The Citroen DS is remembered by many as a classic beauty. During the 1999 Car of the Century competition, it came in 3rd place, rivaled only by Fords’ Model T and British Motor Corporations’ Mini. In fact, the DS was only around for 20 years, but sold almost 1.5 million units. From 1955 to 1975, this car changed modern car design forever. The hydraulic system in the DS was unique as it was used for everything from the suspension to the clutch and transmission. The car was even self-leveling, something new to its day. This led to such a smooth ride; the car was often described as a magic carpet! The DS was very unique in its build. It was even the first car to be mass produced with no front power disk brakes. Power steering and a semi-automatic transmission were also available options. This car had a fiberglass roof and was said to have been light and handle like a dream. Due to French law the DS, could not have a six-cylinder engine, instead they used a four-cylinder engine. This led to it being successful in rallying and motor sports.
Racing was not the only thing the DS was good for. There were several models introduced throughout its lifespan. The ID was introduced in 1957, which was a little less powerful and a lot less expensive. This helped the car start to sell, as France was still recovering from World War II. A year later, a station wagon named DS Break was introduced. Not long after that, in 1962, the DS received a more aerodynamic nose, better ventilation, and some cosmetic updates. By 1965, the DS Pallas introduced a luxury model to the lineup. In 1967, the car’s front end changed again, into shark-like grill with razor teeth. This car also became the model for Batman’s car, in the popular TV show. The Citroen DS is a short lived but beloved vehicle, known for beauty and drivability.
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