Citroën DS 23 ie Pallas – 1973

French registration title

The ultimate evolution of the legendary DS, the 23 rolled off the production line in September 1972.

The engine developed 130 hp in its electronic fuel injection version.

There were already rumors of succession within the Citroën family, and the aging DS needed novelty.

The DS 23 thus came to replace the 21, which would then be renamed ‘D Super 5’ and equipped with the manual transmission.
The 2.3-liter engine, for the 1973 model year, was available in carburetor or injection versions, and could be coupled with three transmission versions: manual, hydraulic, or automatic.
This engine had a remarkable career and brought the DS even more flexibility and torque, allowing it to reach almost 190 km/h top speed.
Test driver André Costa from L’Auto-Journal appreciated a new character at the time: ‘With its 130 hp and its generous power curve, the 23 has become, if its driver so desires, a fighter that, despite its weight, weaves we...