Exceptional duo of Citroën DS19s in HO scale
Discover this iconic duo of Citroën DS19s , reproduced with remarkable precision in HO 1:87 scale. This collection presents two distinct versions of the French automotive icon: a beige 1956 DS19 in its original civilian livery, and a black and white 1958 DS19 Police car in the colors of the French police. These model cars perfectly capture the revolutionary essence of this model that marked the history of French motoring.
True collector's items , these faithful reproductions demonstrate the expertise of the miniaturists and are a perfect tribute to one of Citroën's most avant-garde creations. Every detail has been carefully reproduced to offer collectors and car enthusiasts an authentic experience of the DS universe.
Characteristics of the model cars
- Model: Citroën DS19
- Brand: Citroën
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Years: 1956 (civilian version) and 1958 (police version)
- Scale: HO - 1/87th
- Colors: Beige (civilian version) and black and white (police version)
- Protective case included: Yes
The DS19 Revolution: Birth of a Legend
Launched in October 1955 at the Paris Motor Show , the Citroën DS19 caused a real earthquake in the global automotive industry. The result of fifteen years of research and development, this revolutionary model shook up all the aesthetic and technical codes of its time. Its futuristic design, created by Italian stylist Flaminio Bertoni, radically contrasted with conventional automobiles of the 1950s.
The DS19 stands out for its exceptional technical innovations : self-leveling hydropneumatic suspension, power steering, power brakes, and semi-automatic transmission. These technological advances, unprecedented in a production car, give the DS unparalleled driving comfort and road holding. It was an immediate success: 12,000 orders were received on the first day of the show.
Quickly adopted by French official services , the DS19 became the prestige vehicle of the Republic. Its police version, identifiable by its characteristic two-tone black and white livery, crisscrossed French roads from 1958, embodying the modernity and authority of the State.
Citroën: boldness in the service of innovation
Founded in 1919 by André Citroën, the chevron brand quickly established itself as a pioneer of the French automobile industry. From the very beginning, Citroën distinguished itself with its modern industrial approach and bold technical innovations. The 1919 Type A, the first mass-produced European car, already established the brand's reputation for avant-garde thinking.
In the 1950s, under the leadership of Pierre Boulanger , Citroën continued its quest for innovation with the VGD (Voiture de Grande Diffusion) project, which would give birth to the DS. This period marked the height of Citroën's creativity, where the company dared to challenge conventions to offer revolutionary automotive solutions. The DS perfectly embodies this corporate philosophy, which places innovation and audacity at the heart of its strategy.
Citroën's commitment to research and development is reflected in numerous patents and cutting-edge technologies that will have a lasting impact on the global automotive industry. This culture of innovation, inherited from the DS years, continues to inspire the French brand in its contemporary creations.
The Petit-Clamart attack: when the DS saves the General
On August 22, 1962, General de Gaulle's Citroën DS became legendary during the Petit-Clamart attack. That day, around 8:10 p.m., the presidential DS was transporting the de Gaulles from the Élysée Palace to Villacoublay Airport. As they approached the Petit-Clamart intersection, twelve members of the OAS opened fire on the official vehicle with automatic weapons.
Despite the fourteen bullet holes riddling the bodywork, the DS continued on its way unscathed. The Michelin tires, revolutionary for the time, resisted the projectiles and allowed driver Francis Marroux to maintain control of the vehicle. The hydropneumatic suspension, the DS's technical signature, absorbed the shocks and ensured perfect stability despite the damage.
This dramatic episode transformed the DS into a symbol of robustness and reliability . General de Gaulle, unharmed thanks to the exceptional qualities of his car, is said to have declared: "This time, it was a close call!" The event reinforced the legendary reputation of the DS and confirmed its status as an exceptional automobile, capable of protecting the highest-ranking figures in the State.
This historical anecdote partly explains why the police version of the DS19 became so popular with model car collectors, embodying both republican authority and resistance in the face of adversity.
Complete your collection of French model cars
These HO scale Citroën DS19s naturally find their place in any collection dedicated to exceptional French automobiles. They fit perfectly with other iconic models such as the Citroën 2CV model cars or the Citroën Traction , forming a coherent whole representative of Citroën innovation.
Public service vehicle enthusiasts will particularly appreciate the police version, which fits harmoniously with the other police and gendarmerie model cars . This DS19 also fits into a thematic collection of classic cars from 1950 to 1979 , the golden period of the French automobile industry.
The HO 1/87th scale offers an excellent compromise between detail and size, allowing collectors to create realistic urban dioramas. These model cars appeal to both model railway makers looking to bring their networks to life and car collectors wanting to own a historic piece. The quality of reproduction and historical authenticity of these DS19s make them essential for any enthusiast of French automotive heritage wishing to enrich their collection with exceptional French model cars .
