Black Citroën DS 19 - Historic presidential vehicle
This exceptional model car of the black Citroën DS 19 faithfully reproduces the official vehicle of General de Gaulle during the Petit-Clamart attack in 1962. From the prestigious collection of cars of heads of state, this collector's item in 1/43 scale bears witness to a crucial moment in the history of France.
A true object of automotive memory , this model car is aimed at collectors passionate about political history and fans of the legendary DS, symbol of French genius in the 1960s.
Characteristics of the model car
- Model: Citroën DS 19
- Brand: Citroën
- Year: 1962
- Scale: 1/43rd
- Color: Black
- Historical context: Petit-Clamart attack - Charles de Gaulle
- Protective case included: Yes (with 2 cracks - 1 on top and 1 on the back)
The Citroën DS 19: French automotive revolution
Launched in October 1955 at the Paris Motor Show, the Citroën DS revolutionized the automotive industry with its futuristic design and groundbreaking technical innovations. Designed under the direction of André Lefèbvre and styled by Flaminio Bertoni, it marked a complete break with the aesthetic codes of the time.
The DS 19 stands out for its hydropneumatic suspension , which gives it exceptional road holding and unrivaled driving comfort. Its power braking system, power steering, and semi-automatic gearbox make it a concentrate of cutting-edge technology. These technical features explain why it was quickly adopted by French government agencies.
Produced in more than 1.4 million units until 1975, the DS quickly became the ambassador of French know-how internationally and the natural choice to transport the highest-ranking figures of the State.
Citroën: innovation in the service of the automobile
In 1962, the year of the Petit-Clamart attack, Citroën was undergoing a period of intense innovation . The chevron brand, founded by André Citroën in 1919, had established itself as the most technologically daring French manufacturer. After the success of the Traction Avant in the 1930s, the DS confirmed the company's reputation for avant-garde thinking.
This period corresponds to the golden age of Citroën , a period during which the French brand competed with the biggest European manufacturers. The adoption of the DS by the Élysée Palace testifies to the confidence placed in this exceptional automobile, capable of combining prestige, safety and performance.
The DS's reputation for robustness and reliability naturally makes it the choice of presidential security services, particularly appreciated for its ability to maintain stability even in the most critical situations.
The Petit-Clamart attack: when the DS saves de Gaulle
On August 22, 1962, at around 8:10 p.m., the presidential DS was subjected to heavy gunfire at the Petit-Clamart roundabout. The Secret Army Organization (OAS) had organized this attack against General de Gaulle, who opposed Algerian independence. Twelve men armed with submachine guns opened fire on the presidential motorcade.
Inside this black DS, identical to our model car, are Charles de Gaulle, his wife Yvonne, their son-in-law Alain de Boissieu, and the driver Francis Marroux . Despite the 14 bullet holes that riddled the bodywork and blew out the rear tires, the hydropneumatic suspension allowed the vehicle to continue on its way without losing its stability.
This technical feat of the DS literally saved the General's life . Where a conventional car would have been immobilized by exploding tires, the DS's revolutionary suspension kept the vehicle moving, enabling the escape to Villacoublay airport. This dramatic episode reinforced the DS's legend and its reputation for indestructibility.
The Petit-Clamart attack marked a turning point in French history and transformed this DS into a true symbol of resistance . It now embodies the strength of republican institutions in the face of attempts at destabilization, becoming one of the most famous automobiles in French political history.
Complete your collection of historical model cars
This black Citroën DS 19 occupies a central place in the world of historic car model cars. It fits perfectly alongside other presidential vehicles and iconic models in the Citroën collection, particularly the other versions of the Citroën DS that have marked French automotive history.
Collectors with a passion for political history will appreciate pairing it with vintage French cars and classic models from the 1950s to 1979. It also sits in dialogue with the prestigious sedans that transported world leaders.
This model car is aimed at both experienced collectors and contemporary history enthusiasts , offering a tangible approach to a significant episode of the Fifth Republic. It also constitutes an excellent introduction to the world of 1/43rd scale model cars , the reference scale for historic vehicles, allowing you to finely appreciate the details of this emblematic automobile of the 1960s .
