The Citroën DS in Groningen and Its Revolutionary Technical Innovations
This article focuses specifically on the technology of the Citroën DS and explores why this icon was ahead of its time. Want to rent a Citroën DS now in Groningen or just find out why you should drive one at least once? Click here.
Read on if you want to learn more about the technology.
In the history of the automobile, there are good cars, great cars, and icons. And then there is the Citroën DS. At Tonny’s Classic Drive, when we open the hood of a DS, we are not just looking at an engine. We are witnessing a turning point in industrial history. When the DS was unveiled in 1955 at the Paris Motor Show (the next edition will take place on 12–18 October 2026 in Paris), the impact was comparable to the landing of a flying saucer.
At the time, the world still drove coach-like vehicles with separate fenders and rigid axles; Citroën presented the future. In this article, we take you back to that shocking reveal and dive deep into the technical marvels that make the 'Shark' – despite some persistent myths – the most innovative car of the 20th century.
The Citroën DS as a 1955 Sales Sensation: "C'est une Déesse"
On 6 October 1955, at 9:00 AM, the veil was lifted from the Citroën DS19. The audience gasped. Compared to the rounded, pre-war shapes of the competition, the DS looked fluid, as if shaped by the wind itself. The sales figures that day are legendary:
743 orders in the first 15 minutes, 12,000 by the end of the day, and 80,000 by the close of the show. The name was no accident: in French, 'DS' is pronounced Déesse, meaning Goddess – and that’s exactly how it drove.
Technical Explanation of the Citroën DS
Click the headings to read more about the unique technology that makes the DS so special:
- Hydropneumatic suspension with automatic height adjustment
- Semi-automatic 'Citromatic' gearbox without a clutch pedal
- High-pressure braking system with the famous “mushroom” brake
- Inboard-mounted disc brakes for excellent stopping power
- Aerodynamic body for stability and calmness
- Steering headlights for evening drives through Groningen
Citroën DS Hydropneumatic Suspension with Automatic Height Adjustment
The soul of the DS undoubtedly lies in the hydropneumatic suspension, the masterpiece of engineer Paul Magès. Instead of conventional metal springs, the DS uses spheres filled with nitrogen gas and hydraulic fluid. This system provides:
- Unmatched comfort: the car smooths out bumps like no other.
- Constant ride height: automatically adjusts to passengers and luggage.
- Adjustable ground clearance: can be raised from the cabin for rough terrain or maintenance.
Citroën DS Semi-Automatic 'Citromatic' Gearbox Without Clutch Pedal
The hydraulics do more than just suspension. The Citromatic gearbox allows shifting without a clutch pedal. Move the gear lever, and the hydraulic system automatically disengages, shifts, and re-engages. With practice, driving a DS feels like a royal experience.
Citroën DS High-Pressure Braking System with the Famous “Mushroom” Brake
Instead of a conventional brake pedal, there is a rubber “mushroom” on the floor. This pressure-sensitive valve controls the high-pressure braking system: the harder you press, the stronger the brakes engage. A distinctive part of the true DS experience.
Citroën DS Inboard-Mounted Disc Brakes for Excellent Stopping Power
The DS was the first major European production car with power-assisted inboard disc brakes on the front axle. Advantages:
- Reduction of unsprung weight for better ride comfort.
- Space-saving in the front suspension for the unique pivot of the wheels.
Citroën DS Aerodynamic Body for Stability and Calmness
Flaminio Bertoni’s design was purely functional with aerodynamics in mind. The DS had a drag coefficient of only 0.36. Innovations included:
- Teardrop shape: wider front track, narrower rear reduces air resistance and increases stability.
- Innovative materials: fiberglass-reinforced polyester roof and aluminum hood lower the center of gravity.
Citroën DS Steering Headlights for Evening Drives Through Groningen
From 1968 onwards, the inner headlights turned with the steering wheel, allowing the driver to literally “look around corners.” Height adjustment linked to the stabilizer bars keeps the light beam always on the road.
Technical Explanation Videos: Citroën DS
We have a fantastic Tonny's Classic Drive Instagram where you can not only follow how we build our business, but also regularly find our explanatory videos of our classic car collection. We recently shared videos of the Citroën DS there.
For DS enthusiasts, discovering these systems is like entering a moving museum of innovation. At Tonny’s Classic Drive, you can experience this firsthand by driving the DS through the streets of Groningen – comfort, elegance, and technology all in one package.
