This white and red Citroën DS break in the colors of Paris Match represents one of the most iconic variations of the famous French goddess. Produced by Solido under reference 1866, this miniature perfectly captures the spirit of an era when utility vehicles proudly displayed the colors of major national media.
A true collector's item, this faithful reproduction testifies to the golden age of French journalism and the ingenuity of Citroën, which successfully transformed its revolutionary sedan into a family break without losing any of its characteristic elegance.
Features of the miniature
- Model: DS break Paris Match
- Brand: Citroën
- Year: 1960s-1970s
- Scale: 1/43
- Color: White and red
- Protective case included: Yes
Description of the real model
The DS break was born in 1958, three years after the launch of the revolutionary sedan. Citroën thus responded to the needs of family customers attracted by the technical innovations of the DS but requiring a larger loading volume. The task proved tricky: how to preserve the fluid and aerodynamic line that ensures the sedan's success while creating a utility vehicle?
The engineers at the Quai de Javel brilliantly took on the challenge by keeping the front intact up to the central pillars, then developing a completely new rear section. The revolutionary hydropneumatic suspension, assisted brakes, and power steering were naturally retained, giving the break exceptional driving qualities for the time. With a length of 4.85 meters, the DS break offers a generous loading volume without sacrificing the legendary comfort of its predecessor.
This Paris Match version perfectly illustrates the professional use of these vehicles by press companies, who appreciated their reliability, comfort, and modern image for their travels and reports across France.
History of the Citroën brand
In the 1960s, Citroën witnessed its creative peak under the leadership of Pierre Bercot. The Chevron brand, buoyed by the success of the DS launched in 1955, diversified its range while preserving its DNA of innovation. This period corresponds to the golden age of the French automobile industry, where Citroën competed with the largest European manufacturers thanks to its bold technical solutions.
Founded in 1919 by André Citroën, the brand has always stood out for its ability to offer avant-garde vehicles. From the first series models to the revolutionary Traction Avant and then DS, Citroën has continuously pushed the boundaries of the automobile. The DS break fits perfectly into this tradition of excellence, demonstrating that technical innovation can harmoniously coexist with practical constraints of everyday life.
The saga of press vehicles
The vehicles in the colors of Paris Match are inseparable from the history of French photojournalism. Established in 1949, the magazine revolutionized journalism through imagery with its famous motto "The weight of words, the shock of photos". To cover news across the hexagon, the editorial staff equipped themselves with reliable and spacious vehicles capable of transporting journalists, photographers, and equipment.
The DS break meets these requirements perfectly. Its hydropneumatic suspension protects sensitive equipment from the road's jolts, while its loading volume allows carrying all essential gear for reports. These vehicles quickly became familiar to the French public, traversing the roads to cover political events, sensational news, or cultural manifestations.
The image of these DS breaks Paris Match traversing France in pursuit of news contributed to building the magazine’s legend. They embody frontline journalism, close to the events, at a time when instant information did not yet exist. This closeness to current events forged the magazine’s reputation for excellence and contributed to making these vehicles true icons of French journalism.
Complete your miniature collection
This Paris Match Solido DS break naturally finds its place within a collection dedicated to Citroën DS. It perfectly complements the sedan and convertible versions, showcasing the richness of the range developed by the French manufacturer. Collectors will particularly appreciate its rarity and its representative character of a bygone era.
Beyond just Citroën, this miniature integrates perfectly into a collection devoted to advertising and utility vehicles from France. It harmonizes with other press or public service vehicles, recreating the particular atmosphere of the 1970s in France. Car enthusiasts as well as history buffs will find an authentic testament to a France in full transformation, where information was beginning to take a central place in society.
