General De Gaulle's Citroën DS 19 and the convertible DS19: two HO scale legends
This exceptional collection brings together two iconic versions of the legendary Citroën DS 19 in HO scale (1/87th). On one side, the black DS 19 from 1963 which transported General De Gaulle, a symbol of French presidential prestige, on the other, the blue DS19 convertible from 1961 , the embodiment of French elegance. These model cars constitute a precious testimony to the golden age of the French automobile and represent a must-have for any collector passionate about automotive history.
These faithful reproductions capture the revolutionary sophistication of the DS, a car that radically transformed the aesthetic and technical codes of its era. Every architectural detail of these scale models reflects the visionary genius of Flaminio Bertoni and André Lefèbvre.
Characteristics of the model car
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Model: Citroën DS 19 of General De Gaulle (1963) + Citroën DS19 convertible (1961)
- Brand: Citroën
- Years: 1963 and 1961
- Scale: HO - 1/87th
- Colors: Black and blue
- Protective case included: Yes
The DS 19: automotive revolution of the 60s
Launched in October 1955 at the Paris Motor Show, the Citroën DS caused a real earthquake in the global automotive industry. This avant-garde sedan, the result of twenty years of research and development, embodied French technological audacity. Its futuristic lines, designed by Flaminio Bertoni, radically broke with the aesthetic canons of the time.
The 1963 DS 19 represents the pinnacle of this technical revolution. Equipped with revolutionary hydropneumatic suspension, power steering, and front disc brakes, it offers unparalleled driving comfort. Its 1911 cc 4-cylinder engine develops remarkable power for the time, allowing it to reach 165 km/h.
The convertible version , rarer and more exclusive, appeals to a wealthy clientele looking for originality. Produced in a limited series, it retains all the technical innovations of the sedan while offering the pleasures of open-top driving.
Citroën: innovation in the service of the automobile
Founded in 1919 by André Citroën , the chevron brand quickly established itself as a pioneer of automotive innovation. In the 1960s, when these DS cars were created, Citroën underwent an exceptional phase of expansion under the leadership of Pierre Bercot. The company invested heavily in research and development, creating revolutionary vehicles that would go down in automotive history.
Citroën's philosophy at this time prioritized technological avant-garde and passenger comfort. This visionary approach, although financially daring, forged the brand's reputation as a laboratory for the automobile of the future. Citroën engineers constantly pushed technological boundaries, creating unprecedented solutions that would gradually be adopted by the entire automotive industry.
The Petit-Clamart attack: when the DS enters history
On August 22, 1962 , the presidential Citroën DS 19 became legendary during the Petit-Clamart attack. That day, General De Gaulle and his wife Yvonne returned to the Élysée Palace from Villacoublay Airport in their black DS 19, driven by chauffeur Francis Marroux. At 8:15 p.m., at the Petit-Clamart crossroads, fourteen members of the OAS opened fire on the presidential motorcade.
The DS miraculously resisted the bursts of machine gun fire. Despite fourteen bullet holes, including two punctured tires, the car continued on its way thanks to its revolutionary hydropneumatic suspension, which maintained the vehicle's attitude. This technical feat literally saved the lives of the President of the Republic and his wife. General De Gaulle would later comment with his usual composure: "This time, it was a close call!"
This tragic event transformed the DS into a symbol of resistance and reinforced its status as an exceptional presidential car. The effectiveness of its technical innovations in the face of this extreme ordeal demonstrated the superiority of French engineering. This bullet-riddled DS, preserved in the Élysée Palace collections, bears witness to a crucial moment in French history.
The story of this heroic DS even inspired French cinema. Édouard Molinaro's film "The Longest Day" was largely inspired by this dramatic episode, immortalizing the DS in French popular culture and consolidating its image as a providential car .
Complete your collection of French model cars
These HO scale model car DS cars occupy a central place in the world of French car collectors. They fit perfectly alongside other iconic models such as the Citroën 2CV or the Citroën Traction , forming a complete panorama of French automotive excellence.
Prestige car enthusiasts will appreciate completing this collection with other presidential vehicles, including official Renaults or official Peugeots . The HO scale also allows for the creation of historical dioramas evoking the great moments of the Fifth Republic.
These model cars appeal to both experienced collectors and novices looking to start a thematic collection around French automobiles from the Trente Glorieuses. They also provide an excellent starting point for exploring the world of HO scale model cars , particularly popular with model railway makers and creators of period scenery.
