Citroen DS - can you explain the various models?

[Hepcat]

Hi, I'm busy illustrating a Citroen DS (pics of current progress are below), and I can't get my head around the visual differences and production timelines of the Citroen DS. At the moment I'm confused about DS, ID, 19, 20, 23 and Pallas!

I'm doing a version with two round headlights - is this the ID?

I'm also doing a version with the glassed-in 4 headlights - is this the pure DS?

Can anyone explain years of production to me?

Sorry to ask so many questions, thanks in advance!

Cheers,

Hepcat

 

[NutmegCT]

Hi Hepcat. Probably more than you ever want to know about the DS is summarized on Wikipedia, and the external links at the bottom of the page.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citroën_DS

And lots of details on the ID/DS here:

https://www.koolhaas.demon.nl/ds-english.htm

Citroën DS 19 Hydraulique Pallas - 1965

Personally, I think the DS was one of coolest "advanced" cars of the 20th century. Wouldn't mind in the least having one (if I could afford the constant maintenance).

Others here will likely have many more references and details for you.

Tom

 

[eddyramrod]

The DS ("Goddess") was first, in 1955. It was later joined by the ID ("Idea") which was a simplified version with less hydraulics. I'm pretty sure both of these were available in 19 and 20, which simply reflect engine size (1.9 litres and 2.0 litres). The 23, of course, is 2.3 litres. The faired-in headlights were introduced later, about 1971 I think, as a facelift applied across the range. I'm fairly sure the 23 wasn't available before that date. Production ended after the introduction of the CX in 1975. Pallas is a top luxury trim level; Safari is the station wagon. Hope this helps.

Just as an aside... All these models, which to me still look ahead of their time (55 years after introduction!) had a four-cylinder engine that could be traced back to the 30s. Wouldn't it be cool to build one with a modern CVT transmission (stepless automatic, totally smooth) and a Mazda RX8 Wankel engine (rotary, totally smooth)? Surely that would be the car it always should have been? Smooth as a spaceship and way ahead of everything else! I'd use a late one, with the faired-in lights, and I'm sure it wouldn't be that difficult to add in stuff like electric windows, remote central locking, perhaps even power hood and trunk. Now who's going to be first...?