This magnificent DS23 Pallas is a BVH variant, with those letters standing for Boîte de Vitesses Hydraulique and denoting that the car has a hydraulic semi-automatic gearbox – effectively a clutchless manual system.

We have driven this fine example and can attest to the fact that the model’s renowned ride quality is present, correct and utterly grin-inducing.

The car wafts along on a frictionless, whisper-quiet, silky-soft cloud of Gallic élan, despatching potholes, speed bumps and other road hazards with an insouciant shrug.

It is officially smoother than an otter in an evening suit.

Which, as everyone knows, is really very smooth indeed.

The vendor has owned the car since September 2021 and has spent plenty of time and money perfecting the nearly £50,000-worth of restoration work commissioned by the previous owner from renowned DS experts, Pallas Auto.

That major, bare metal, ground-up restoration took three years to complete, from 2016 to 2019, and the work was evidently carri...