Citroën’s ground-breaking DS design was manufactured for two decades. It came out in 1955 when we were making new FJ Holdens in Australia.

The wagon version followed and remained in production to the end.

This car has the most desirable seating combination; separate front seats with folding rear seat plus two sideways mounted ‘strapontins’, folding single occasional seats, with footwells in the boot.

The adaptability, spaciousness and self-levelling suspension made a formidable package.

As the final version of Safari, this car has the 2.3-litre carburettored engine and 5-speed gearbox, power steering as well as turning headlights.

This car was sold new in Australia and its Australian Compliance plate bears the date December 1974, with the importer being Citco in Sydney.

Its early history is unknown, but the car moved to Queensland. It was purchased by Alec Howe who was well known as working with Jim Reddiex, owner of Maxim Motors, a separate importer of Citroën and extremely highly regarded as an importer, dealer and Citroën rally driver – he won the 1974 World Cup Rally in a DS23.

Howe purchased the Safari with a view to preparing it for a leisurely drive around Australia (not a rally). He selected this car as it was sound and completely rust free.

He kept a detailed log of work undertaken on the car (which goes with it). Included were: an engine rebuild, suspension work, steering rebuilt, new clutch, electrical work, new upholstery and a myriad of minor items attended to. A full list is in the description which can be emailed.

Clearly a tremendous amount of work was done, by someone with vast experience in DSs. Parts availability was, and still is excellent, with several specialist companies in Europe able to provide anything necessary for a DS.

Sadly Alec Howe passed away and the Safari became available. It had never done the drive around Australia.

A Western Australian enthusiast purchased the car and had it shipped across the country. The car was taken to Stuart Pekin, who runs a Citroën workshop in Perth specialising in classic models. He undertook work on the car as follows: Steering rack rebuilt, new spheres and accumulator, exhaust flexi pipe, various boots and window tint added as well as some minor items. Stuart assured the owner that this car would be the best Safari in Western Australia.

The car certainly drives nicely for a DS. It performs well, has the magic carpet soft ride and feels solid. All the controls feel as they should.

The exterior presents very well inside and out. The odometer shows just over 186,700km, which tallies as correct.

Less than ten percent of all DSs made over 20 years of production were the wagon. In 2026, they still attract attention wherever they go.

A Safari is a rare car today with its classic looks, comfort and drivability combined with tremendous practicality – a very rare combination. You’d be very hard pressed to find a better sorted example.

Request an email with more details and photos from paul@classicrally.com.au

Paul Blank Classic Car Broker MD28143  B 17886

Whilst every effort to ensure accuracy is made when preparing the description of a car, much of the information is provided by the owner and cannot be guaranteed to be accurate and complete. Some errors and omissions occur occasionally and we cannot be held liable for any loss or damage arising from incorrect or incomplete information or any reliance which might be placed on information provided. Any potential purchaser is advised to make his or her own independent investigations or inspections to determine title and whether a vehicle is suitable for purchase.