The Citroën DS Buying Guide – The goddess of effortless style.

The Citroën DS was a rolling technological showcase for the French auto manufacturer, its innovations and stunning design have left a lasting influence on the motoring landscape.

Technological innovation has been the driving force behind the automotive industry since its inception and Citroën ranks highly in this regard. Unsatisfied with bringing just one or two new developments to market, the French manufacturer routinely introduced and integrated cutting-edge tech into their mass-produced models. For example, the 1934 Traction Avant offered front-wheel-drive, monocoque body construction and four-wheel independent suspension when most rivals were still building Model T replicas.

Just when the competition was catching up, the Traction Avant’s replacement was unveiled to a stunned audience at the 1955 Paris Motor Show and the Citroën DS was born. The DS looked like no other executive saloon on the road before or indeed since. 

Beneath that curvy bodywork was a complex hydraulic system that powered everything from the brakes to the clutch and suspension system. This setup defined the DS’s character and gave it a ride and handling balance that surpassed just about any other car on the road.

In modern terms, the extreme roll exhibited during hard cornering can initially be alarming. However, if driven more sedately, the ride comfort is still among the best in the world. Rolls-Royce later licensed the technology for the Silver Shadow, just in case you thought we were exaggerating.

Citroën’s position under Michelin’s ownership also meant that the DS was equipped with bespoke radial tyres when most cars were still using cross-ply rubber. If one of those bespoke tyres were to deflate, you could even drive your DS on three wheels (at walking pace) and change the tyre without the need for a jack.

Featuring a semi-automatic transmission and a 1.9-litre inline-four, the first DS 19 was a leisurely performer, but the pillow-soft ride and sumptuous interior trimmings clearly defined it as a luxury executive saloon. 

The relatively high pricing limited sales potential, so a slightly lower spec ID 19 model was introduced in 1957. This version offered a detuned 1.9-litre engine, low-spec interior, manual transmission and no power steering. An estate variant arrived in 1958 in both DS and ID flavours. The built-to-order convertible DS was offered from 1960-on, it was expensive and rare and still is today.

The front-wheel-drive layout and front disc brakes were still rare in the segment and numerous updates and options were introduced in the early 1960s. These included a more powerful 2.1-litre engine option, seat belts for front occupants, a redesigned nose and an even a plusher Pallas trim level. 

1967 saw the only major facelift carried out with directional high-beams joining the options list and a new mineral-based hydraulic fluid. Fuel-injection was fitted to certain DS’s in 1968, while air-conditioning and a three-speed automatic were also made available. The DS 23 marked the ultimate iteration of the Goddess. Producing 115bhp in its most potent fuel-injected form, the DS 23 was capable of almost 120mph. 

The DS also enjoyed some notable achievements in motorsport over the years, winning the 1959 Monte Carlo Rally (after the first-placed Mini Cooper S was disqualified). It also placed well in events as diverse as the Mille Miglia and the East African Safari. DS production ended one month short of 20-years, an admirable run for an impressive automobile, over 1.4-million examples were sold.

Citroën DS Engine and Gearbox

The DS was offered with a range of four-cylinder engines from 1.9 to 2.3-litres in capacity. Fuel-injection was introduced in 1968 but the majority of the range were carburettor-fed. The rest of the car might have been ahead of its time but these powerplants are relatively simple and regular basic maintenance can see them clock up big mileage. 

Watch out for oil leaks and loose or rattling timing chains. A noisy engine at idle could mean anything from valves that need adjustment or tired camshafts requiring a rebuild.

A variety of gearboxes were offered over the years; a semi-automatic four-speed, automatic three-speed and manual four or five-speed ‘boxes. All are relatively reliable but watch out for crunching synchros on the manuals and hesitation between gear changes on the Borg Warner automatic. An adjustment screw on the transmission bell housing indicates how much life is left in the clutch, if it is all the way out it is nearing the end of its life.

Citroën DS Suspension and Brakes

The suspension is not overly complex, but specialist knowledge is required to ensure that it functions as the factory intended. From 1967-on a new mineral oil based hydraulic fluid replaced the vegetable oil based liquid. Both systems require different types of seals and interchanging fluids can easily damage the hydraulic system. The newer LHM fluid was dyed green along with the hydraulic elements to avoid confusion. 

