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Fiftieth anniversary of the Citroën DS: The tale of an exceptional car


June 2005
 Filed under: CITROEN Car News | CITROEN Headlines

An exhibition presented by the Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie and Automobiles Citroën from 23 June to 1 November 2005.

Citroën unveiled the DS 19 fifty years ago at the Paris Motor Show on 6 October 1955. The new car was an instant sensation. Breaking with three decades of black Traction Avant cars, the DS boasted aerodynamic lines and a range of new colours including Champagne, Daffodil, Spring Green and Aubergine. At the same time, it pioneered innovative technology combining comfort and safety. For the first time, the public was not looking at a possible car of tomorrow, as promised by many so-called "revolutionary" models. With the arrival of the DS, the future was now.
A legendary car, renamed the "goddess" ("déesse", a homophone of DS in French) by Roland Barthes, the legendary DS was front page news for the next two decades, at political, show-biz and sporting events, or simply on the holiday highway. In 1962, the DS entered French political history with the assassination attempt on General de Gaulle at Petit Clamart. The presidential DS was riddled with bullets, but nevertheless stayed on the road and sped away. The DS also became a movie star, featuring in such films as Fantomas and Back to the Future II. Many famous French actors, including Louis de Funès, Jean Marais and Lino Ventura, took the wheel.

The legend of the DS remains alive today. To celebrate its fiftieth anniversary, the Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie in Paris is organising a 600 m² exhibition.

With its pop art lighting and white lino, the decor of the event brings to mind the glory years of the DS. The exhibition features eight DS models and three themes illustrating the range: design, technology, and public / sporting success.

The innovative design of the DS, created by Flaminio Bertoni in close cooperation with André Lefebvre, an engineer with an aerospace background, is illustrated by three models: a DS 19 saloon, a DS 23 Pallas, and a DS 20 estate. Films, workshop photos, industrial drawings and intermediate models present the styling of the DS and tell its story.

With its innovative suspension, brakes, steering and roadholding, the DS set new standards in comfort and safety. The high-pressure hydraulic power unit was at the heart of these innovations. A cut-away version of the DS without a bonnet, wings or doors is on show at the event, as is another DS that visitors can actually get into. Sitting inside the car, they can discover '“ or rediscover '“ the sensations experienced by passengers in the DS.

Three exceptional DS models '“ a glamorous cabriolet, a black official model and a motor sports prototype '“ tell the extraordinary tale of a car with an impressive sporting career. A car that was driven by the stars and that also became the official car of the French Republic. Citroën launched more than 150 different versions of the DS in twenty years of production. They can all be seen at the exhibition in miniature model form. A photo gallery and film excerpts show some of these models in action, or 'posing' for the camera next to their illustrious owners.

A curiosity, a cult object, and a collectors' piece, the DS is considered the car of the 20th century. Today, in the 21st century, it has found a place in a science museum : the Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie.

EXHIBITION GUIDE

The DS is 50 years old! Unveiled on 6 October 1955 at the Grand Palais exhibition centre in Paris, the new DS immediately made all the other cars look out of date. Adopted by stars, politicians, rally drivers and 1,455,746 members of the public, the head-turning DS remained at the forefront of the automotive scene for a career that spanned two decades

Today, the DS is still on the road, driven by thousands of collectors. A longevity it owes to the talent of Flaminio Bertoni, draftsman and sculptor, and André Lefèbvre, visionary engineer, and their engineering/design teams.

This exhibition invites you to step into the of the DS world from the standpoint of two key values: Design and Technology. With its bold looks and advanced technology, the DS revolutionised the automotive world and set new standards in comfort and safety.

DESIGN

Flaminio Bertoni (1903 - 1964), designer

Born in Varese, Italy, Flaminio Bertoni was not just an automotive designer. He was also a sculptor and painter.

Hired by Citroën in 1932, he was the man behind such celebrated and legendary models as the Traction Avant, the 2CV, the DS and the Ami 6.

Alongside his activities for Citroën, Flaminio Bertoni also created many sculptures in his artist's workshop. He frequently took part in exhibitions, and won an array of prizes and medals.

In 1961, he was named Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres (Order of Arts and Letters), an award presented by France's Minister of Culture of the time, André Malraux.

The shape of the DS was taken from the world of sculpture, but its body lines obeyed the laws of aerodynamics. For an equivalent level of power, it delivered more speed with less fuel and less cabin noise. Every detail, from the front air intake to the position of the rear indicators, was studied from the standpoint of both visual appeal and functional convenience. The design of the cabin applied the rules of a new, emerging science '“ ergonomics '“ to bring passengers increased comfort and safety.

Three DS models are on show in this part of the exhibition, which is dedicated to design and to archive footage showing the cars in action.

