Citroen DS

Lore & Background

The Citroën DS was a front mid-engined, front-wheel drive executive car manufactured from 1955 to 1975. Its appearance was defined by an aerodynamic, futuristic body design, which structuralist philosopher Roland Barthes described as looking as if it had "fallen from the sky". The Italian sculptor Flaminio Bertoni styled the car, while French aeronautical engineer André Lefèbvre handled the engineering. The DS was built in six countries, primarily at Citroën's main Paris Quai de Javel plant. It was distributed to many territories worldwide. The car’s defining characteristics included being the first mass-production vehicle equipped with both hydropneumatic self-levelling suspension and disc brakes, setting new standards in ride quality, handling, and braking. The suspension, developed in-house by Paul Magès, used double wishbone arms at the front and trailing arms at the rear, with novel hydropneumatic spring and damper units that allowed automatic self-levelling and driver-adjustable ride height. This system enabled the DS to travel quickly on poor road surfaces. Other innovations included power steering, a semi-automatic transmission requiring no clutch pedal, inboard front disc brakes to reduce unsprung weight, and a fibreglass roof that lowered the centre of gravity. The 1967 Series 3 facelift, designed by Robert Opron, introduced directional headlights to mass production. The DS was also used competitively in rally racing throughout its production run, winning the Monte Carlo Rally in 1959 and 1966, and the 1974 London-Sahara-Munich World Cup Rally. It was named the most beautiful car of all time by *Classic & Sports Car* magazine.

Reader's Guide

The Citroën DS, produced from 1955 to 1975, was a front mid-engined, front-wheel drive executive car available as a fastback sedan, wagon, and convertible. It was marketed alongside the less expensive Citroën ID. The DS was renowned for its futuristic, aerodynamic body and innovative technology, setting new benchmarks in ride quality, handling, and braking. It was the first mass-produced car to feature both hydropneumatic self-levelling suspension and disc brakes; the 1967 Series 3 also introduced directional headlights to mass production. The suspension, developed by Paul Magès, used double wishbones at the front and trailing arms at the rear, allowing the car to travel quickly on poor roads. It included automatic self-levelling and driver-adjustable ride height. The car also had power steering, a semi-automatic transmission without a clutch pedal, a fibreglass roof to lower the centre of gravity, and inboard front disc brakes to reduce unsprung weight. Its centerlock wheels used an Allen bolt fastener, enabling rapid wheel changes, an advantage in motorsport. The DS was highly successful in rallying, winning the Monte Carlo Rally in 1959 and 1966, the 1000 Lakes Rally in 1962, and the Rallye du Maroc in 1969 and 1970, remaining competitive through 1974. It was named the most beautiful car of all time by *Classic & Sports Car* magazine and placed fifth on *Automobile Magazine*’s 2005 list of “100 Coolest Cars.” Its name is a pun on the French word for goddess, “déesse.” The DS was distributed globally and symbolized French technological ambition during the Space Age and Cold War.

Did You Know?

• The DS name is pronounced like the French word 'déesse', meaning 'goddess'.
• The DS won the Monte Carlo Rally in 1959 and again in 1966.

Common Misconceptions (Editorial)

Some believe the Citroën DS was the first car with disc brakes, but it was actually the first mass production car equipped with both hydropneumatic suspension and disc brakes. Others think its hydropneumatic system was sourced from another manufacturer, when in fact it was developed in-house by Paul Magès.

Why It Matters (Editorial)

The Citroën DS endures as a landmark of automotive innovation because its futuristic design and advanced hydraulics—offering self-leveling and adjustable ride height—were decades ahead of their time. It remains a symbol of how bold engineering and striking styling can elevate a car from mere transportation to a cultural icon, as seen in its rally victories and its nickname, “the goddess.”