1967 Citroen DS19 Pallas
At its unveiling in 1955, the Citroen DS was a marvel of automotive engineering. Many consider the DS to be one of the most technologically advanced vehicles produced from the 1950s to the 1970s, and with good reason. The hydropneumatic suspension and braking system was unlike anything the automotive industry had ever seen and is still advanced by today's standards. The DS set a new standard for ride quality, comfort, handling, and braking in a luxury sedan, besting even the most prestigious manufacturers like Bentley and Rolls Royce and became the first production car to come standard with disc brakes midway through its production run. Production of the DS spanned nearly two decades and was an immediate success upon its debut, with 80,000 deposits received within ten days, a global record that remained in place for 61 years. While most cars relied on hydraulic systems to control the brake and steering, the DS also utilized the technology in its suspension, clutch, and transmission. Its self-leveling suspension with adjustable ride height kept the car smooth on even the worst roads while also mitigating bump steer. The result was a car the handled well even on dirt roads and open fields, leading the DS to become a highly successful contender in rally racing where sustained speed on poor roads was vital. Beyond its technological innovations, the Citroen DS was touted as one of the century's finest automotive designs and offered an extraordinary level of luxury for its price.
This 1967 Citroen DS19 offered is well equipped with a proprietary hydropneumatic semi-automatic transmission and the desirable Pallas package; a luxury upgrade included better noise insulation, a more comfortable leather interior, unique exterior trims, and a more extensively adjustable driver's seat. It is powered by a 1.9L flat-four engine that produces 86 horsepower and sends power through the front wheels via Citroen's Boîte de Vitesses Hydraulique gearbox that allows the driver to change gears without the need of a clutch. As a European import, this DS retains some options not available in the United States, such as adaptive headlights and corrosion-resistant green LHM hydraulic fluid. It has been treated to extensive maintenance under current ownership, including a new headliner, a hydraulic system refresh, and a full mechanical baseline. The result is a piece of automotive design history that is ready to be driven and enjoyed. Finished in deep silver paint over a black leather interior, this DS is a striking and classic example of France's most beloved automobile.
