Previous history

The known previous history for this Dspecial

I was/am not so interested in ‘originality‘ but just a good looking comfortable car to drive. This car is one that I would be driving every day and using for normal city and highway driving to work and elsewhere. It’s nice to have ‘original‘ fittings but some things have progressed significantly in automobile safety and comfort since the 1970’s. I cant see myself driving any car without a good Audio system and a bluetooth hands free phone setup. Also Metals like stainless are going to last way longer than plastics made 30+ years ago. I knew that anything I found was probably going to need significant work.

I wanted a car that I could rely on to have good basic mechanicals and so focus on fixing the more cosmetic aspects of it myself. This car was ideal for renovating as it was just ready to get some ‘low level’ things fixed before they went bad like minor rust spots in the C pillar and doors, blocked drainage holes everywhere on the body parts and frame and many details inside and out.

  • Citroen Dspecial 1974 December Build in Paris France – shipped to Australia & registered  and purchased July 1975
  • Manual 4 speed & all options attributed to 1975 model [see John Reynolds restorers guide & other Citroen refs] included such as Jersey velours trim, power steering, self leveling headlights with swivelling auxiliary lights, heated rear window etc.
  • 2 previous owners 1975 -86 & 86-2000
  • Milage @ approx just over 60,000 miles [mostly by second owner]
  • It had been used quite a bit towing trailers
  • Previous owner replaced bonnet due to ‘inversion’ when driving on highway after leaving it loose
  • New engine mounts installed [heavy duty]
  • Lumenition optronic ignition system installed
  • Some chromed plastic trim replaced with stainless trim such as front indicators
  • Main light reflectors replaced and new ones mounted on perspex circles to block sides from dust etc. and original H4 light casings removed

Minor wiring updates such as

  • beaper for lights on when ignition goes off
  • new trailer wiring connector
  • Relays added and reduced voltage across control panel to prolong switch life etc.