Citroën DS

front-engine, front-wheel-drive executive car (1955-1975)

Key facts

Manufacturer: Citroën
Also called: Citroën DS 19 / DS 21 / DS 23 Citroën D Special Citroën D Super Citroën ID 19 / ID 21 Citroën DW (UK, 1962–1965)
Production: 1955–1975 1,455,746 produced
Assembly: France: Paris (Vaugirard) Australia: Heidelberg, Victoria Portugal: Mangualde United Kingdom: Slough, England South Africa: Johannesburg Yugoslavia: Koper , Slovenia ( Cimos )
Designer: Flaminio Bertoni André Lefèbvre Robert Opron (1967 facelift)
Class: Executive car ( E )
Body style: 4-door sedan 5-door wagon (Safari) 2-door convertible
Layout: MF layout
Related: Citroën SM
Engine: 1911 cc I4 (DS/ID 19) 1985 cc I4 (DS 20) 2175 cc I4 (DS 21) 2347 cc I4 (DS 23)
Transmission: 3-speed automatic , 4-speed manual , 5-speed manual , 4-speed semi-automatic

Article

The Citroën DS ( French pronunciation: [si.tʁɔ.ɛn de.ɛs]) is a front mid-engined, front-wheel drive executive car manufactured and marketed by Citroën from 1955 to 1975, in fastback/sedan, wagon/estate, and convertible body configurations, across a single generation comprising three series.

Marketed with a less expensive variant, the Citroën ID, the DS was known for its aerodynamic, futuristic body design; unorthodox, quirky, and innovative technology. It set new standards in ride quality, handling, and braking, thanks to both being the first mass production car equipped with hydropneumatic suspension, as well as disc brakes. The 1967 Series 3 also introduced directional headlights to automotive mass-production.