Citroën DS. 1955–75 (prod. 1,456,115 all types). 4-door saloon, 2-door convertible. F/F, 1911, 1985, 2175, 2347 cm³ (I4 OHV). Ground-breaking sculpted saloon, considered a revolution at launch, with self-levelling hydropneumatic suspension, variable ground clearance, and power-assisted brakes, clutch and semi-automatic gearshift. Independent suspension. Let down by the engine, which initially was the 1911 cm³ unit with its prewar origins. In-house convertible converted by Henri Chapron, from 1960. Increased compression in 1961, with more horsepower. Manual gearbox from 1963, previously only for more basic stablemate, the ID. Five-main-bearing engine from 1966 with increased capacity to 1985 cm³ (DS19A); DS21 launched with 109 hp. Shark-nose facelift in 1967 with swivelling front headlamps; more power increases in 1968, with DS19 becoming DS20; fuel injection for DS21 in 1969, the year cumulative production hit 1,000,000; five-speed gearbox for 1971; DS23 from 1972, replaced DS21. Pallas denoted regular top saloons, though Prestige (also by Chapron) had a glass panel between the passenger and chauffeur.

Manufacturing locations: Paris, France; Slough, Buckinghamshire, England

Marque: Citroën | Predecessor: Citroën 15 | Successor: Citroën CX

q.v. Citroën DW