|
| 
|
1955 Citroën DS 19
The design is considered simply the best in the last century. This was the first car combining a favourable air resistance with elegance so skilfully, especially not in such a large series. This is obviously already planned in
the naming, whereby by shifting the letters for the top model the designation 'DS' emerges, which in French (somewhat elongated spoken) also means 'goddess' in French. The professional world rather calls this car
rather a 'Diva' than a goddess. But more on that later.
The company Citroën already had some tradition in introducing spectacular cars, but the DS version is definitely one of the most spectacular. The non visible technology was not spectacular though, as it was adapted from
the Traction Avant. Including the backward step of a chassis-like framework, the predecessor had already put down.
| If necessary, he can also ride on just one rear wheel. |
In addition to the exciting design, the aluminum front and rear hoods and the GRP roof are new features. Then the ID is the first mass production car with disc brakes (in front). Disc brakes fit very well with hydraulic
actuation, because of their small self reinforcements. The brake knob and above all its sensitive operation were extraordinary. After one year it was replaced again by a brake pedal. Later on, a central hydraulics operated
semi-automatic was added.
The fascinating feature of the car was probably the combination of appearance and driving experience. The disguised rear wheels are uniquely stylish, fenders, which may be unscrewed with just
one turn. Some details, for example the openings of the doors, or the first half transparent and later chromium-plated, conical turn signals at the end of the roof will probably remain unique. This Citroën shares the
world into two emotions, those in favor of speed and those in favor of driving comfort. The passengers enjoyed the gentle and stress-free travelling with sufficient space in the interior. The instrument panel was
manufactured from a relatively flexible plastic and also the single-armed steering wheel contributed to accident-safety, a topic which was just starting at that time.
Unfortunately, a high-quality car is frequently boring in terms of design, and vice versa. It seems as if the mental power of the engineers would be sufficient only for excellent design or excellent quality. The car has already
turned out to be a 'diva' on many occasions. This is due to its complexity and the inexperience of workshops and, in some cases, the way it has been treated. In France it was - at that time - a usual upper class car and it
was often treated as such. Abroad there were DS-fans, who embedded their DS with roses. And nonconformists too, for whom car care and caution when parking are among the less important things in life. If two such
characters come to this construction one after the other, disappointment is inevitable ...
| Here with the new dashboard from 1967 and the manual transmission . . . |
The car was presented at the 1955 Paris Motor Show and immediately received 80,000 orders. Only Tesla's Model 3 in 2017 surpassed such a margin, despite its price being 70 percent higher than that of the Traction
Avant.
In addition to inadequate workmanship for the intended class, the high price played a significant role in preventing this dream car from becoming widely available. Its technology, too, wasn't top-notch in every respect either.
The Traction Avant's engine, with its triple-bearing crankshaft, was retained until the end of production, merely upgraded with a Bosch D-Jetronic. However, it remained a roughneck, developing only moderate torque.
| Sometimes with two license plates at the back . . . |
|
|