A DS 19 saloon in "Daffodil Yellow"

model:1961, power: 83 bhp SAE, top speed: 150 kph

In its first years on the market, the DS sports a range of original colours, including Champagne, Daffodil, Spring Green, Aubergine and Pinkish Grey.

A DS Pallas in "Scarab Brown"

model:1975, power: 130 bhp DIN, top speed: 188 kph

This version of the DS follows the 1967 restyling. It boasts the latest advances in automotive technology including swivelling headlamps faired-in behind the lenses. An electronic injection system continuously calculates exactly the right quantity of fuel for maximum engine efficiency.

A DS 20 estate in "Delta Blue"

model:1974, power: 99 bhp DIN, top speed: 165 kph

More than 5 metres long, the DS Estate is a car of vast open spaces. The hydropneumatic suspension keeps the car at a constant height regardless of load. This model became the favourite car of ambulance drivers and film production teams on location.

Alongside the three DS models, visitors can see a number of sketches showing the different stages of the design process that led Flaminio Bertoni and his team to the definitive design of the first DS. A total of 150 miniature cars reflect the variety of models created over a period of twenty years. A film draws parallels between the DS and other items symbolising design trends in the 1960s and 1970s, such as Valentine typewriters and Courrèges dresses.

TECHNOLOGY

With its innovative suspension, brakes, steering and roadholding, the DS revolutionised automotive standards.

The people behind the technology: Paul Magès, André Lefebvre

Paul Magès (1908 - 1999)

Paul Magès joined Citroën in 1925 as a draftsman designing handling resources. He was picked out for promotion by Andre Citroën after he improved output on the engine production line. He then joined the engineering office where he was given a free hand. The idea of hydropneumatic suspension, first discussed for the 2CV, was finally adopted for the VGD study (Véhicule de Grande Diffusion or mass-produced vehicle) '“ code name for the future DS 19.

André Levfebvre (1894 '“ 1964)

André Lefebvre joined Citroën in 1933 after several years working for aircraft manufacturer Voisin. An aviation enthusiast, he designed the Citroën Traction Avant,2CV and DS. It is this last model that best expresses his vision of light, aerodynamic, contemporary design.

At the heart of the DS's many innovations was the high-pressure system made necessary by the hydropneumatic suspension. This system drives the power steering and disc brakes as well as the transmission with its automatic clutch. It makes the controls incredibly smooth and easy to use for the driver.

Hydropneumatic suspension. Running counter to everything that has ever been done in the field of suspension design, the DS 19 brought major improvements in both comfort and roadholding. Featuring nitrogen-gas spheres that replaced the traditional suspension springs, the hydropneumatic suspension ironed out defects in the road. The car was impervious to bumps, potholes and any other deformations of the road network.

In 1967, the DS took on a new look with majestic swivelling headlamps. The auxiliary lights turned with the wheels to light up bends, while the main headlights were equipped with an automatic self-levelling function to avoid dazzling other drivers. Today, a similar system is available on the C4, C5 and C6.

The DS made advanced features and equipment widely available, including the disc brakes first glimpsed on Jaguar cars at Le Mans. Many of these innovations were subsequently taken up by the competition, including prestigious manufacturers such as Rolls-Royce, which adopted the principle of high-pressure hydraulic brakes.

Electronic injection on the DS 21. In 1969, the DS 21 became the first French car to feature electronic injection. A control unit calculated the exact quantity of fuel required at any given moment to give the DS 21 increased power, torque and driveability as well as lower fuel consumption.

Two DS 21s are on show.

A car specially prepared for the 1967 Paris Motor Show, when it was used to demonstrate the swivelling headlamps. Visitors can get in to discover '“ or rediscover '“ the sensations experienced by passengers in the DS.

A cut-away DS 21 without doors, wings or bonnet, reveals the secrets of this car's technology.

At the same time, six films turn the spotlight on some of the unique mechanical features of the DS. Next to an engine and an animated model showing the workings of the hydropneumatic suspension, a number of showcases display the catalogues and leaflets published by Citroën for various models over the years, together with three remarkable items: swivelling headlamps, a "fish tail" exhaust pipe fitted on the DS during the first two years of production, and an ashtray-watch, to be wound up every week, and which existed until 1959.

THE SUCCESS OF THE DS

The celebrities' car

The DS takes the stage at the first Cannes film festivals, where it helps to define the very concept of what it means to be a star. A vital accessory for the modern-day hero, its looks attract the attention of leading film makers who give it a starring role in hundreds of films. At the same time, photographers jostle for the right to take pictures of the car, which regularly makes the front page. Gina Lollobrigida revealed the forms of the first DS on the cover of "Paris Match" in October 1955. She went on to become the happy owner of the second DS sold at the Paris Motor Show.

DS 19 Cabriolet, Cornelian Red

model: 1965, power: 83 bhp SAE, top speed: 150 kph

This glamorous version of the DS was produced at the height of its glory in 1960. Produced in less than 1,500 units, this is the model that is most highly coveted by collectors.

