	4/5 seater sedan/saloon / steel body monocoque
number of doors	4
designer	Flaminio Bertoni
dimensions & weights
	mm	inches
wheelbase	3125	123
track/tread (front)	1500	59.1
track/tread (rear)	1295	51
length	4840	190.6
width	1790	70.5
height	1470	57.9
ground clearance
length:wheelbase ratio	1.55
kerb weight	1320 kg	2910 lb
weight distribution	65.00 % front / 35 % rear
fuel tank capacity	65 litres	14.3 UK Gal	17.2 US Gal
aerodynamics
drag coefficient
frontal area
cda
engine
engine type	naturally aspirated petrol
engine manufacturer	Citroen
engine code	M21
cylinders	Straight 4
capacity	2.2 litre 2175 cc (132.727 cu in)
bore × stroke	90 × 85.5 mm  3.54 × 3.37 in
bore/stroke ratio	1.05
	overhead valve (OHV)  2 valves per cylinder  8 valves in total
maximum power output (net)	101 PS (100 bhp) (75 kW) at 5500 rpm
specific output (net)	46 bhp/litre 0.75 bhp/cu in
maximum torque (net)	164 Nm (121 ft·lb) (16.7 kgm) at 3000 rpm
specific torque (net)	75.4 Nm/litre  0.91 ft·lb/cu3
engine construction	All iron
sump	wet sumped
compression ratio	8.75:1
fuel system	1 Webber carb
bmep (brake mean effective pressure)	947.5 kPa (137.4 psi)
maximum rpm	5500
crankshaft bearings	6
engine coolant	Water
unitary capacity	543.75 cc
aspiration	Normal
compressor	–
intercooler	None
catalytic converter	–
performance
acceleration 0-80km/h (50mph)	9.90 sec
acceleration 0-60mph	15.0 sec
acceleration 0-100km/h	15.2 sec
acceleration 0-160km/h (100mph)	33.8 sec
standing quarter-mile
standing kilometre	35.90 sec
maximum speed	175 km/h (109 mph)
power-to-weight ratio	76.81 PS/g 56.49 kW/g 75.76 bhp/ton 0.03 bhp/lb
weight-to-power ratio	17.7 kg/kW 29.57 lb/bhp
fuel consumption
fuel consumption
universal consumption (calculated from the above)
litres per 100km
km per litre
uk mpg	22
us mpg
carbon dioxide emissions
calculated co2
ved band (uk)
co2 effizienz (de)
chassis
engine position	front
engine layout	longitudinal
drive wheels	front wheel drive
torque split	N/A
steering	rack & pinion PAS
turns lock-to-lock	3
turning circle	11.00 m
front suspension	independent by wishbones, antiroll bar and self-levelling oleo-pneumatic struts
rear suspension	independent by trailing arms, anti-roll bar and self-levelling oleo-pneumatic struts
wheel size front	5J x 15
wheel size rear	5J x 15
tyres front	Michelin XAS 180 x 380
tyres rear	Michelin XAS 165 x 380
brakes f/r	Discs/Drums, Power-assisted
front brake diameter	10in
rear brake diameter	8in
gearbox	4 speed manual
top gear ratio	0.85
final drive ratio	4.38
general
production total
model code	DS21 series II DS
model family	DS/ID
rac rating	20.1