Citroën DS 19 Préfecture by aRi F. Huber

About "Citroën DS 19 Préfecture"

by aRi F. Huber

About the artwork

The Citroën DS, also known as the "Goddess", was presented to the public at the Paris Motor Show on 8 October 1955 and immediately caused a sensation. The elegant saloon with its futuristic design and innovative technologies was a masterpiece of French engineering and eclipsed everything that had gone before.

The striking design of the DS was unique right from the start. With its long, flowing body, slim headlights and striking radiator grille, the DS was a real feast for the eyes. But it wasn't just the exterior that was impressive, the interior of the DS was also revolutionary. The DS was the first production car to be equipped with hydropneumatic suspension, which provided unrivalled ride comfort.

The presentation of the DS at the Paris Motor Show was a complete success. Visitors were impressed by the car's innovative technology and avant-garde design. The press praised the DS as the "car of the future" and predicted that it would be a great success on the market.

And indeed, the Citroën DS became a bestseller. Demand for the revolutionary vehicle was so great that Citroen's production capacity was quickly exhausted. The DS became a symbol of French automotive engineering and a cult object for lovers of classic cars.

Even today, more than 60 years after its launch, the Citroen DS is still a timeless masterpiece of automotive history.

The picture shows a Citroën DS 19 Administration or Préfecture, which was only delivered in black colour to higher officials and civil servants, including Charles de Gaulle.
It also has a chrome-plated ventilation grille on the two front wings, popularly known in French as a cendrier (ashtray). However, these were only built from 1959-1962, after which the grille disappeared again.