1967 Citroen DS 19 – Exterior and Interior – Oldtimer-Meeting Baden-Baden 2022
The design of the Citroën DS 19 was as revolutionary as its engineering. Its aerodynamic body departed radically from the boxy forms of contemporaries, giving the car an unmistakably fluid and futuristic silhouette.
Technical Details:
The 1967 Citroën DS 19 represents a mature stage in the evolution of one of the most technically ambitious cars of the 20th century. It is powered by a front-mounted, water-cooled four-cylinder inline engine with a displacement of 1,985 cc. This OHV unit, driven by a chain, delivers 84 horsepower at 5,250 rpm, allowing the Citroën DS 19 to reach a top speed of approximately 165 km/h. Power is transmitted to the front wheels through a four-speed gearbox with one reverse gear, reinforcing Citroën’s long-standing commitment to front-wheel drive.
The chassis and body are constructed from steel sheet, forming a four-door limousine layout. Braking combines disc brakes at the front with drum brakes at the rear, a configuration that was still advanced for its time. The Citroën DS 19 rides on a long 3,125 mm wheelbase, contributing to its stability and exceptional ride comfort, while its relatively low curb weight of 1,275 kg helps balance performance and efficiency.
What truly sets the Citroën DS 19 apart is its central hydraulic system. The famous hydropneumatic suspension uses high-pressure spheres filled with hydraulic fluid and nitrogen gas to absorb shocks and maintain a constant ride height regardless of load. This same hydraulic network also operates the braking system, steering assistance, transmission functions, and automatic leveling. By September 1966, Citroën introduced green hydraulic fluid, marking an important technical update. Compared to earlier DS engines derived from the Traction Avant, the newer engine introduced in 1965 featured a five-bearing crankshaft and a revised stroke, breaking with a Citroën engineering standard that had been in place since 1919.
- Manufacturer: Citroën
- Model Name: Citroën DS 19
- Year of Manufacturing: 1967 (model year within production span 1955–1968)
Design:
The design of the Citroën DS 19 was as revolutionary as its engineering. Its aerodynamic body departed radically from the boxy forms of contemporaries, giving the car an unmistakably fluid and futuristic silhouette. The smooth roofline, tapered rear, and enclosed wheels contributed not only to its visual identity but also to improved airflow and stability at speed.
Inside, the Citroën DS 19 continued to challenge conventions. The single-spoke steering wheel became one of its most recognizable features, combining futuristic aesthetics with practical safety considerations. Controls and instruments were arranged in a way that emphasized clarity and modernity. Exterior details such as roof-mounted indicators and, from 1967 onward, redesigned headlights further reinforced the DS’s forward-looking character. Optional directional headlamps, which turned with the steering to illuminate the road ahead rather than the roadside, underscored Citroën’s focus on active safety and innovation. Together, these elements created a car that felt less like a conventional automobile and more like a vision of the future made real.
Historical Significance:
The Citroën DS occupies a unique place in automotive history. Conceived by designer Flaminio Bertoni and engineer André Lefebvre, the Citroën DS 19 was first presented in 1955 and immediately redefined expectations of what a car could be. Visitors to the Paris Motor Show that year reportedly believed they were witnessing something almost unreal, so radical was the DS in both form and function. More than 12,000 orders were placed on the first day alone.
By 1967, the DS had evolved through continuous refinement rather than radical redesign, demonstrating the strength of its original concept. The introduction of updated engines, improved hydraulics, and new front-end styling with directional headlights showed Citroën’s determination to keep the DS technologically relevant. Over time, distinctions between the DS and the more simply equipped ID models diminished, eventually leading to a unified D-model range. The DS’s influence was so profound that it was never directly copied; its combination of hydropneumatic suspension, hydraulic systems, and avant-garde design stood alone in the automotive landscape.
Quirks and Pop Culture:
The Citroën DS quickly transcended its role as mere transportation. Its nickname, “La Déesse” (the Goddess), played on the French pronunciation of “DS” and reflected the reverence it inspired. The car became a symbol of French technological confidence and modernity, frequently associated with intellectuals, artists, and political figures.
Its sophisticated suspension and stability gave it an almost legendary reputation for safety and comfort, even under extreme conditions. Over the decades, the DS has appeared in numerous films, exhibitions, and retrospectives celebrating design and innovation. Its status was further cemented when it was later voted the most beautiful car of the 20th century, a testament not only to its aesthetics but also to its enduring cultural impact.
Display and preservation:
The vehicle was exhibited at the Oldtimer-Meeting Baden-Baden in 2022. Set in the elegant spa gardens of Baden-Baden, this open-air event is one of Germany’s most atmospheric classic car gatherings. The 2022 edition marked the 46th year of the meeting and featured over 350 carefully selected vintage vehicles from across Europe. With its picturesque backdrop and festive ambiance, the event draws thousands of visitors who stroll among historic automobiles, enjoy live music, and take in themed displays. In 2022, American classics and convertibles were especially well represented, reflecting the event’s continued celebration of both international and domestic automotive heritage.
Conclusion:
The 1967 Citroën DS 19 stands as a high point in the life of an already extraordinary automobile. Combining advanced engineering, groundbreaking hydraulics, and timeless design, it encapsulates Citroën’s bold approach to automotive innovation. Far more than a refined sedan, the DS 19 reshaped ideas of comfort, safety, and style, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire designers and engineers today. More than half a century on, it remains one of the clearest examples of how daring ideas can redefine an entire industry.
