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Citroën DS
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1955 - 1975 |
Country: |
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Engine: |
4 cyl. |
Capacity: |
1911/1985/2175/2347 cc |
Power: |
63/84/109/115/141 bhp |
Transmission: |
4/5 spd. man & semi auto |
Top Speed: |
135-188 km/h |
Number
Built: |
1,455,746 |
Collectability: |
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Seen as one of the most innovative cars of its era,
the Citroen DS was introduced in Paris in 1955.
The major
reason of this was its suspension with engineers introducing
self-levelling with hydraulic hydropneumatic struts and
unique adjustable ride-height facility allowing the DS
to raise itself over rough terrain.
Once the engine was
turned off it sank slowly until it sat squat to the ground.
The same engine controlled ultra-sharp power steering
with clutchless hydraulic gears. It was housed in a futuristic
five-seating body with panels that were detachable and
was seen as a decade or two ahead of its time.
Combined with front four wheel drive it handled sensationally
making the ride seem like a magic carpet.
Unfortunately,
its antiquated engine was its downfall with the 1934 design
from the Traction-avant making it unworthy on a machine
so advanced.
A correction to our previous claim that the
DS had 4 wheel disc brakes has been corrected by a visitor
- "The DS never had during its production run
4 wheel disc brakes. The front brakes were inboard
Disc's mounted on the output shafts from the Transmission
and the rears were standard drum."
In the mid sixties a more advanced two-liter four cylinder
was introduced, but the results were still short of the
smoothness that this car deserved.
Models were downgraded
with fewer power-assisted problems and less bhp which
resulted in huge appeal to Parisienne taxi-drivers whilst
the Safari Estate were viewed as ultimate family haulers
and the beautiful DS decapotable convertible being exclusive
and pricey.
Its shape changed little in 20 years even when replaced
by the CX in 1975 when its competitors were just making
some headway. Many enthusiasts class the DS to the level
of automotive art - how many other cars have inspired
their own art exhibition? |