Model Car Citroën DS19 beige and black roof from 1956 WITHOUT the name on the base (plexi box)
Scale 1/43
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The 1956 Citroën DS19: An Automotive Icon in Miniature
This 1956 Citroën DS19 in beige with a black roof faithfully reproduces one of the most revolutionary automobiles of the 20th century. Presented in its elegant original two-tone color scheme, this miniature perfectly captures the essence of this legendary model that revolutionized the French automotive industry. A true collector's item, it is aimed at car enthusiasts and collectors eager to own a copy of this legend of French roads .
Protected in its transparent case, this 1:43 scale reproduction is a testament to the exceptional expertise of the miniature artists and a perfect tribute to Citroën's avant-garde engineering. It naturally finds its place in any collection dedicated to iconic French vehicles of the 1950s.
Characteristics of the miniature
- Model: DS19
- Brand: Citroën
- Year: 1956
- Scale: 1/43rd
- Color: Beige and black roof
- Protective case included: Yes
The Real Model: An Automotive Revolution
The Citroën DS19 was unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in October 1955, causing a stir in the global automotive industry. Its commercial launch in 1956 marked the entry of the automobile into a new era, that of absolute modernity. With its futuristic lines designed by Flaminio Bertoni and its revolutionary technical innovations conceived by André Lefèbvre, the DS19 perfectly embodied Citroën's audacity and visionary spirit.
The original vehicle was distinguished by exceptional technical characteristics for the time: hydropneumatic suspension , power steering, front disc brakes and a body with unprecedented aerodynamic shapes. Its 1911 cm³ four-cylinder engine developed 75 horsepower, allowing it to reach 140 km/h, a remarkable performance by 1956 standards. The DS19 also revolutionized automotive aesthetic codes with its "road shark" silhouette, which had a lasting influence on automotive design.
The commercial success was immediate and resounding. On the first day of the Paris Motor Show, Citroën registered 12,000 orders, an absolute record for the time. This triumphant reception confirmed that the DS19 perfectly met the expectations of French customers seeking modernity and automotive distinction.
Citroën: Audacity in the Service of Innovation
In 1956, Citroën was going through a pivotal period in its history. Founded in 1919 by André Citroën, the chevron brand had already made its mark on the automotive industry with its technical innovations and its ability to democratize the automobile with models like the Traction Avant. When creating the DS19, Citroën sought to reclaim the high-end French automotive market in the face of competition from Peugeot and foreign brands that were beginning to establish themselves in the French market.
The Javel-based company was banking on a bold strategy: to completely revolutionize the automobile industry rather than follow the gradual evolutions of its competitors. This corporate philosophy, inherited from its founder, consisted of anticipating the future needs of motorists rather than responding to immediate demands. The DS19 perfectly embodied this avant-garde vision that had characterized Citroën's DNA since its inception.
The brand's history was already marked by major technical innovations: the first production car with a self-supporting body (Traction Avant), the first European manufacturer to adopt mass production, and the pioneer of front-wheel drive. The DS19 was a natural addition to this line of revolutionary innovations that had made Citroën's worldwide reputation.
A Star of Cinema and Politics
The Citroën DS19 quickly transcended its status as a simple automobile to become a true French cultural phenomenon. In 1962, it became the official car of General de Gaulle, who used it for his presidential travels. This adoption by the Élysée Palace gave the DS19 an exceptional symbolic dimension, making it the embodiment of French prestige on four wheels. The Petit-Clamart attack in August 1962, where the presidential DS miraculously escaped OAS bullets thanks to its exceptional road holding, further reinforced its legend.
The world of cinema also seized on this automotive icon. The DS19 quickly became the star of numerous French films of the 1960s and 1970s, embodying at times bourgeois elegance, at others triumphant modernity. Directors like Jean-Luc Godard and Claude Lelouch made it a character in its own right in their works, helping to anchor the DS in the French collective imagination. This cinematic presence reinforced its status as an object of desire and a symbol of social success.
Even more surprisingly, the DS19 seduced French intellectuals. Roland Barthes devoted a famous essay to it in his "Mythologies" in 1957, analyzing the car as an object of collective fascination and a symbol of French modernity. According to the semiologist, the DS represented "the exact equivalent of the great Gothic cathedrals," testifying to the creative and technical capacity of its time. This intellectual recognition definitively elevated the DS19 to the rank of French cultural icon.
Even today, the DS19 continues to inspire designers and artists. Its influence on automotive design lives on in the contemporary creations of DS Automobiles, the premium subsidiary of Stellantis, which perpetuates the aesthetic and technical heritage of this exceptional automobile . This cultural longevity is a testament to the lasting impact of this automotive revolution on French society.
Complete your collection of French model cars
This 1956 Citroën DS19 occupies a central place in the world of French car model cars . It is a must-have for any collector wishing to faithfully represent the golden age of the French car industry. Its presence in a collection brings a historical and cultural dimension that goes beyond the simple collector's item to become a true testimony to French engineering of the 1950s.
This miniature naturally complements other iconic models of the era. It harmonizes perfectly with the Citroën Traction Avants that preceded it, thus forming a coherent historical continuity. Collectors will also appreciate combining it with other DS variants to create a collection dedicated to this legendary range. For a broader approach, it integrates perfectly with French vehicles from the same period.
The target audience for this miniature goes far beyond the circle of car collectors alone. 1950s car enthusiasts, fans of French industrial history, and even those nostalgic for this era will find it an object of fascination. This DS19 also constitutes an excellent entry point for neophytes wishing to start a thematic collection around classic French vehicles . Its heritage value and timeless aesthetic make it a lasting investment for any discerning model car enthusiast.
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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