Sell Your Citroën

DS, ID, and SM: the hydropneumatic classics

The DS, produced from 1955 to 1975, is for many the Citroën that defines everything. The aerodynamic lines by Flaminio Bertoni, the hydropneumatic suspension that lets the car glide, and details such as the floor-mounted brake button make this a car that was years ahead of its time. The SM, developed with Maserati and powered by a V6, was the polished GT version. On traditional channels, the difference between a DS21 Pallas with manual gearbox, a DSpécial, or a DS23ie Pallas semi-automatic is rarely highlighted; for collectors that gap is worth thousands of euros. The auction format brings buyers who understand these nuances.

At Octane your DS, ID, or SM gets the editorial attention that suits its position in the market. A photographic presentation that captures the detail, and reach among buyers who know the difference between a later hydropneumatic specification and an early example on green LHS fluid. That detail translates into fair bids.

Traction Avant, 2CV, and the post-war classics

The Traction Avant, in production from 1934 to 1957, was revolutionary at launch: front-wheel drive, monocoque construction, independent suspension. Many survived the war and remained in daily use deep into the fifties. The 2CV, with its 'Deux Chevaux' nickname, represents the other extreme: minimalist, frugal, and grown into an international cult object. An early Traction with proven provenance, or a 2CV in original colour with the right options (think the rare Charleston or the early ribbed bonnet), has its own collector market.

The auction format ensures these cars receive bids from buyers who know the difference between a regular 2CV and an AZAM, or between a Traction 11 Légère and a 15 Six. That kind of nuance is almost never properly conveyed on a general classifieds site.

HY vans, Méhari, and specials

The HY van, with its corrugated panels, has become a beloved canvas for restomod and commercial conversions. The Méhari (on 2CV underpinnings) is loved by summer convertible owners. And Henri Chapron's DS Décapotables are extreme rarities that form a collector class of their own. For these specials the auction format particularly excels: there are few reference points, and the Octane community brings together international buyers.

Rust and bodywork: the most important point

Citroëns from the DS and Traction era rust in specific places. On the DS, buyers check the chassis ends, the bottom of the doors, the wings, and the front subframe attachment. Traction Avants have known problems with the load-bearing floor and side rails, especially if they have stood still for decades. For 2CVs: chassis rails and floors are the points of attention. When selling, buyers expect honest photos of body work and any invoices for repairs carried out. A Citroën inspected by a specialist for the known rust spots, with documentation, attracts considerably more bids than a car with unknown history.

Hydropneumatic system and mechanicals

• DS and ID: the hydropneumatic system runs on LHM (green) or earlier LHS (red). The two are not interchangeable. When selling, state which system is fitted, when it was last flushed, and whether there are any known leaks. Early LHS systems (up to around 1967) are more complex to maintain.
• SM: Maserati V6, three timing chains, complex servicing. Ask for specialist invoices and engine rebuild history. An SM with proven service work at an SM specialist is essential.
• Traction Avant: 1.9 or 2.8-litre Citroën engines. Ask about head gasket history, oil pressure, and the condition of the famous front-wheel-drive setup (constant velocity joints).
• 2CV: 425cc, 602cc, and 652cc air-cooled flat twin. Robust and simple, with good parts supply. Points of attention are chassis rust and brakes (early drums, later discs).

Originality, specification, and colour

For Citroëns, originality is a key value driver. On DS models the distinction between Pallas, Prestige, and Décapotable matters, as does the type of suspension (LHS or LHM), the gearbox (manual, hydraulic, or semi-automatic), and the colour scheme. A DS in an original specification such as Vert Embrun with its original interior, or an SM in original Bleu Delta with wooden dashboard, fetches substantially more than a comparable car in a later colour.

Provenance and factory documentation

The Conservatoire Citroën in Aulnay-sous-Bois holds factory records for many models. Based on the chassis number, the original colour, specification, and first delivery address can usually be traced. For collectors this document is valuable. Also gather original purchase records, period photos, brochures, and any ownership documents. The more complete the file, the stronger your position with bidders.