When the Citroën DS was unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in 1955, everyone was stunned. Déesse (goddess) seems to be from another planet. 743 orders were received 15 minutes before the show, bringing a total of 12,000 orders on the first day.
Outside of France, the car's radicalized design appealed to the unconventional. An advertisement in the United States summed up this selling point: "Driving a special car requires special people."
The hydraulic system of the DS is a revolution. Previously, hydraulic systems were limited to braking and power steering; DS used them for suspension, clutches and transmissions. Futuristic design, comfortable hydraulic pneumatic suspension, power steering and boost brakes and semi-automatic transmission – all operated via the same hydraulic circuit. Inside, marvel at the minimalist instrument panels, flat floors and large armchairs.
Instead of attaching to a spring, each wheel is connected to a hydraulic suspension unit that includes:
- A sphere about 12 cm in diameter containing pressurized nitrogen
- A cylinder filled with hydraulic oil, screwed onto a suspended sphere
- Pistons inside the cylinder, connected to the suspension itself by means of a lever
- Damping valve between piston and sphere
Under the hood is a proven engine from Traction Avant.
In 1962, the DS underwent its first facelift and was equipped with dual headlamps, which "disappeared" behind a glass lampshade after the second facelift in 1967.
The DS 21 was introduced in 1965 with a displacement of 2175 cc. Since then, with the introduction of bosch electronic fuel injection in 1970, the power of the DS engine has increased significantly, making the DS one of the first cars to use electronic fuel injection.
The Citroën DS has been in production for no less than 20 years, and according to many, it is the most beautiful car ever made – many car designers have included it in the top 5.
The advent of the DS in 1955 cemented the Citroën brand's position as an automotive innovator.
In fact, the DS caused such a huge sensation that Citroën worried that future models would not be bold enough that citroën basically did not introduce any new models from 1955 to 1970.