Wedding Car Hire
More on the Goddess
The most advanced car in the world in 1955, the Citroën DS continued in production for twenty years and even then was ahead of its contemporaries. Revolutionary in appearance, it became a symbol of French technological leadership. Most automobile enthusiasts must have agreed with that view: when the Car of the Century awards were announced in 1999, the DS finished third in one poll (Internet-based) and second in another (a magazine poll in which thousands of readers voted).
Likened to a spaceship when it first appeared, some thought the DS was too way-out. Yet it was sleek and aerodynamic, a masterpiece in design unlike anything ever seen.
Among its most startling innovations was a self-levelling, hydro-pneumatic, suspension, replacing conventional springs and shock absorbers. When the engine was started, the close-to-the-ground DS would magically rise so that driver and passengers might easily climb aboard. Once underway, the driver could adjust the system's ride height by as much as six inches. Fully raised, it could easily climb curbs and negotiate obstacles. At minimum height the Citroën DS reduced air resistance, lowered the center of gravity, tackled curves with the precision of a railway train. This same system was also used to provide power assist for gearshift and clutch.
As if that were not enough, the DS could raise itself sufficiently that spare tires were changed without the need of a conventional jack. Wheels were held on by a single, center-placed bolt, further simplifying the job.
Life in the driver's seat was full of surprises for the novice owner. The steering wheel had just one spoke, curving outwards from the column to the rim. Cornering at night was made safer with headlights that turned with the front wheels.
Rear seat passengers found themselves enjoying limousine-like legroom, since all four wheels had been pushed out to the corners. This also contributed to the smooth ride which French auto manufacturers have always emphasised.