Model Car Citroën DS burgundy and black roof from 1956 (Solido reference 4562) (plexi box)
Scale 1/43
Tarnished and worn case
Damaged cardboard box
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The 1956 Citroën DS: A miniature automotive icon
This 1956 Citroën DS in burgundy with black roof by Solido (reference 4562) captures the revolutionary essence of one of the most avant-garde automobiles of the 20th century. This authentic miniature is a testament to the technical and aesthetic audacity that caused a sensation when the DS was launched at the 1955 Paris Motor Show.
A true collector's item , this faithful reproduction is aimed at French automobile enthusiasts and collectors looking for emblematic pieces of French industry. Its protective plexiglass case preserves this marvel of automotive miniaturization.
Characteristics of the miniature
- Model: Citroën DS
- Brand: Citroën
- Year: 1956
- Scale: 1/43rd
- Color: Burgundy with black roof
- Manufacturer: Solido
- Reference: 4562
- Protective case included: Yes (plexiglass)
The DS revolution: when Citroën reinvents the automobile
Launched in October 1955 at the Paris Motor Show, the Citroën DS caused a real earthquake in the global automotive industry. The result of fifteen years of research and development, it embodied the futuristic vision of André Lefèbvre and the technical team led by Pierre Boulanger. Its aerodynamic body, designed by Italian sculptor Flaminio Bertoni, radically broke with the aesthetic codes of the time.
The DS revolutionized the automobile industry with its spectacular technical innovations: hydropneumatic suspension , power steering, power-assisted front disc brakes, and the unique ability to automatically adjust its ride height. These technological advances, unprecedented on a production car, put Citroën a decade ahead of the global competition.
The commercial success was immediate and resounding. On the very first day of the show, 12,000 orders were received, an absolute record for the time. This 1956 DS represents the first years of production, marked by exceptional demand that exceeded all expectations of the brand with the chevron.
Citroën: the French pioneering spirit
In 1956, Citroën was undergoing a period of unprecedented technological change. Founded in 1919 by André Citroën, the brand had built a reputation as an innovator with the Traction Avant in the 1930s. Under the leadership of Pierre Boulanger and later Pierre Dreyfus, the company continued this tradition of technical audacity with the DS project, initially dubbed the "VGD" (Voiture de Grande Diffusion).
The DS era marked the apogee of the French school of automotive design , characterized by a comprehensive approach to comfort and safety. Citroën did not just produce cars, but developed a true philosophy of modern mobility. This humanist vision of the automobile, prioritizing the well-being of the occupants, fundamentally distinguished the French brand from its European and American competitors.
The period 1955-1960 marked a strategic turning point for Citroën, which invested heavily in research and development. The Javel plant adapted its production lines to the technical requirements of the DS, while innovation became the driving force behind the brand's sales policy.
An unexpected movie star
The Citroën DS quickly transcended its status as an automobile to become a true cultural phenomenon of the 1950s and 1960s. Its futuristic design immediately attracted the attention of the entertainment and arts worlds. Roland Barthes, in his 1957 "Mythologies," devoted an entire chapter to the DS, calling it "the best messenger from a higher world" and comparing its public presentation to a "divine revelation."
The seventh art quickly seized upon this rolling icon. The DS became the car of choice for movie heroes, particularly in French New Wave productions. Jean-Luc Godard immortalized it in "Pierrot le fou" starring Jean-Paul Belmondo, while it accompanied the spy adventures in numerous European action films. Its hydropneumatic suspension allowed for spectacular chase sequences, impossible to achieve with conventional automobiles of the time.
Even more surprisingly, the DS attracted international political figures. General de Gaulle quickly adopted this symbol of French excellence for his official travel, helping to forge the image of the "French presidential car" that would endure for decades. This official recognition reinforced the brand's prestige and confirmed the DS as an ambassador of French automotive expertise.
In the world of fashion and design, the DS inspires designers and architects. Its pure lines and modernity echo contemporary artistic trends, from Scandinavian design to brutalist architecture. This influence extends far beyond the automotive sector to permeate all of French industrial design during the Trente Glorieuses .
Complete your collection of French model cars
This Citroën DS Solido naturally finds its place at the heart of a collection dedicated to French model cars . It harmoniously interacts with other emblematic models of the national automobile industry, creating a true chronology of French innovation. Collectors will be able to associate it with Citroën DS model cars from other eras to document the evolution of this legendary lineage.
The 1/43 scale makes it easy to integrate into existing collections, as this dimension has become the reference standard for 1/43 model cars . 1950s enthusiasts will particularly appreciate this piece, which represents the automotive revolution of this pivotal decade.
This Solido miniature is aimed at a varied audience: experienced collectors looking for authentic French models, fans of classic cars from 1950 to 1979 , or even lovers of exceptional sedans . Its iconic character also makes it an excellent entry point for starting a thematic collection around post-war French automobiles.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to understand the scales of miniatures?
Scale indicates the reduction ratio between the real car and the miniature. For example, at 1:43 scale, each centimeter on the miniature corresponds to 43 centimeters on the real vehicle.
Concretely, a 1/18 scale Ferrari model is approximately 25-30 cm long, while in 1/43 scale it measures approximately 10 cm.
What scales are available?
Our model cars are mainly offered in 1/43, 1/24, 1/18 and 1/87 (HO) scales. The scale is always indicated in the product sheet.
The smaller the second number, the larger the model car (e.g. 1/18 is larger than 1/43).
Does the model car come with protection?
Yes, each model car is systematically delivered in its protective box. This box preserves the collectible value and protects your model car from dust and shocks.
How is my package protected during transport?
We package each order with the utmost care: bubble wrap, appropriate cushioning, and polystyrene. Your model car is perfectly secure during its journey.
What is the delivery time?
In-stock items are shipped within 24-48 hours. Please allow 2-3 business days for France via Colissimo or 4-5 days via Mondial Relay.
The model car is no longer in stock, when will you have it?
It's impossible for me to know exactly when I'll receive a new stock because I receive arrivals in dribs and drabs. Please contact me so I can keep you informed as soon as it's available.
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