Two films, extracts from full-length films and pictures from the archives show the DS being driven by a gallery of celebrities in real life or in feature films, including Les Tontons Flingueurs, Hibernatus, Confidentially Yours, Rififi in Paris, Marriage of the Century, Going Places, Le Samouraï and The Soft Skin.

An emblem of power

A frequent sight in official motorcades or in the courtyard of a ministry building, the black DS symbolised power. It was the preferred car of General de Gaulle, who owned several. On 22 August 1962, the DS saved his life during an attempted assassination at Petit Clamart outside Paris.

On some models, the driver and passengers were separated by a panel in order to allow discreet discussion on vital issues between high-ranking personalities. An interphone made it possible to communicate when necessary.

DS 21 Prestige Pallas

model: 1972, power: 125 bhp DIN, top speed: 188 kph, colour: black

This car was driven by Michel Debré, France's prime minister of the time.

A model for the presidential DS Chapron ordered by General de Gaulle in 1968, and films showing motorcades of the black DS driven by France's political elite.

A rally racing car

Chosen by the greatest drivers of its time, the DS excelled in motor sports and intercontinental rallies. It claimed victory in all the major events on the international sporting calendar: on African tracks (e.g. Algiers-Cape Town, Bandama, East African Safari) on snow and ice (e.g. Monte-Carlo Rally, Snow and Ice Criterium, Coupe des Alpes, Finland Rally), and on asphalt (e.g. Tour of Corsica, Liège-Sofia-Liège marathon, Tour of Belgium). For the DS, Citroën set up one of the first structured motor sports departments, preparing the cars, the service and the driving teams in every detail.

In order to be even more competitive on the track, the DS shortened its base by 9 cm and adopted an SM Maserati engine. It finished second in the 1972 Chamonix Ronde Hivernale ice-driving race, after covering three-quarters of the event on just three wheels '“ a minor problem easily offset by the self-levelling hydropneumatic suspension!

DS 21 Coupé Prototype Group V

model: 1972, power: 250 bhp DIN, top speed: 220 kph

Pictures from the Morocco Rally, Monte-Carlo and the East African Safari illustrate the major motor sports events of the time, and the performance of the DS in competition.

To coincide with the exhibition, the media library of the Cité is presenting a series of books and films on the DS.

TIMELINE

Key dates in the DS family Meanwhile'¦.in France and elsewhere
October: Presentation of the DS 19 at the Paris Motor Show 1955 -The USSR and its satellite countries sign the Warsaw pact - Air France introduces the Caravelle, France's first commercial jet aircraft
October: Presentation of the ID 19* 1956 -In Egypt, President Nasser nationalises the Suez Canal -France introduces road tax
October: Presentation of the ID estate and family models, and the DS 19 Prestige 1958 -General De Gaulle returns to power-The Boeing 707 makes its first commercial flight between New York and London
October: Presentation of the cabriolet 1960 -John F. Kennedy is elected President of the USA- Albert Camus dies- The cruise ship "France" is launched at Le Havre
October: New dashboard on the DS 19 1961 -The Berlin Wall is built- Russia's Yuri Gagarin becomes the first man in space
October: New aerodynamic front end and redesigned front bumper 1962 -Algeria becomes independent-Marilyn Monroe dies
September: Pallas Saloon 1964 -Martin Luther King wins the Nobel Peace Prize-IBM produces the first computer with integrated circuits
October: Market launch of the ID & DS 21 with a 2,175 cm3 engine 1965 -De Gaulle is reelected President of the French Republic against François Mitterrand-The French rocket Emeraude is launched in Hammaguir, Algeria
October: New faired-in, swivelling headlamps 1967 -Israel and the Arab countries clash in the six-day war-Colour television arrives in France
October: New dashboard; presentation of the ID & DS 20 1968 -May 68: protests, student demonstrations and workers' strikes in France -France introduces a 90 kph speed limit applicable to new drivers for one year
October: The D Spécial and D Super replace the ID 19 and ID 20 1969 -General de Gaulle resigns and Georges Pompidou is elected President of the Republic-Man walks on the moon-The first major pop festival is organised at Woodstock (USA)
November: The DS 21 gains an optional automatic gearbox 1971 -The People's Republic of China joins the UN -Jim Morrison dies
October: Market launch of the DS 23, replacing the 21 (2,347 cm3 engine), carburettor or fuel injection 1972 -The UK, Denmark and Ireland join the Common Market.-The Airbus A 300 makes its first flight
April: The last DS is produced(1,455,746 vehicles manufactured in France and other countries) 1975 -End of the war in Vietnam-First concert by the Sex Pistols

* The ID is a technically simplified version of the DS with the same bodywork.

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