For many enthusiasts, the Citroën DS 23 Pallas represents the ultimate expression of Citroën’s hydropneumatic philosophy. Built at the very end of the DS production run between roughly 1973 and 1975, it combines the most powerful DS engine, the most mature hydraulic systems, and the most luxurious trim package the factory ever offered. It is the car that many specialists recommend when a buyer says, “I want one DS that can really do everything.”
This article focuses specifically on the DS 23 Pallas as a US‑import candidate in 2026: what makes it special, how it differs from earlier DS models, and what to consider when sourcing and shipping one from Europe. For a broader overview that compares DS 23 Pallas to both earlier DS variants and the SM GT, see the main feature on Citroën DS & SM imports, evolution, specs, and US value in 2026. When you are ready to move from research to logistics, West Coast Shipping’s international car shipping page explains how to get the car from a French seller to your US driveway.
By the early 1970s, Citroën had refined the DS platform for nearly two decades. The DS 23 arrived as the final engine evolution:
A 2.3‑liter four‑cylinder provided more torque and better highway performance than earlier DS19 and DS21 engines.
Many DS 23s were fitted with Bosch fuel injection (DS 23 IE), improving drivability, cold starts, and efficiency compared with carbureted versions.
Buyers could choose manual or semi‑automatic (Citromatic) gearboxes, matching their preference for engagement vs cruising ease.
In practical terms, this means a DS 23 is more comfortable at modern US highway speeds than most earlier DS models—especially important if you plan to actually drive the car on interstates rather than just display it.
The Pallas package turned the DS 23 into a proper luxury saloon:
Additional sound insulation and thicker carpets to reduce road and drivetrain noise.
Higher‑grade upholstery (often leather or velour), upgraded door cards, and richer trim materials.
Extra brightwork, stainless and chrome details, and finer finishing touches inside and out.
A DS 23 Pallas feels notably more refined than a basic DS or ID. That refinement is why many US buyers who are shopping at the top of the DS market skip straight to Pallas cars, particularly when building a car for regular use rather than occasional shows.
Compared with earlier DS variants:
DS19 and early DS21 cars prioritize originality and period feel, but can feel strained at sustained US freeway speeds.
Later DS21 and DS23 models, especially with fuel injection, offer stronger mid‑range power and more relaxed cruising.
If you plan to:
Drive your DS regularly,
Cover longer distances (for example, between states), or
Share the car with people who are not used to slower classics,
a DS 23 Pallas will typically be the least compromised option. That is a big reason it regularly appears on “shortlists” in import‑planning calls and in articles like Why You Should Find & Import a Citroën DS to the States.
The Pallas package also makes day‑to‑day life easier:
Better sound deadening means the car is less tiring on long drives.
Higher‑quality seats and interior materials make the cabin feel closer to a luxury sedan than a utilitarian classic.
The overall ambiance is more in line with what many US buyers expect from a high‑end European car.
If you are importing one DS that has to “do it all”—cars‑and‑coffee events, city runs, and weekend road trips—the DS 23 Pallas is usually the most sensible choice.
The DS’s hydropneumatic system is its calling card—and its main potential headache if neglected. With a DS 23 Pallas, you should pay close attention to:
Suspension spheres – Age, gas charge, and replacement history.
Hydraulic pump and accumulator – Ability to build and maintain pressure quickly, without constant cycling.
Lines, hoses, and seals – Evidence of leaks, corrosion, or patchwork repairs.
A Pallas with fresh or recently rebuilt hydraulics from a known specialist is worth a premium. When buying remotely, request detailed workshop invoices and photos; this is a recurring theme in WCS guidance, including the DS‑focused article and the broader Import a Car from France: Your Guide to International Shipping.
For DS 23 Pallas models:
Fuel‑injected DS 23 IE cars provide better performance but add wiring, sensors, and injection components that must be in good order.
Carbureted DS 23s are mechanically simpler but may need careful tuning to match modern fuel and driving patterns.
Citromatic semi‑automatic cars require attention to clutch actuation and hydraulic control logic, on top of the usual gearbox checks.
Well‑documented engine and gearbox work is a strong positive in any DS 23 Pallas listing. If the seller is vague on mechanical history, assume that catching up on deferred maintenance will be part of your budget.
France remains the most logical starting point for DS 23 Pallas shopping:
The largest pool of original‑market cars.
Strong presence of DS specialists and marque‑specific workshops.
Good access to documentation and history when dealing with established dealers and auction houses.
West Coast Shipping’s France‑specific content, including Import a Car from France: Your Guide to International Shipping and How Much Does It Cost to Import a Car from France to the US, goes into detail on how cars are sourced, inspected, and prepared for export.
