Wedding Cars - Citroën DS Details

Ahead of the Game.......

Likened to a spaceship when it first appeared at the Paris motor show in 1955, Citroën sold over 12,000 cars on the first day. Twenty years and 1.45 million cars later when production ended, it was still technically advanced in relation to most other cars. Revolutionary in driving characteristics and comfort, it remains one of the most innovative and attractive cars of all time.

Clothed in a beautiful and futuristic wind cheating five-seater body (with detachable panels) making it's contemporaries look distinctly stale, the DS was a decade, maybe even two, ahead of the game and a true show stopper. With front-wheel drive its handling and stability were almost as sensational as its 'magic-carpet' ride. Rear seat passengers found themselves enjoying limousine-like legroom, since all four wheels had been pushed out to the corners. This also contributed to the smooth ride.

Innovative.......

Among its most startling innovations is a self-levelling, hydro-pneumatic, fully-independent suspension, replacing conventional springs and shock absorbers. When the engine is started, the close-to-the-ground DS magically rises so that driver and passengers can easily climb aboard. Once underway, the driver can adjust the system's ride height by as much as six inches. Fully raised, it can easily climb curbs and negotiate obstacles. At minimum height the Citroën DS reduces air resistance, lowering the center of gravity, tackling curves with the precision of a railway train. This same system is also used to provide power assist for gearshift and clutch. As if that were not enough, the DS can raise itself sufficiently for spare tyres to be changed without the need for a conventional jack. Wheels are held on by a single, center-placed bolt, further simplifying the job.

Life in the driver's seat is full of surprises for the owner. The steering wheel has just one spoke, curving outwards from the column to the rim. This oozes elegance and leaves the instrument view unimpeded. The brake pedal is not a pedal at all, just an over-size button on the floor. The 4-speed transmission is a semi-automatic, eliminating the clutch (though not the need to change gears). Cornering at night is made safer with headlights that turn with the front wheels.

Prestige.......

The DS, which could be stretched without spoiling its appearance, was a favourite with politicians, including President DeGaulle. It appeared in movies, 'The Day Of The Jackal' being the most noteworthy. Its likeness was captured on a postage stamp. Spotting one on the street today is rare but it happens, for the Citroën DS is a French classic that begs to be driven.

Citroën's 1955 DS has won a 'product of the century' accolade at the FX International Design Awards, hosted by Jonathan Ross. The DS, a large, futuristic saloon famous for fluid suspension that allowed it to rise and fall, was built for 20 years, and is still considered one of the most advanced cars ever to have gone into production. The DS beat off competition from the Boeing 747, the Apple Macintosh, the Baygen wind-up radio, the Bic Biro and the lunar landing module to win the accolade.

Setting the Standard.......

The shark-like shape of the basic DS saloon changed little in 20 years - the twin swiveling lights arrived in 1967 - and even when it was finally replaced by the CX in 1975, the competition were only just beginning to catch up with its degree of refinement. Many have now raised the styling of the DS to the level of automotive art - how many other cars have inspired their own art gallery exhibition?