1955-1975
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Design icon
The Goddess. Hydropneumatic suspension, directional headlights, fiberglass roof, semi-automatic gearbox — all in 1955. 20 years ahead of everything.
History
When the DS debuted at the 1955 Paris Motor Show, 12,000 orders were placed on the first day. Its hydropneumatic self-leveling suspension, power brakes, and power steering were revolutionary. Even the name is a pun: DS in French sounds like 'deesse' (goddess). It survived an assassination attempt on President de Gaulle despite being shot multiple times.
Timeline
1955Paris Motor Show: 743 orders in the first 15 minutes, 12,000 by end of day. Nothing else looks like it
1962Saves President de Gaulle's life: after an assassination attempt, the DS drives to safety on three tires thanks to hydropneumatic suspension
1975Production ends
Production & Heritage
Production Total1,455,746
DesignerFlaminio Bertoni / Andre Lefebvre
Production Period1955-1975
Estimated Value$40K-$120K
Value estimates are editorial assessments based on recent auction results and market trends.
Technical Specifications
Engine2.2L Inline-4 (DX2)
Power109 hp @ 5,500 rpm
Torque157 Nm
0-60 mph12.5 sec
Top Speed185 km/h
Transmission4-speed semi-automatic (hydraulic)
DrivetrainFWD
Weight1,280 kg
Drag CoefficientCd 0.36
BodySteel platform, bolt-on aluminum/fiberglass panels
Engine Details
Engine CodeDX2
Displacement2.2L (2,175 cc)
Bore x Stroke86 x 93.5 mm
Compression8.75:1
Valves2 per cylinder (8 total)
Fuel SystemWeber twin-choke carburetor
Performance
0-100 km/h13 sec
0-60 mph12.5 sec
Top Speed185 km/h
Weight-to-Power11.7 kg/hp
Dimensions
Length4,870 mm
Width1,790 mm
Height1,470 mm
Wheelbase3,125 mm
Chassis & Suspension
Front SuspensionDouble wishbone, hydropneumatic self-leveling
Rear SuspensionTrailing arm, hydropneumatic self-leveling
Front BrakesDisc (inboard mounted on some versions)
Rear BrakesDisc
SteeringRack and pinion, DIRAVI power-assisted (later models)
Capacity
Fuel Tank65 L
Doors4
Seats5
Source: auto-data.net, Wikipedia
Tags
Designed by Flaminio Bertoni / Andre Lefebvre
From the 1950s
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