An icon of French automotive in its family version
This 1965 Citroën ID 19 break in cream livery represents one of the most practical and sought-after versions of the legendary DS/ID range. Remarkably reproduced to 1/43 scale, this replica perfectly captures the futuristic elegance of this revolutionary sedan in its family variant, alongside the authenticity of a German taxi livery from the era.
This piece naturally stands out as a must-have for any collector passionate about French automobiles from the 1960s, a period when Citroën was reshaping the aesthetic and technical codes of the global automotive industry.
Features of the miniature
- Model: ID 19 break
- Brand: Citroën
- Year: 1965
- Scale: 1/43
- Color: Cream
- Special Livery: Taxi Germany
- Protective case included: Yes
The ID 19 break: the avant-garde for families
Launched in 1958, the Citroën ID 19 break presented the revolutionary DS in a more accessible and family-oriented version. This variant retained the essence of the innovations that caused a sensation at the Paris Motor Show in 1955, notably hydropneumatic suspension and power steering, while offering slightly simplified equipment to reduce production costs.
The ID 19 break was distinguished by its exceptional modularity for the time, with a generous loading volume and foldable rear seats. This configuration made it the ideal vehicle for large families as well as professionals, as evidenced by this German taxi version. Its futuristic line, designed by Flaminio Bertoni, made no compromises despite the necessary lengthening for the break function.
The 1965 model benefited from the latest technical advancements, particularly in engine and gearbox, solidifying its reputation as a reliable and comfortable vehicle that garnered notable commercial success in Europe.
Citroën in the mid-1960s: technical audacity
In 1965, Citroën was undergoing a period of intense innovation under the leadership of André Citroën and later Pierre Bercot. The brand with the chevrons had established itself as the pioneer of modern European automobiles, daring technical solutions that competitors would only adopt decades later. Hydropneumatic suspension, standard power steering, and directional headlights were testaments to this avant-garde philosophy.
This period also marked Citroën's international expansion, particularly in Germany where the French brand was gaining recognition. The adoption of the DS/ID by German taxi companies was a significant guarantee of quality and reliability, Germany being known for its high technical standards.
Citroën’s strategy at the time was to offer a coherent range from the popular 2CV to the prestigious DS, passing through the more accessible ID, thereby democratizing French automotive innovation.
A French ambassador on German roads
The story of this Citroën ID 19 taxi in Germany reveals a lesser-known chapter of Franco-German relations in the 1960s. As the two countries cemented their reconciliation under General de Gaulle and Konrad Adenauer, French automobiles found their place on German roads. German taxi companies, known for their high standards, progressively adopted the Citroën ID for their exceptional riding comfort.
This adoption was not trivial: the hydropneumatic suspension of the DS/ID offered unmatched ride comfort on the cobblestones of German city centers and long highway journeys. Taxi drivers particularly appreciated the car's stability and the smoothness of its power steering, revolutionary for the time. The generous volume of the break also allowed for easy transportation of travelers' luggage.
Fun anecdote: some German customers specifically requested a "French Citroën" for their trips, considering that driving a DS or ID was an experience in itself. This recognition across the Rhine was a testament to the brilliance of French engineering at a time when the European automotive industry was restructuring. The cream livery, an elegant and practical color for a taxi, ensured excellent visibility while retaining the characteristic prestige of these exceptional automobiles.
Today, these examples that served as taxis in Germany are particularly sought after by collectors, witnesses of a time when French automobiles epitomized progress and European refinement.
Complete your collection of Citroën miniatures
This ID 19 break taxi holds a privileged place in the world of French miniatures. It pairs perfectly with other iconic models like the DS sedan or the legendary 2CV, forming a representative set of Citroën genius. Its taxi livery brings a unique historical dimension, evoking the time when these automobiles roamed European roads.
Collectors of French cars will particularly appreciate this version for its authenticity and originality. It also fits alongside models from the 1960s, a flourishing period of European automotive innovation. The 1/43 scale allows for remarkable detail, true to the aesthetic specifications of this icon of French automotive design.
This miniature will appeal to both newcomers discovering the Citroën universe and seasoned collectors seeking authentic and historically rich pieces, witnesses of the golden age of French automobiles.
