When it was introduced in 1955, what the Citroën DS lacked in performance, with its motor dating back to the 30s, it certainly made up for in innovation. To begin with, the teardrop shape designed for optimal aerodynamics and comfort was like nothing else on the road and it remains one of the most distinctive cars ever made. It was also the first car to use a hydropneumatic suspension, making the car literally float over road imperfections whilst allowing the car to lower and raise to as high as 10 inches. The hydraulic system was also used to operate the power front disc brakes, also an industry first as well as power steering. Furthermore, its unique mid-engine front-wheel-drive layout provided excellent traction without much compromise to balance. This was further aided by a wider track at the rear that all but eliminated typical front-drive understeer. With the launch of the DS21, its 2175 cc fuel-injected motor (one of the first European marques to feature fuel injection) provided ample power to make it a fine boulevard cruiser, if not a competent touring car. Combined with its suspension, the improved motor was the basis for some successful rallying including the Rallye Monte Carlo. Perhaps its greatest notoriety came when Charle De Gaulle’s DS21 Limousine outran Algerian gunmen… on two flat tires. In wagon (Safari) form, its cavernous cargo area was equally presidential. In fact, in its native France and other parts of the world, it was recruited for ambulance, paddy wagon and other commercial duty. Today, whether in 4-door saloon or 5-door Safari form, they turn heads not only for their uniqueness, but that to even those unfamiliar with the specifics, they just look like they were ahead of their time in so many ways. While we in the US were regulated to sealed beams and were slighted of the way-ahead-of-its-time directional headlamps, driving a DS21 in good nick feels in some ways like we still haven’t caught up. Unfortunately, like so many cars with hyropneumatic systems, it was also the DS’s achilles heel. Replacing the system, at least until recently, has been more work and expense than the cars were worth. Unlike other suspension only systems, the DS’s controlled brakes and steering as well, making it a very pricey undertaking. However, a spike in the rare Chapron-built convertibles to near six-figure prices has lifted all DS and even the downscale ID prices. In recent years, DSs have begun to get rescued, straightened out, or restored. Today’s example is a 1969 DS21 Safari that is a long-time California car and appears to be original, straight and rust-free. In addition, the spheres and accumulator, which are at the heart of the hydro-pneumatic system, are said to be in excellent shape. With only 82,000 original miles, this could be kept in a high driver condition or with some relatively minor sorting could be something more investment grade and the seller has it priced accordingly, with a No. 3 fetching low teens whereas a No. 1 car can bring just shy of $30K. This one’s in the middle here on Hemmings in Stillwater MN for $19,000.
