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Citroen DS

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Citroen DS: Citroen DS: The Goddess That Redefined the Car
Photo: Calreyn88 / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0

Citroen DS: The Goddess That Redefined the Car

The Citroen DS stunned the world in 1955 with aerodynamic styling and suspension technology no other manufacturer could match.

When Citroen unveiled the DS at the 1955 Paris Motor Show, it received over 12,000 orders on the first day, a reaction almost unheard of for a production sedan. Its swooping, aircraft-inspired bodywork looked like nothing else on the road, and underneath it hid a hydropneumatic suspension system that let the car glide over rough surfaces while automatically adjusting ride height.

Beyond the suspension, the DS pioneered power steering, a semi-automatic transmission, and disc brakes on a mainstream car, along with swiveling headlights on later models that turned with the steering wheel to light up corners at night. The name itself is a pun, as "DS" pronounced in French sounds like "deesse," meaning goddess.

Production ran from 1955 to 1975, and the DS remains a favorite among collectors and design enthusiasts, having been voted the most beautiful car of all time in several international polls. A well-kept DS today is as much a piece of industrial art as it is a driver's classic.

Frequently asked questions about Citroen DS

What years was the Citroen DS produced?
The DS was produced from 1955 to 1975, spanning two decades with only modest styling updates because the original design remained so far ahead of its time.
What is hydropneumatic suspension?
It is a system using pressurized fluid and gas-filled spheres instead of conventional springs, allowing the DS to self-level, adjust ride height, and absorb bumps in a way that felt dramatically smoother than contemporary cars.
Why is the DS considered such an important design?
Its aerodynamic shape, minimal ornamentation and advanced engineering broke sharply from 1950s automotive convention, and it has repeatedly topped lists ranking the most beautiful and influential car designs in history.
Is the Citroen DS reliable to own today?
The hydropneumatic system requires specialist knowledge and regular maintenance, so most owners rely on marque specialists rather than general mechanics, but a well-maintained DS can still be driven regularly.
Did the DS have any performance or motorsport pedigree?
Yes, the DS competed successfully in endurance rallies including the Monte Carlo Rally, and its combination of comfort and stability made it a strong long-distance performer despite not being marketed as a sports car.

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