Recently in these pages I wrote up that snail on wheels, the Citroën 2CV6, and today here we have a barn-find Safari. This wagon was pulled from its resting place after sitting for forty years. Its story is another “ran when parked” tale, but currently, the motor is stuck. The car is located in Hudson, Massachusetts, and it’s listed here on facebook Marketplace for $10,000 – a figure no doubt derived more from its rarity than its condition. While more than 1.4 million DS/IDs were made, only about 94,000 were wagons, and it’s estimated that fewer than 1000 made their way to the US. Thanks to Paul in MA for the tip!
Citroën launched the wagon in 1958, building it more robustly than the conventional DS. For one thing, the roof was made of steel rather than fiberglass, to hold the load of the roof rack and whatever items it might carry. Despite notching the wagon as an ID – normally the company’s base model – Citroën gave it the same hydropneumatic suspension found on the DS, though with longer travel and large-bore cylinders to carry extra weight over rugged roads. The wagon also received power-assisted brakes. The engine is likely Citroën’s 2175 cc four-cylinder good for 109 hp, and in the wagon, paired with a four-speed manual. Without the engine working, it’s going to be tough to tell if the suspension works – or not. Most likely the buyer will be facing plenty of mechanical work. This interior is in fair condition, but still broadcasts the style that’s typical of most French cars. The base wagon had two opposing seats in the way-back, as we see here.
A surefire way to differentiate between the ID and the DS is the color of the chevron badge on the rear: the top-shelf DS received a gold badge while the ID’s was silver. The wagon was produced sans rear fender skirts; this photo shows off the very tall, ample greenhouse. The seller notes “very little rust”. As to pricing, this ’67 Safari sold last year for $38k; formerly a museum resident, it changed hands requiring recommissioning work but in much better cosmetic condition than our subject car. What would you pay for this example of French flair?
Oh sure, I could make the tired old joke “Once you own a French car, nothing worse can happen to you”, but I won’t.
Otherwise, I love these cars and they are on my bucket list. Even a wagon. One just sold on Hagerty auctions for 13K I think, a steal. I offered the guy my ’63 Riviera as a trade, but he declined.
Maybe someday…..
Although I can attest too the ownership of too many French cars, having had half a dozen Citroens and dozens of Peugeots, they can be both challenging to repair but always an absolute pleasure to drive. French engineering is unique to say the least, but viva le difference’. If you have never driven a Citroen DS or ID, you will never understand the appeal of these truly unique cars. Every aspect of them was so far ahead of their time, even in their final versions.
Hemmings auctions, I correct myself.
I have a 65 ID19F that is rust free and running when I purchased it and began restoration 2 years ago this month. I paid $7k. This is my 11th D model over 45 years
Rust repair is straightforward and all panels are available, but not for the amateur. Full interiors also available, and obviously engine and hydraulics. Everything comes from Europe now. Figure in expensive shipping.
Take what you think it needs and triple it.
Lovely looking car. I consider it damned unforgivable that the Citroën DS/ID was never offered here in the USA.
Citroen had a quite thriving presence in the US, right up until the SM. Dealerships in most major metropolitan areas, and even in your next of the woods in Seattle!
Citroen was regulated out of the US market in 74. New bumpers, catalytic converters and detuned engines–Citroen couldn’t (or wouldn’t) comply.
That’s crazy! I’m all for safety, but this is crazy. Who the hell is our government to decide what’s safe to drive, and should be allowed to be sold in the USA?
Leave it as is – a French outhouse :-)
Escargot? No. Car no go.
Is this actually a 4-on-the-tree? Too cool if true!
Yes, older Mercedes Benz’s had 4 on the tree as well.
I’d drive a Mercedes-Benz if I could get it with a column mounted manual shifting gearbox.
I’ve been all over New England and I’ve never seen one ever. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and I find these to be butt ugly.
I could be wrong, but I think I may have owned this very car back in 1977. I lived in Manchester NH at the time and was commuting to Haverhill, MA for work at a shoe pattern office. Even durig the Blizzard of ’78 when almost all roads were impassable, this car get me to work and back without even breathing hard. Tall skinny 15″ tired that would cut through snow and slush, it was the prfect car for NH winters. Never had a spec of trouble the entire time I owned it.
I’m pretty sure I’ve never seen one of these in the flesh. Very interesting. I wonder where those “fewer than 1000” ended up in the US. Near big cities, which had dealerships, I presume (as Rick notes). When the most high-end wagon in my growing-up rural neck of the woods would have been a Ford Country Squire, these were like being from another planet.
Good work Michelle.
I find these attractive and interesting. Someone will take her on. They are rare and practical when sorted.
Looks better in the back than the front and looks like the old fined dodge taillights. I guess not for me. It just looks like it could be trouble Imagine stranded along the highway what do you do
????
Parts . . .
French maid, yes! Citroen, no.