The Citroën DS 19 Dinky-Toys: A model car automotive icon
This green Citroën DS 19 with white roof, designed by Dinky-Toys and produced by Atlas, represents one of the most iconic models in French automotive history. This faithful model car captures all the revolutionary elegance of the DS, affectionately nicknamed "Goddess" by its admirers.
A true collector's item for French car enthusiasts, this 1/43 scale reproduction is a must-have in the world of vintage model cars. Its authenticity and history make it much more than a simple decorative object.
Characteristics of the model car
- Model: Citroën DS 19
- Brand: Citroën
- Year: 1950s-1960s
- Scale: 1/43rd
- Color: Green with white roof
- Manufacturer: Dinky-Toys (Éditions Atlas)
- Protective case included: Yes
A revolutionary model in automotive history
Launched in October 1955 at the Paris Motor Show, the Citroën DS caused a real earthquake in the global automotive industry. André Citroën and his team of engineers led by André Lefèbvre created a car that defied all conventions of the time. Its futuristic design, imagined by Italian sculptor Flaminio Bertoni, completely broke with traditional aesthetic codes.
The DS also revolutionized automotive technology with its hydropneumatic suspension , which allowed it to "fly" above the road, offering unparalleled driving comfort. Its power-assisted braking system, power steering, and semi-automatic gearbox made it a cutting-edge car that would not be matched by the competition until years later.
Commercial success was immediate: 12,000 orders were received on the first day of the show, an absolute record for the time. The DS quickly became the symbol of French industrial revival during the Trente Glorieuses.
Citroën: French audacity as a heritage
At the time of the DS's launch, Citroën was experiencing a pivotal period in its history. Founded in 1919 by André Citroën, the chevron brand had already distinguished itself through its technical innovations and commercial audacity. After the success of the Traction Avant in the 1930s, Citroën was banking on this revolutionary new project to recapture the French automotive market.
This period corresponds to the golden age of French engineering, where French manufacturers competed with their European counterparts in innovation. The DS perfectly embodies Citroën's philosophy of prioritizing technical innovation and comfort over simple raw performance. This singular approach forged the brand's unique identity and still influences its automotive creations today.
The DS, movie star and presidential symbol
The history of the DS extends far beyond the automotive sector to become deeply rooted in French culture. On August 22, 1962 , it became a legend during the Petit-Clamart attack on General de Gaulle. Riddled with bullets, the presidential DS nevertheless managed to escape thanks to its robustness and exceptional road holding, thus saving the life of the President of the Republic.
In cinema, the DS quickly became the star of the set . It appeared in countless French films of the 1960s and 1970s, embodying at times bourgeois elegance, at others triumphant modernity. From the comedies of Louis de Funès to the thrillers of Jean-Pierre Melville, it accompanied the greatest moments of French cinema.
Roland Barthes, in his "Mythologies", even devotes an entire chapter to this automobile, which he describes as "a perfectly magical object" . For the intellectual, the DS transcends its utilitarian function to become a true symbol of French modernity, on a par with the Eiffel Tower or the Concorde.
This exceptional cultural dimension explains why the DS continues to fascinate collectors around the world, far beyond mere car enthusiasts. It represents an era when France dared to dream of the future and materialize it in its industrial creations.
Complete your collection of French model cars
This Citroën DS 19 Dinky-Toys naturally finds its place at the heart of a collection dedicated to French model cars . It dialogues perfectly with other French icons such as the models in the Citroën DS collection or the classic model cars from the years 1950-1979 .
Discerning collectors will also appreciate combining it with other Dinky-Toys creations, a legendary brand that has marked the childhood of several generations. This model car fits perfectly into a thematic collection dedicated to iconic sedans or vehicles from the 1960s era .
Whether you are a seasoned collector or an enlightened amateur, this DS 19 represents a precious testimony to the golden age of the French automobile. It will appeal to both those nostalgic for this glorious era and to neophytes discovering the treasures of French industrial heritage through these remarkable 1/43 scale model cars.
