An iconic miniature of automotive adventure
This Citroën DS 21 blue and off-white roof number 87 takes us back to one of the most memorable automotive adventures of the 20th century: the 1968 London-Sydney Marathon. This faithfully reproduced model in 1/43 scale perfectly captures the spirit of this mythical epic that marked the history of motorsport.
A true collector's piece, this miniature testifies to the audacity and innovation of France during a competition that revolutionized the perception of long-distance rallies. It stands as a vibrant tribute to one of Citroën's greatest successes in the world of motorsport.
Technical characteristics of the miniature
- Model: Citroën DS 21 London-Sydney Marathon 1968
- Brand: Citroën
- Year: 1968
- Scale: 1/43
- Color: Blue with off-white roof
- Race number: 87
- Protective case included: Yes
The DS 21: a French automotive revolution
Launched in 1955 at the Paris Motor Show, the Citroën DS revolutionized the global automotive industry. The DS 21, introduced in 1965, represented the peak of this exceptional lineage with its 2.1-liter engine producing 109 horsepower. This version was particularly appreciated for its robustness and performance, essential qualities for facing the challenges of the London-Sydney Marathon.
The car was distinguished by its revolutionary technical innovations: self-leveling hydropneumatic suspension, high-pressure power steering, and power brakes. These cutting-edge technologies, combined with an aerodynamic body designed by Flaminio Bertoni, made it a natural choice for long-distance competitions. The DS 21 also offered exceptional road comfort, a major advantage for a rally of nearly 17,000 kilometers.
The commercial success of the DS was immediate and lasting. Over 1.4 million units were produced between 1955 and 1975, confirming the public's attraction to this exceptional car. The DS 21 Marathon marked the apex of this success, demonstrating that French innovation could triumph in all terrains.
Citroën: French automotive audacity
In 1968, Citroën was experiencing a period of international expansion under the leadership of André Citroën and then Pierre Bercot. The brand with the chevrons sought to consolidate its reputation as an innovator by demonstrating the reliability of its revolutionary technologies. The London-Sydney Marathon represented a perfect global showcase to prove the technical superiority of the DS against international competition.
Founded in 1919 by André Citroën, the brand quickly established itself as a pioneer of automotive innovation. From its beginnings, Citroën revolutionized mass production in France and made history with iconic models such as the Traction Avant. This tradition of technical audacity culminated with the DS, a true concentrate of cutting-edge technologies that left a lasting impact on the global automotive industry. Participation in the London-Sydney Marathon was part of this corporate philosophy: to prove through sporting exploits the relevance of innovations.
The epic of the 1968 London-Sydney Marathon
The 1968 London-Sydney Marathon remains one of the most extraordinary automotive adventures of the 20th century. This mythical event, organized by the Daily Express, challenged 98 crews to reach Australia from London, crossing Europe, Asia, and Oceania over nearly 17,000 kilometers. The event captivated global attention for three weeks, turning each stage into a planetary soap opera.
The Citroën DS literally dominated this competition, occupying the top three positions in the overall standings. Lucien Bianchi and Jean-Claude Ogier took victory in a DS 21, followed by the crews of Kalstrom/Haggbom and Vernaeve/Glemser, also in a DS. This exceptional performance demonstrated the superiority of the French automobile against Mercedes, Porsche, Ford, and other prestigious competitors.
The feat had a particularly epic dimension: crossing Afghanistan amid political instability, facing the mountains of the Hindu Kush, surviving Australia's deserts. The DS number 87 embodied this human and technical adventure, carrying on its blue sides the hopes of Citroën and the audacity of its drivers. This victory marked the zenith of the DS in competition and reinforced its status as a French automotive icon.
The media impact was considerable. Journalists from around the world followed this intercontinental chase, turning drivers into modern heroes. The French victory resonated as a national triumph, proving that French innovation could dominate international competition on the most hostile terrains on the planet.
Complete your miniature collection
This Citroën DS 21 London-Sydney Marathon occupies a prominent place in the world of automotive miniatures. It fits perfectly into Citroën DS collections and ideally complements legendary rally vehicles. Collectors will appreciate its complementarity with other models from the 1960s and the exceptional French automobiles.
This miniature is particularly aimed at automotive history enthusiasts and collectors seeking authentic pieces that bear witness to major sporting adventures. It naturally finds its place alongside iconic Citroën models or legendary race cars. Its 1/43 scale facilitates the creation of cohesive sets with other miniatures of the same ratio.
Beyond seasoned collectors, this DS 21 Marathon will charm all lovers of beautiful French mechanics and nostalgics of great automotive adventures. It serves as a tangible testament to an era when French audacity shone on the roads of the world, driven by the technical excellence of the mythical Goddess.
