A French automotive legend in model car
The 1956 Citroën DS 19 represents one of the pinnacles of French automotive engineering. This magnificent 1:24 scale reproduction perfectly captures the timeless elegance of this revolutionary saloon, with its characteristic green body and beige roof . This model car is a natural centerpiece for any collector passionate about French automobiles.
A collector's item par excellence, this model car Citroën DS 19 is a testament to the creative genius of Flaminio Bertoni and André Lefèbvre, the designers of this exceptional automobile that revolutionized the global automotive industry from its presentation at the Paris Motor Show in October 1955.
Characteristics of the model car
- Model: Citroën DS 19
- Brand: Citroën
- Year: 1956
- Scale: 1/24th
- Color: Green with beige roof
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Protective case included: Yes
The real model: an automotive revolution
Launched in October 1955 at the Paris Motor Show, the Citroën DS immediately caused a stir in the 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 1956 DS 19 already anticipated the automobile of tomorrow.
Technically, this revolutionary sedan introduced major innovations: hydropneumatic suspension , power steering, power brakes and a semi-automatic gearbox. The 1911 cm³ 4-cylinder engine developed 75 horsepower, propelling this avant-garde automobile to remarkable performance for the time.
The commercial success was immediate and resounding. From the first day of the Motor Show, Citroën recorded more than 12,000 orders, an absolute record that testifies to the public's enthusiasm for this revolutionary automobile . The DS quickly established itself as the symbol of the revival of the French automobile industry.
Citroën: innovation in the service of the automobile
In 1956, Citroën entered a pivotal period in its history. Founded in 1919 by André Citroën, the chevron brand had already distinguished itself with innovative models like the Traction Avant in 1934. The arrival of the DS 19 confirmed the brand's philosophy: to offer technically advanced cars that were accessible to as many people as possible.
The leadership of Pierre-Jules Boulanger and then Pierre Bercot drove this strategy of constant innovation. Citroën invested heavily in research and development, creating innovative technical solutions that would have a lasting impact on the evolution of the automobile. This visionary approach positioned the French brand among the most respected manufacturers in the world.
The year 1956 also marked the beginning of Citroën's international expansion. The DS 19 quickly conquered European markets, then was exported to America and Asia, flying the flag for French automotive expertise .
A born movie star
The Citroën DS 19 quickly transcended its status as an automobile to become a true cultural icon. Since 1956, it has fascinated intellectuals and artists. Roland Barthes devoted a famous text to it in his "Mythologies," comparing the DS to a Gothic cathedral and evoking its almost magical dimension.
In cinema, the DS 19 quickly became the star of numerous films. Its instantly recognizable silhouette captivated directors from around the world. From "Fantômas" with Louis de Funès to the films of the New Wave, the DS embodied French elegance and modernity. This media exposure contributed significantly to forging its legend.
The most memorable anecdote is undoubtedly the Petit-Clamart attack in 1962. General de Gaulle's DS, riddled with bullets, managed to escape thanks to its technical innovations, notably its special Michelin Pilote tires . This dramatic episode definitively transformed the DS into a symbol of French resistance and automotive reliability.
This legendary dimension explains why the 1956 Citroën DS 19 continues to fascinate collectors and car enthusiasts seventy years after its creation. It perfectly embodies the spirit of innovation and excellence of French design.
Complete your collection of French model cars
This model car Citroën DS 19 naturally finds its place in a collection dedicated to French model cars . It harmoniously interacts with other emblematic models such as the Citroën Traction or the other versions of DS available in different liveries.
Collectors will also enjoy combining it with other legendary sedans of the era, creating a complete panorama of French automobiles from the 1950s . This 1/24th scale model car fits perfectly into display cases dedicated to classic cars from 1950 to 1979 .
Intended for automotive history enthusiasts, experienced collectors, and discerning enthusiasts alike, this faithful reproduction of the DS 19 is an authentic testament to an era when French automobiles shone throughout the world. It perpetuates the memory of these visionary engineers and designers who left their mark on the automotive industry forever.
