A French icon in model car
This burgundy Citroën DS 19 with cream roof reproduced by Dinky-Toys under Editions Atlas captures all the revolutionary elegance of the French "Goddess". This 1/43 scale model car is a faithful testimony to the automotive innovation of the 1950s, offering collectors an exceptional piece that transcends the simple toy to become a true collector's item .
Presented in its distinctive two-tone livery, this meticulous reproduction reflects the refinement and technical audacity that have made this iconic model world-renowned. Every detail of this model car pays homage to the innovative spirit of Flaminio Bertoni and André Lefèbvre, designers of this revolutionary automobile.
Characteristics of the model car
- Model: Citroën DS 19
- Brand: Citroën
- Year: 1955-1975
- Scale: 1/43rd
- Color: Burgundy with cream roof
- Manufacturer: Dinky-Toys (Éditions Atlas)
- Protective case included: Yes
The revolutionary innovation of the DS
Launched in October 1955 at the Paris Motor Show, the Citroën DS immediately caused a stir in the global automotive industry. Its futuristic design, the work of Italian sculptor Flaminio Bertoni, radically broke with the aesthetic codes of the time. The fluid, aerodynamic lines of the DS, nicknamed "Goddess" by its admirers, anticipated the automobile of tomorrow with unparalleled audacity.
The DS also revolutionized automotive technology with its high-pressure hydraulic system that powered the power steering, brakes, and self-leveling suspension. This innovation allowed the car to automatically adapt to load variations and provide exceptional driving comfort. The 1911 cc four-cylinder engine initially developed 75 horsepower, propelling this avant-garde sedan to immediate commercial success.
From the moment it was unveiled, the DS generated extraordinary enthusiasm, with more than 80,000 orders placed at the Paris Motor Show. This triumphant reception confirmed that Citroën had created not just a car, but a true work of rolling art that would definitively mark the history of French industry.
Citroën, pioneer of automotive innovation
André Citroën founded his brand in 1919 with the ambition of democratizing the automobile in France. From the outset, the company distinguished itself by its innovative approach to mass production and its ability to offer revolutionary technical solutions. The Traction Avant, launched in 1934, already foreshadowed the spirit of innovation that would later characterize the DS.
In the 1950s, under the leadership of Pierre Bercot, Citroën consolidated its reputation as a visionary manufacturer. The company invested heavily in research and development, particularly in the field of high-pressure hydraulics. This technical expertise, combined with a bold aesthetic approach, allowed the chevron brand to position itself as the laboratory of the French automobile .
The DS perfectly embodies this corporate philosophy, where technical innovation is combined with aesthetic excellence. This singular approach sets Citroën apart from its competitors and forges a unique brand identity in the global automotive landscape of the 1950s .
De Gaulle and his DS: a state story
The most significant story of the DS remains inextricably linked to that of General de Gaulle. On August 22, 1962, in Petit-Clamart, the presidential DS miraculously escaped an OAS attack. Riddled with bullets, the President's car nevertheless continued on its way thanks to its revolutionary hydraulic suspension, which compensated for punctured rear tires.
This dramatic episode transformed the DS into a symbol of durability and technical reliability. General de Gaulle himself praised the exceptional qualities of his car, declaring that it had saved his life. This inadvertent but spectacular publicity definitively propelled the DS to the status of a national icon.
Beyond this historic episode, the DS quickly became the official car of the French Republic. Its natural elegance and technological prestige made it the preferred choice of high-ranking officials and personalities from around the world. Many heads of state adopted the DS, contributing to its international influence and its reputation as an ambassador of French know-how .
This exceptional historical and cultural dimension makes each DS, whether real or model car, a privileged testimony to an era when France excelled in the art of combining technical innovation and aesthetic refinement.
Complete your collection of French model cars
This DS 19 Dinky-Toys naturally finds its place at the heart of a collection dedicated to French model cars . It harmoniously interacts with other icons of the French automobile, notably the models of the Citroën DS collection which allow you to explore the different variations of this revolutionary line.
Collectors passionate about classic cars from 1950 to 1979 will particularly appreciate this reproduction, which sits perfectly alongside other iconic models from the era. The quality of Dinky-Toys reproduction, faithfully reproduced by Éditions Atlas, guarantees perfect aesthetic consistency with other pieces from this golden era of model car making.
This model car is aimed at both experienced collectors and French car enthusiasts who want to own a tangible example of French technical excellence. It is also a great piece to start a thematic collection around revolutionary sedans or creations from the manufacturer with the chevrons .