Outside France:
The Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany often have high‑quality, restored DS 23 Pallas cars marketed specifically for export.
Some Southern European cars (Spain, southern France, Italy) benefit from milder climates, which may help with body preservation, though paperwork quality varies.
Specialist dealers and auction platforms frequently feature DS 23 Pallas examples with photo‑documented restorations and hydraulic overhauls.
Using French and European auction platforms in combination with WCS’s sourcing tips—for example, in the article on Best France Car Auction Sites: 2025 Import Guide to the USA—can help you find stronger candidates and avoid problem cars.
Every DS 23 Pallas is now well past the 25‑year mark, which unlocks significant advantages for US importers:
Entry under the 25‑year rule means the car is generally exempt from modern EPA and DOT standards that apply to newer vehicles.
There is no need to retrofit contemporary crash or emissions equipment, provided the car is correctly classified and documented.
The main federal tasks are customs valuation, duty payment, and proper completion of import forms.
WCS’s 25‑Year Rule for US Car Imports: Complete Classic Import Guide explains how these exemptions work and why detailed paperwork (title, bill of sale, foreign registration, etc.) is still critical.
Beyond purchase price and transport:
US import duty on passenger cars is usually a flat percentage of declared value, plus harbor and processing fees.
Buyers must also consider any state‑level tax and registration costs once the car arrives and is titled.
Using WCS’s US Car Import Cost Calculator alongside freight quotes helps you build a realistic total‑landed‑cost estimate.
Putting these pieces together early avoids surprises and helps you decide whether a particular DS 23 Pallas represents good value or whether it is smarter to keep looking.
Given the value and mechanical sophistication of a DS 23 Pallas, most owners choose container shipping:
Hydropneumatic suspension and low‑slung bodywork benefit from controlled loading into a container rather than open‑deck or RoRo handling.
Containers allow additional protection, including car covers and strategic positioning away from potential contact points.
Multi‑car shipments (for example, a DS 23 Pallas plus another classic, or a pallet of parts) can share a single 40‑foot container.
The international car shipping page explains how West Coast Shipping collects vehicles, moves them into private warehouses in California, Florida, and New Jersey, and loads them into shared or dedicated containers depending on your needs.
For DS 23 Pallas imports:
Shared containers often make economic sense when shipping a single car, spreading container and terminal charges across multiple clients while still providing secure, indoor transport.
Dedicated containers are worth considering if:
You are moving multiple vehicles at once.
You want to ship a DS plus a substantial parts inventory.
The particular car’s value or rarity justifies a more controlled environment.
WCS’s International Car Shipping Services Checklist (2026 Guide) outlines how to match container type, route, and timing to your project’s risk profile and budget.
This article provides a general overview of the Citroën DS 23 Pallas (1973–1975) as a classic‑car import candidate, along with typical sourcing and shipping patterns as of early 2026. It is intended for informational and promotional purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, customs, regulatory, financial, or investment advice.
Before committing to a DS 23 Pallas purchase or import:
Verify technical and historical details (engine type, injection vs carburetor, gearbox, trim, model year) with factory documentation, marque clubs, and recognized Citroën specialists.
Confirm import eligibility, duties, and tariff treatments with a licensed customs broker, using resources like the 25‑Year Rule for US Car Imports and the Global Guide to Car Import Taxes, Duty‑Free Options & Regulations only as high‑level references.
Check state‑level registration and emissions rules at your US destination, as requirements vary and may affect your ability to title and use the car.
Treat any discussion of prices or appreciation as descriptive, not predictive; classic‑car markets can move quickly in either direction.
West Coast Shipping provides logistics services—vehicle collection, export handling, container loading, ocean freight, and coordination with your chosen customs broker and local agents. It does not interpret or apply laws, represent clients before authorities, or provide legal, tax, or financial advice. You are solely responsible for your own due diligence and for engaging qualified professionals.
For a wider context comparing the DS 23 Pallas with earlier DS models and the Citroën SM GT, visit the main article on Citroën DS & SM imports, evolution, specs, and US value in 2026.
Start from West Coast Shipping’s international car shipping page to:
Generate instant container‑shipping estimates from key European ports to your preferred US gateway.
Compare shared versus dedicated container options, tailored to the value and configuration of your DS 23 Pallas import.
Build a complete, duty‑aware budget that you can review with your customs broker and financial advisors before wiring funds to a seller in France or elsewhere in Europe.
Whether you have already secured a DS 23 Pallas from a French specialist or are still evaluating options with multiple European dealers, knowing your shipping and import numbers is essential before you commit.