The Ultimate in French Luxury and Innovation
For Sale: 1970 Citroen DS19
The 1970 Citroën DS 19 represents the culmination of over a decade of refinement since the DS’s groundbreaking debut in 1955. The DS 19 continued to showcase the height of French innovation and design, showing a blend of futuristic styling, advanced technology, and comfort that set new standards in the automotive world.
The 1970 DS 19 kept the iconic aerodynamic body that had brought about much attention at its introduction. The car’s sleek, flowing lines and distinctive front end with covered headlights remained instantly recognizable.
One of the most remarkable features of the 1970 Citroën DS 19 was its advanced hydropneumatic suspension system. This self-leveling suspension provided an unparalleled smooth and comfortable ride, earning the DS the nickname “magic carpet” for its ability to glide effortlessly over rough terrain.
Key aspects of the hydropneumatic system included:
- Automatic ride height adjustment
- Ability to raise or lower the car for changing road conditions or tire changes
- Exceptional shock absorption and ride comfort
- Improved handling and stability
The DS 19 also featured a comprehensive hydraulic system that powered not only the suspension but also the brakes, steering, and clutch. This integrated approach to vehicle systems was highly sophisticated for its era and contributed to the DS’s unique driving characteristics.
Benefits of the hydraulic system included:
- Power-assisted brakes with excellent stopping power
- Variable-assist power steering for easy maneuverability at low speeds and stability at high speeds
- Clutchless manual transmission for smoother gear changes
Under the hood, the 1970 DS 19 was powered by a 1.9-liter inline-four engine, producing around 83 horsepower. While the engine’s output was modest, it was well-suited to the DS’s design philosophy, which prioritized comfort, handling, and innovation over raw speed.
The DS 19’s combination of front-wheel drive, advanced suspension, and aerodynamic design made it an excellent performer in real-world driving conditions, especially on long journeys or in poor weather.
The interior was as innovative as its exterior, offering a spacious cabin with a minimalist yet functional design. The dashboard was ergonomically designed, with all controls within easy reach of the driver. The single-spoke steering wheel became an iconic feature, allowing for better visibility of the instrument cluster.
The DS 19 was also known for its impressive safety features, making it one of the safest cars of its time. Safety innovations included:
- Front disc brakes for improved stopping power
- Reinforced passenger compartment for better crash protection
- Crumple zones to absorb impact energy
- Supportive seats with integrated headrests
The 1970 Citroën DS 19 represents the height of Citroën’s engineering advancements and remains a symbol of automotive innovation and design excellence. Its combination of advanced technology, unique styling, and exceptional comfort made it a standout vehicle in the automotive world.
A five-year sales history can be seen at Classic.com. See Conceptcarz.com for some history and specifications. Current market values can be seen at Collectorcarmarket.com. Some nice history reading of the Citroen can be seen at Citroenet.org.uk and Autoevolution.com.
Image credit – Wikipedia.org #classiccars #hotrods #oldschool #streetrod #Citroen #DS19 #shifterslist