Aside from general wear-and-tear, the suspension is reliable and most issues stem from neglect or having unqualified technicians work on the car. When taking the car for a test drive listen out for noisy suspension or vibrations at speed, this could indicate worn ball joints. A permanently sagging car may well have a hydraulic fluid leak that needs attention.

The front brakes can be difficult to access thanks to their placement beneath the radiator and calipers can stick on pre-1967 cars if they have spent a long time stationary. The handbrake pads are also part of the front brake assembly and can be pricey to replace, so check the car doesn’t move when the handbrake lever is up. The rear brakes tend to last a lot longer and are easier to service when the brake shoes do need replacing.

Citroën DS Bodywork and interior

The svelte and swoopy bodywork is still a lovely sight, but if corrosion takes hold of the frame then you should probably walk away from the sale. Rust on the body panels is less of an issue, they can be hard to source, but aftermarket parts can be found.

 Check for rust around the door frames, sills, footwells and around the suspension mounts. There are very few DS’s that haven’t been restored or repaired by now, but make sure the work has been done to a high standard. 

Pallas variants came with unique body mouldings, so ensure that they are still present. The frameless rear doors can sag if the chassis is badly corroded. Unless you are looking for a project it is best to avoid cars in this condition.

Fabric seat upholstery was most common, although leather was optional on top-spec variants and some cars have been retrimmed in this way. There are still specialists around that offer a turnkey re-trimming service for the DS, although finding replacement switches and various trim pieces can be tough. Air-conditioning is most often found in the Pallas variants and early cars came fitted with a rectangular instrument binnacle, while later models had circular gauges.

Model History Of The Citroën DS

1955:   Citroën DS 19 goes into production. Hydropneumatic suspension a ground-breaking development. First variants offered with 75bhp 1.9-litre inline-four engine, semi-auto

1957:   Lower-spec ID variant introduced featuring conventional steering, brakes and transmission but still fitted with hydropneumatics suspension. A detuned 66bhp 1.9-litre engine was used

1958:   Station wagon body style introduced with split rear tailgate and seating for up to eight occupants

1960:   Chapron-styled two-door convertible introduced as a special-order model

Manual transmission now available on DS models, top-spec Pallas trim introduced

1964:   109bhp 2.1-litre DS 21 model introduced

1967:   Major facelift includes fully covered directional-headlights

1968:   Fuel-injection fitted to certain DS models. Millionth DS built

1972:   Fully automatic three-speed transmission becomes optional

1973:   2.3-litre DS 23 introduced, producing up to 141bhp in fuel-injected form

1975:   DS saloon production comes to an end, approximately 1,455,000 built

1977:   Chapron convertible production comes to an end. Approximately 1246 built

Which Citroën DS To Buy

The DS in all its variants is a great classic. The later cars benefitted from more power, upgraded hydraulic fluid and in the case of the Pallas, a host of extra equipment. 

The standard saloon body style is more pleasing to the eye than the oddly-shaped wagon and easier to find. Both the official factory convertibles and Chapron variants are beautiful and rare; they will appeal to the serious collector thanks to their heady asking prices.

If you are looking to regularly drive your DS then a post-1967 manual transmission model may be the best choice. 

Aside from evidence of regular maintenance, the most crucial aspect of any pre-purchase inspection is the condition of the chassis. 

An overly corroded car is often not worth repairing and very keenly priced cars may be hiding all manner of evils. Find the right car though and prepare to be transported back to a time when the Citroën DS reigned supreme.

Citroën DS Specifications

1.9-litre inline-four

Power:             60-75bhp

Top speed:      87-100mph

0-60mph:        23sec est.

Economy:       30mpg

2.1-litre inline-four

Power:             109bhp

Top speed:      105mph

0-60mph:        20sec est.

Economy:       28mpg

2.3-litre inline-four

Power:             141bhp (fuel-injected)

Top speed:      117mph

0-60mph:        15sec est.

Economy:       27mpg

Text John Tallodi  Photos Newspress

Author: David Lillywhite

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