Citroën DS and ID (1955-1976): Books - History

Citroën DS : French Design Classic (Car Craft)

Launched in 1955 yet looking like a sci-fi design proposal for a future then undreamed of, Flaminio Bertoni's ellipsoid sculpture with wheels that was the Citroën DS stunned the world. But it was not just the car's aerodynamically advanced body shape (Cd. 0.37) that framed the genius of the DS: hydro pneumatic self-levelling suspension, advanced plastics and synthetics for the construction of the roof and dashboard/fascia, and amazing road holding and cabin comfort were some of this car's highlights.
Only the lack of an advanced new engine was deemed a missed opportunity. In fact Citroën had created a new engine for the car but lacked the resources to produce it in time for 1955.

DS was a major moment in the history of car design, one so advanced that it would take other auto manufacturers years to embrace. Yet DS in its 'aero' design was the precursor to today's low drag cars of curved form.
Manufactured worldwide, used by presidents, leaders, diplomats, farmers and many types of people, the DS redefined Citroën, its engineering and design language, and its brand, for decades to come.

Prone to rust, not the safest car in the world, and always lacking a smoother powerplant, the DS still became an icon of car design. Reshaped with a new nose and faired-in headlamps in 1967, DS remained in production until 1975.

Across its life DS spawned an estate car variant as the 'Safari', a range of limousines, two-door convertibles, and even coach-built coupes and rally specials.
This car was a product design that became an article of social science - it was that famous and it defined a European design movement upon a global stage then packed with 'me too' copyist designs.
The DS or 'Goddess' as it was tagged, was a tear-drop shaped act of French confidence in a world of the regurgitation of the known. Some argue that DS and its effect has never been surpassed.

This book provides innovative access to the design, history, and modelling of the revolutionary DS - one of the true 'greats' of motoring history and, a contemporary classic car of huge popularity.

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Citroën DS (Revised and updated edition)

An in-depth look at Citroen's idiosyncratic DS, for sixty years a design icon and one of the world's most controversial, radical, idiosyncratic and technically advanced motorcars.
This popular book has now been re-issued in revised and updated paperback form. It tells the story of the most radical of Citroën's idiosyncratic offerings, the DS.
The car was sensational when it was introduced in 1955; twenty years and 1.45 million cars later it was still technically advanced in relation to most other cars. Revolutionary in driving characteristics and comfort, it remains one of the most innovative cars of all time.

In this book Malcolm Bobbitt, a well-known motoring author and DS owner, gives an in-depth guide to the Citroën DS - its history, design and specifications, as well as valuable advice for buyers and owners. This long overdue revised edition contains much new and updated information.

Features:
- Written by a well-known DS owner and aficionado
- Out of print for years, now reprinted in revised and updated paperback formontains much new material
- Includes many previously unpublished photographs
- Describes the DS in detail
- Tells the story of the sought-after Chapron models
- Reveals Citroen's often bizarre publicity material and marketing strategies
- Buying and ownership advice.

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Citroën DS & ID (1955-1975) - Brooklands Portfolio

Brooklands Portfolio book about the Citroën DS and ID models from the years 1955-1975. Describes the Citroën DS19, ID19, ID Safari, Wagon, Connaught GT, DW, DS21, Pallas, Safari Confort 21, 3DS, DS20 and DS21 Pallas Injection 139.

• The articles, taken from contemporary British and American car magazines, provide much information about history, model changes and technology.
• Also driving impressions, tests, comparison tests, technical specifications, etc.

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More information on the Brooklands Portfolio books

Citroën DS & ID - Alle Modelle 1968-1975 - Praxisratgeber Klassikerkauf

Do you want to buy a used DS or ID? Hardly any other model has ever had such a strong influence on a car brand as the DS/ID series from Citroën, affectionately - and correctly - called "the goddess" by fans.

In the proven series of Praxisratgeber Klassikerkauf, interested readers will find numerous tips and assistance, documented in pictures, when it comes to evaluating and purchasing a copy of the French classic that is for sale.

This book covers all Citroën DS and ID models (1968-1975).

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Citroën DS

Among the all-time masterpieces in the history of automobile design and technology, the absolute top place certainly goes to the Citroën DS. When the car first appeared at the Paris Motor Show 60 years ago, it suddenly made all the others that went before it seem obsolete.

The author of a book on the Citroën 2CV, in this volume Giancarlo Catarsi covers the technical, stylistic and sporting stories of this true icon which, from the moment it was first unveiled, distinguished itself for its excellent comfort, habitability, driving visibility, handling and stability.
It became the absolute in comparison with all the other manufacturers, as well as yet another model of excellence in the history of this prestigious French marque.

Text in Italian.

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