25 Apr 2025 - 29 Jun 2025

Citroën DS – An Icon Turns 70

Currently available to view

The word “icon” is used far too often. If any car truly deserves to be called iconic, it is the Citroën DS. The impact of the “Déesse” when it was unveiled in 1955 at the Salon de l’Automobile de Paris has rarely been matched, let alone surpassed.

At Autoworld, this legacy is celebrated through an exceptional exhibition that not only traces the history of the DS, but also surprises with strong visual statements and rare automotive gems.

DS Volante - 1957

This DS Volante was created by industrial designer Philippe Swimberghe of Phildesign, for the exhibition "Permis de conduire" at the Musée des Arts et Métiers (October 2022 - May 2023)/ For this design, the designer drew inspiration from the DS presented at the Triennale of Milan.

DS Ballons - 1959

The iconic DS "Ballons", designed by Claude Puech, was first presented at the Salon de l'Automobile de Paris in the striking "Écaille Blonde" colour.

DS Fusée - 1962

Presented at the Salon de l'Automobile de Paris during the launch of the redesigned DS 19, featuring a restyled front end and arrow-shaped bumpers. The commercial departement conceived a one-off show car to promote its revolutionary aerodynamics: the DS Fusée. It was specially built in the workshops of Citroën for the salon audience.

The iconic sporting history of the Citroën DS.

Even more remarkable is that the Citroën DS also secured its iconic status in motorsport, with victories in the prestigious Rallye Monte-Carlo and Tour de Corse. The DS was produced until 1975, with around 1.5 million units built across various versions and specifications.

Unieke modellen en bijzondere verhalen

Van de DS werden ook veel aparte modellen gebouwd. Uiteraard is de DS21 Chapron cabrio, waar door verzamelaars intussen heel diep in de buidel wordt getast, een mooi voorbeeld. Dat Charles de Gaulle z’n leven te danken heeft aan een DS toen die ondanks vele kogelinslagen de Franse president voor een aanslag behoedde, is minder bekend. De ID Break Commerciale vervulde doorgaans een wat rustiger, praktische functie.

Beyond its stunning looks, the Citroën DS was also highly innovative from a technical standpoint. Its revolutionary aerodynamics, disc brakes, swivelling headlights, fiberglass roof and hydropneumatic self-levelling suspension made it one of the most comfortable cars of all time, if not the most comfortable.

The future of a legend: the DS N°8.

With such an impressive heritage as its foundation, DS Automobiles continues today to build on the spirit of the DS. The latest DS N°8, also on display in the museum, brings this iconic combination of design and technology into a new era.