This faithful miniature of the 1956 Citroën DS 19 green in 1/24 scale captures the revolutionary essence of the most avant-garde French automobile of the 20th century. Accurately reproducing the futuristic lines and timeless elegance of this iconic model, this piece is a must-have for any car enthusiast.
An exceptional collector's item, this DS 19 miniature represents much more than just a scale model: it embodies French audacity and innovation in the automotive industry of the 1950s, a pivotal time when Citroën revolutionized the aesthetic and technical codes of the era.
Miniature features
- Model: DS 19
- Brand: Citroën
- Year: 1956
- Scale: 1/24
- Color: Green
- Protective case included: Yes
Description of the real model
The Citroën DS 19 makes a sensation at its presentation at the Paris Motor Show on October 6, 1955. Designed under the leadership of Flaminio Bertoni for design and André Lefèbvre for engineering, this revolutionary automobile completely breaks with the aesthetic norms of the time. Its aerodynamic lines, integrated front grille, and streamlined silhouette give it a spaceship-like appearance that fascinates as much as it confuses.
The original vehicle stands out with remarkable technical innovations: hydropneumatic suspension, power steering, disc brakes in the front, and semi-automatic transmission. These revolutionary features for the time place the DS 19 several decades ahead of its competitors. Its exceptional drag coefficient of 0.36 reflects the attention paid to aerodynamics.
The commercial success is immediate and resounding: 12,000 orders are recorded on the very first day of exhibition, an absolute record for the French automotive industry. This success confirms Citroën's visionary audacity and establishes the DS as one of the most influential automobiles in history.
Brand description
In 1956, Citroën is going through a period of intense innovation driven by Pierre-Jules Boulanger and later Pierre Dreyfus. The brand with the chevrons, backed by its technical heritage acquired with the Traction Avant, dares to take a new technological and aesthetic leap with the DS. This audacity is part of the company's DNA since its founding by André Citroën in 1919.
The history of Citroën is characterized by a succession of remarkable innovations: the first mass-produced European automobile, the introduction of American production methods in France, and the development of front-wheel drive. The 1956 DS 19 naturally fits into this avant-garde lineage, confirming the brand's ability to anticipate market expectations and propose unprecedented technical solutions.
This prosperous period allows Citroën to establish itself as the most innovative French manufacturer, competing with the biggest European names. The DS quickly becomes the banner of French technical excellence, exported worldwide and praised by the international specialized press.
The anecdote of the real vehicle
The most remarkable story of the DS 19 unfolds on August 22, 1962 at Petit-Clamart, during the assassination attempt on General de Gaulle. That day, the presidential DS 19, driven by Francis Marroux, literally saves the President of the Republic's life. Despite the fourteen bullet impacts that puncture two rear tires, the vehicle continues its way thanks to its revolutionary hydropneumatic suspension.
This unique suspension allows the DS to keep moving even with flat tires, as the hydropneumatic spheres maintain the body at a constant height. The technical achievement becomes heroic: the car still travels several kilometers at high speed, enabling the successful escape of the presidential convoy. This dramatic event transforms the DS into a symbol of robustness and reliability.
Beyond this historical episode, the DS 19 quickly conquers the worlds of cinema and popular culture. It becomes the car of French presidents for nearly two decades, as well as the vehicle of choice for Parisian artists and intellectuals. Roland Barthes dedicates an entire chapter to it in his "Mythologies", comparing its beauty to that of Gothic cathedrals.
This exceptional cultural dimension makes the DS much more than a car: it becomes a rolling work of art, exhibited at the Museum of Modern Art in New York since 1999. No other French car has ever reached such iconic status, blending technical prowess, aesthetic elegance, and historical significance in the global collective imagination.
Complete your collection of French miniatures
This green DS 19 from 1956 holds a central place in the world of French automotive miniatures. It fits perfectly into collections dedicated to Citroën DS or more broadly to iconic French cars. Its complementarity with other Citroën models like the Traction Avant allows for tracing the technical evolution of the chevron brand.
Collectors passionate about 1950s cars will find this DS 19 a centerpiece, while aficionados of classic cars will discover the perfect embodiment of French innovation. The 1/24 scale offers an exceptional level of detail, showcasing all the finesse of the reproduction work of this automobile legend.
