BUYER’S GUIDE

Citroën DS review

Perhaps one of the most stylish and innovative cars of the post-war era, the Citroën DS remains as iconic as it is desirable…

What Is It?

As futuristic as a spaceship and pretty much as exotic in its engineering, much has been made of the impact of the Citroën DS on its unveiling back in 1955 and how far ahead of any other automotive rival it was and arguably, remains. The looks alone remain extraordinary, but it’s their combination of groundbreaking technology and a still unmatched waftability that makes it one of the most important cars of the 20^th century, and a beguiling classic to own and drive well into the 21^st.

Corrosive Areas

Sills

Roof gutters

Doors

Checklist

Original DS19 launched to an enthusiastic domestic audience fired by national pride at French engineering, innovation and style
Mechanical inventiveness remains incredible, the front-wheel drive powertrain combined with a monocoque frame and hydraulically controlled suspension, brakes, semi-auto clutch and power steering
Clever hydropneumatic suspension used pressurised spheres to control ride height, self-levelling and roll
More affordable ID19 followed, with the same nifty suspension but conventional steering, brakes and transmission
Break (sold as Safari in some markets) and Familiale estates introduced to the range from 1958, their strengthened structure also spawning the rare and beautiful Décapotable soft-top
Mild facelift in 1962 followed by changes to the engine for more power, often referred to as DS19a
UK-built right-hand drive DS and ID models manufactured in Slough until mid-60s with slightly different trim and spec
1967 facelift significant for the sleeker covered lights; hydraulic system also updated with new LHM fluid — look for green-coloured components and dye in fluid to avoid confusion with earlier system
Simpler ID models rebranded to D Spécial and Super from 1970 onwards
All engines derived from sturdy pre-war design which lasts well with proper care — look out for rattles from timing chains or valves, cross-threaded spark plugs and leaking camshaft seals
DS19 rebranded to DS20 while DS21 and DS23 badges referred to larger capacity versions of the same base engine
Semi-automatic gearbox adds complexity — check for smooth operation and contamination of transmission oil with hydraulic fluid from clutch mechanism
Clever construction included weight-saving fibreglass roof and non-structural panels hung off monocoque cell, which was innovative but means structural corrosion can be concealed
When inspecting a car, take advantage of the easily removable rear wings — configured thus to permit rear wheel changes — for a sense of the structure beneath

How does it drive?

You may not be going anywhere especially fast in a Citroën DS, but you’ll be doing it in incredible comfort and genuinely unique style. The suspension might be intimidating in its complexity but, when it works as it should, a well-sorted DS will hold a straight and level glide as if levitating above the road, unconcerned by load, surface imperfections or other such trivialities. Light steering adds to the sense of effortless waftability, though the semi-automated gearbox and powerful brakes — activated by a quirky ‘mushroom’ button on some models — require some acclimatisation. Fans would say these eccentricities merely add to the experience, though.

What’s good?

A visionary car in its own right, the DS is more than that for its representation of post-war optimism, French national pride and no-expense-spared design and engineering. It’s no exaggeration to describe it as a four-wheeled ‘objet d’art’, and a refreshing counterpoint to the need for speed expressed in many classics. Indeed, speed is so far down the big Citroën’s priorities as to be almost inconsequential, even if slippery aerodynamics, strong brakes and fine handling mean it is perfectly capable of keeping pace in modern driving. It’s also a sociable classic, with room for the family to relax on the sofa-like back seat as you drive around with little more than fingertip’s pressure to the single-spoke wheel.

What’s bad?

If the innovation is impressive, its complexity is somewhat intimidating when compared with simpler alternatives. In truth, the DS’ quirks are now well understood and supported by clued-up owners and specialists alike, but there’s no escaping there is more to keep up with. Nor does a DS appreciate being left parked up, this tending to exacerbate the quirks and niggles associated with the complex hydraulics. It may go against the grain of classic ownership, but a car with evidence of regular use is probably a safer bet than one that’s been garaged and saved for special occasions. Of greater concern is the way that clever construction can hide the ruinously expensive structural corrosion behind surface panel work, ready to trap the unwary. At the very least, take advantage of the easily removable rear wings to check the structural cell beneath.

Which model to choose?

It wouldn’t be a Citroën if it didn’t flip convention on its head, and where purists usually covet the purity of the original models, the later DS with its signature covered light clusters is arguably the signature look. Earlier hydraulics are also harder to keep sweet given the complexities of the ‘LHS’ fluid, so ownership is even more involved on the earlier, round headlight models. Which is why many favour the less fancy ID and later Special and Super equivalents, which have all the style and clever suspension but conventional brakes, steering and transmissions that make upkeep that bit simpler. On the flipside, some may argue you’ll be denying yourself the full DS experience, both viewpoints having their respective merits.

Specifications – Series 3 DS20

Engine

2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol

Power

91PS (67kW) @ 5,900rpm

Torque

141Nm (104 lb ft) @ 3,500rpm

Transmission

Four-speed manual or semi-automatic, front-wheel drive; five-speed manual also available

Kerb weight

1,265kg

0-62mph

N/A

Top speed

102mph

Production dates

1955-1975 (total production, all versions)