Citroen DS

Lore & Background

The car's advanced hydraulics included automatic self-levelling and driver-adjustable ride height, developed in-house by Paul Magès. The DS used double wishbone suspension at the front and trailing arms at the rear, with novel hydropneumatic spring and damper units.

Reader's Guide

The Citroën DS set new standards in ride quality, handling, and braking, and was used competitively in rally racing from 1959 to 1974, winning events such as the Monte Carlo Rally. It symbolized French ingenuity during the post-war reconstruction and Space Age. Its name is a pun on the French word 'déesse' (goddess). The car was distributed to many territories worldwide.

Did You Know?

• The DS name is pronounced like the French word 'déesse', meaning 'goddess'.
• The DS won the Monte Carlo Rally in 1959 and again in 1966.

Common Misconceptions (Editorial)

Some believe the Citroën DS was the first car with disc brakes, but it was actually the first mass production car equipped with both hydropneumatic suspension and disc brakes. Others think its hydropneumatic system was sourced from another manufacturer, when in fact it was developed in-house by Paul Magès.

Why It Matters (Editorial)

The Citroën DS endures as a landmark of automotive innovation because its futuristic design and advanced hydraulics—offering self-leveling and adjustable ride height—were decades ahead of their time. It remains a symbol of how bold engineering and striking styling can elevate a car from mere transportation to a cultural icon, as seen in its rally victories and its nickname, “the goddess.”