Designed by Bertoni and launched in 1955, the Citroen DS (or “Goddess”) sold nearly 1.5 million units during its 20 years of production. A design classic the DS was packed with innovations and safety features that took decades to appear on other cars – indeed some have never been rivaled to this day!
The DS advanced all achievable standards in terms of ride quality, road-holding, handling, and braking. With the exception of air bags and side impact bars, there have been few improvements in vehicle safety design since.
After 18 years of development in secret, the DS 19 was introduced on October 5, 1955 at the Paris Motor Show. The car’s appearance and innovative engineering captured the imagination of the public and 743 orders were taken in the first 15 minutes of the show, First day orders totaled 12,000!
Throughout its model lifetime, the DS remained ahead of its time. It’s most remarkable innovation being the oleo-pneumatic (oil-air) pressure circuit that operated the steering, semi-automatic gearbox, brakes and suspension, which – pumped up by two powerful “accumulators” – provided automatic ride-height adjustment while giving the car a floating, luxurious ride.
The suspension was also driver-adjustable so that, in the event of a flat tire, the driver could raise the car to its highest setting, prop the corner, lower the car and remove the wheel, all without a jack. Other innovations included road-following head lamps, fiberglass roof and boot panel, removable body panels and a charming single-spoke steering wheel which allowed clear view of the instruments and collapsed with impact in an accident. It was also the first production car to sport front disc brakes.
The DS was voted fifth on Automobile Magazine “100 Coolest Cars” listing in 2005 and third in the 1999 Car of the Century competition, recognizing the world’s most influential auto designs. If you want to know which cars took second and first place then keep your eyes on KOCMO’s Classic Cars
President Charles de Gaulle praised the unusual abilities of his unarmored DS with saving his life during the assassination attempt at Petit-Clamart on August 22, 1962 – the shots had blown two of the tires, but due to the self-leveling suspension the car was still able to escape at full speed.
A true classic, a silver 1973 DS 23 IE ‘Decapotable’ (convertible) sold for EUR 176,250 in auction at Christie’s in 2006.
For more information about classic cars visit our site http://kocmobg.com You will find motoring section and many more..
