Elegant Resilience - The story of automobiles is often told through icons that define eras, but few vehicles can claim the legendary status of the Citroën DS. Born from the bold vision of the French manufacturer Citroën, this car immediately stood out with its fluid, teardrop-shaped body—a design so advanced it seemed to arrive from the future. Its name, “DS,” comes from the French word déesse, meaning “goddess,” reflecting the perfect balance of elegance, strength, and innovation that made the car unforgettable.
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| The 1968 Citroën DS 21 Presidentielle, one of the rarest and most luxurious variants, was crafted to the president’s exact specifications, featuring the longest presidential car length of its time, a front design by Opron and Dargent, and an elegant two-tone gray exterior accented with a gold-plated Citroën logo. (Picture from: Wikipedia) |
When the DS debuted at the 1955 Paris Motor Show, it astonished visitors with features far beyond the standard of the day. The car’s aerodynamic design, hydropneumatic suspension, and innovative engineering sparked fascination, leading to over 80,000 reservations before the event even closed—a testament to the immediate impact it had on the automotive world. |
| The 1968 Citroën DS 21 Presidentielle featured an interior of stretched leather, rare wood detailing, a minibar, refrigerator, reading lights, and even a foldable desk, seamlessly blending luxury with functionality. (Picture from: Wikipedia) |
Among all DS models, one particular version etched its place into history. On August 22, 1962, the standard 1962 Citroën DS 19 became more than just a luxury car—it became a lifeline. President Charles de Gaulle was targeted in an assassination attempt at Le Petit-Clamart, near Paris, by Jean-Marie Bastien-Thiry, a veteran of the Algerian colonial war.
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| The standard 1962 Citroën DS 19 that belonged to former French President Charles de Gaulle was displayed on March 8, 2012, at a Citroën showroom during an exhibition of France's presidential cars. (Picture from: Yahoo!News) |
The DS absorbed dozens of 9 mm bullets, its tires flattened and body punctured, yet the car remained remarkably stable thanks to its hydropneumatic suspension. The driver managed to escape the ambush, and this extraordinary performance solidified the DS’s reputation not just as an elegant vehicle but as an engineering marvel capable of withstanding extreme conditions. From that day on, de Gaulle committed to using Citroën cars exclusively.
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| The French President Charles de Gaulle, riding in his iconic Citroën DS 19, was warmly greeted by crowds lining the streets as his car passed by. (Picture from: CintaMobil) |
By 1968, Citroën and the distinguished coachbuilder Chapron collaborated to produce the Citroën DS 21 Presidentielle, one of the rarest and most luxurious variants of the model. Designed with the president’s specific requirements in mind, this limousine was the longest presidential car in the world at the time. Its front styling reflected the vision of designers Opron and Dargent, while its exterior showcased a refined two-tone gray finish with a gold-plated Citroën logo.
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| During the 1962 assassination attempt, the French President Charles de Gaulle's Citroën DS 19 was struck by dozens of 9 mm bullets, leaving its body riddled with holes and its tires flattened, yet remarkably maintaining its stability. (Picture from: Wikipedia) |
Inside, stretched leather, rare wood detailing, a minibar, refrigerator, reading lights, and even a foldable desk combined luxury with functionality. Despite its grandeur, de Gaulle preferred the regular DS sedan for daily use, valuing direct conversation with his driver. Only one Presidentielle was ever constructed, later replaced by the Citroën SM Presidentielle in 1972. | 5sBsNgClRvM |
Today, the Citroën DS continues to captivate enthusiasts, collectors, and admirers of automotive innovation. Beyond its striking design, it represents a fusion of beauty, technological brilliance, and historical significance. This legendary vehicle stands as a reminder that a car can be more than transportation—it can embody artistry, courage, and an enduring legacy that continues to inspire generations. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | HAGERTY | CARSTYLING.RU | FRENCHCLASSICS | YAHOO!NEWS | WIREDPEN | WIKIPEDIA ]Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.
