1973 Citroen DS 20 – Oldtimer-Meeting Baden-Baden 2021

The Citroën DS 20 marked a visible step forward in the design evolution of the DS line. Presented in 1967, it adopted the modernized third-generation front end, distinguished by wide double headlights. Behind a single glass cover, two headlamps were combined into one unit, with the inner light capable of swiveling in response to steering input. This feature not only enhanced night-time visibility but also reinforced the DS’s futuristic image.

Inhalte Verbergen

1 Technical Details:

2 Design:

3 Historical Significance:

4 Quirks and Pop Culture:

5 Display and preservation:

6 Conclusion:

Technical Details:

The Citroën DS 20 was introduced as part of the continuous technical evolution of the DS range and remained in production from 1967 until the end of the series in 1975. It is powered by a front-mounted, inline four-cylinder engine driving the front wheels, a configuration that had already become a Citroën hallmark. With a displacement of 1,985 cc, the engine produced either 84 PS at 5,250 rpm or, in later tuning, 90 PS at 5,500 rpm. These outputs allowed the DS 20 to reach top speeds of 165 to 167 km/h, placing it firmly in the upper tier of comfortable long-distance sedans of its time.

The Citroën DS 20 was offered in both four-door saloon and five-door estate body styles, each constructed from steel sheet metal. Throughout its production life, the engine program was continually refined to meet rising performance expectations. This ongoing development culminated in 1972 with a 2.35-liter four-cylinder engine producing 126 PS for the DS 23 Pallas Injection, which achieved a top speed of 188 km/h. Although this ultimate specification went beyond the Citroën DS 20 itself, it illustrates the technological trajectory of the DS family as a whole. A defining constant across all variants was the unmistakable driving experience of a Citroën DS, a sensation that, even today, remains unmatched by other vehicles.

From September 1969 onward, the distinction between the DS and its more modestly equipped sibling, the ID, gradually disappeared, and both were collectively referred to as D models. By September 1971, the DS entered its final development stage, featuring recessed door handles. Transmission choice became particularly generous, with three gearboxes available at no extra cost: a mechanically shifted five-speed manual, a hydraulically operated four-speed gearbox, and a three-speed fully automatic transmission. Even in the final 1975 model year, numerous minor technical refinements continued to be introduced.

Manufacturer: Citroën
Model Name: DS 20
Year of Manufacturing: 1967–1975

Design:

The relationship between form and function remained central to the Citroën DS 20’s design philosophy. The updated front gave the car a more contemporary and technically sophisticated appearance, while the interior also received a comprehensive revision. The cabin refinement aligned the Citroën DS 20 more closely with rising expectations of comfort and usability, ensuring that its avant-garde exterior was matched by a correspondingly modern driving environment. The visual differences between DS and ID models became increasingly subtle, reflecting Citroën’s effort to harmonize the range while maintaining the DS’s distinctive identity.

Historical Significance:

By the time the Citroën DS 20 was introduced, the Citroën DS had already been on the market for twelve years, yet its unique position remained virtually unchanged since its debut. No other vehicle offered a comparable combination of design innovation, engineering ambition, and comfort. With the 1967 renovation of the model range, Citroën once again demonstrated its commitment to continuous innovation rather than radical replacement.

The Citroën DS 20 exemplified this philosophy. Instead of redefining the concept, Citroën refined it, integrating new technologies and design updates while preserving the core characteristics that had made the DS an automotive landmark. The numeric designation “20” reflected the increased engine displacement, following Citroën’s logical naming convention that linked model names directly to engine size. This approach reinforced the DS’s reputation as a technically transparent and forward-thinking automobile in an era of rapid automotive change.

Quirks and Pop Culture:

While the Citroën DS 20 did not rely on flamboyant marketing or dramatic reinvention, its enduring appeal lay in the consistency of its innovation. The gradual disappearance of distinctions between DS and ID models, the availability of multiple transmission types without surcharge, and the introduction of features such as optional air conditioning underscored Citroën’s unconventional approach to product planning. The Citroën DS 20 quietly embodied the brand’s belief that advanced technology and comfort should be widely accessible rather than reserved for flagship variants.

Display and preservation:

The vehicle was exhibited at the Oldtimer-Meeting Baden-Baden in 2021. This event, held annually in the spa town’s Kurpark and along the Kaiserallee, is one of Germany’s most picturesque classic car gatherings. In 2021, the 44th edition featured 300 vintage vehicles from 80 different brands, including rare models. The event embraced a 1970s theme, showcasing over 40 vehicles from that era. An innovative highlight was the “automobile fashion show,” where models presented current fashion trends while riding in open-top classic cars through the park. The event concluded with the traditional Concours d’élégance, awarding 120 prizes across 15 categories.

Conclusion:

The Citroën DS 20 represents a mature and carefully refined chapter in the story of one of the most influential cars ever built. Produced between 1967 and 1975, it combined incremental engine improvements, thoughtful design updates, and remarkable versatility in drivetrain options. Its modernized front with swiveling headlights, revised interior, and continuously evolving technical package ensured that the DS remained ahead of its time even more than a decade after its original launch. As part of the DS lineage, the DS 20 stands as a testament to Citroën’s unwavering commitment to innovation, comfort, and distinctive automotive thinking.