Citroen DS: French Design Classic

The Citroen DS was launched in 1955 and was a futuristic-looking car with advanced features such as hydro pneumatic self-levelling suspension, advanced plastics, and synthetics for the construction of the roof and dashboard/fascia. It was a major moment in the history of car design and redefined Citroen, its engineering, and design language, and its brand for decades to come. Despite its flaws, it became an icon of car design and spawned an estate car variant, a range of limousines, two-door convertibles, and coach-built coupes and rally specials.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 64 pages
Publication date: 30 June 2021
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

Launched in 1955, Flaminio Bertoni's Ellipsoid Sculpture with Wheels, known as the Citroen DS, showcased a futuristic design that defied the imagination of its time. The car's stunning appearance at the 1955 Paris Motor Show sparked a near riot, as it marked the debut of the new "big Citroen" (a Voiture a Grande Diffusion or VGD), which replaced the legendary Traction Avant range. The term "DS" originated from two Citroen parts of nomenclature: the type of engine used as the 11D (D) and the special hemispherical design of the cylinder head as Culasse Special (S). While the popular myth of DS's origin as "DS out of Deesse or Goddess" was erroneous, the car's aerodynamically advanced body shape (Cd. 0.37) was a testament to its genius.

Furthermore, the DS featured hydro pneumatic self-levelling suspension, advanced plastics and synthetics for the construction of the roof and dashboard/fascia, and exceptional road holding and cabin comfort. While some considered the lack of an advanced new engine a missed opportunity, Citroen had actually created a new engine for the car but lacked the resources to produce it in time for 1955.

The DS was a significant milestone in the history of car design, so advanced that it would take other auto manufacturers years to embrace. However, its aerodynamic design was the precursor to today's low-drag cars with curved forms. Manufactured worldwide and used by presidents, leaders, diplomats, farmers, and various types of people, the DS redefined Citroen, its engineering and design language, and its brand for decades to come. Despite its rust susceptibility, lack of safety, and smoother powerplant, the DS became an iconic symbol of car design. In 1967, the car received a reshape, featuring a new nose and faired-in headlamps, and remained in production until 1975.

Weight: 344g
Dimension: 209 x 296 x 11 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526789853