THE ENCHANTING CLASSIC CAR

Size: px

Start display at page:

Download "THE ENCHANTING CLASSIC CAR"

Antony Crawford
5 years ago
Views:

5 THE ENCHANTING CLASSIC CAR The 50 Defining Shining Moments In The History of the Automobile Written by Serge Bellu Translated by Kim Gyo Shin

The DS was one of the most revolutionary automobiles to come out of the French market.

6 The DS 19 is one of the epiphenomenons in the history of the automobile. When the DS 19 made its debut at the Paris Motor Show in 1955, this car trumped all of its rivals not only in France, but also around the world. The DS was one of the most revolutionary automobiles to come out of the French market. Citroën DS ( ) The Myth of the Goddess Like the Traction Avant and the 2CV, the DS also started as a result of the meeting of extraordinary people. Engineer André Lefèbvre was the lead researcher, while Flaminio Bertoni was the sculptor. Born in 1894, Lefèbvre attended classes beside Gabriel Voisin. On the other hand, Bertoni, who was born in Italy in 1093, possessed an aptitude for the arts and underwent training to become an artist. With its twin body aerodynamic profile, smooth sides bereft of ornament, its sloping grille-less bonnet, its flat floor pan, its narrow wheelbase together with its streamlined rear adorned with a wheel fender, and its corner-less wide window surfaces, the style of the DS threw people into a frenzy. This futuristic design conformed to new engineering concepts. Apart from the engine (1,911 cc, 75 hp) inherited from the frontwheel drive, all of the machinery reveal a touch of ingenuity. Δ As a car manufactured in 1968, the DS 19 was consciously modernised with the inclusion of streamlined dual headlights. Δ Coachbuilder Henri Chapron was responsible for the production of the Cabriolet based on the limited mass production method of the ID 19, DS 19, and DS 21.

The steering, the brakes (in the form of discs in the front wheel), a hydraulic servo device for the transmission that is connected to the automatic clutch, comfortable fittings that at the same time

7 The steering, the brakes (in the form of discs in the front wheel), a hydraulic servo device for the transmission that is connected to the automatic clutch, comfortable fittings that at the same time promote road durability, and a hydropneumatic suspension (the 15 Six H was studied in 1954) that helps to vary the height of the car from the ground. From the driver s seat and the futuristic dashboard, the single-spoke steering wheel that was connected to the steering column by just one spoke, to the large wheelbase which gives clear view of the backseat and a spacious interior, the design was unusual. Roland Barthes and Gio Ponti have written in praise of the DS 19. These men who stand at the forefront of the times have expressed their respect for the outstanding and innovative value of the car. When this car was introduced at the 1957 Milan Triennale, architect Gio Ponti exalted that the DS 19 has the courage to be a serious machine. The same year, semiotician Roland Barthes wrote in his Mythologies: I think that cars today are almost the exact equivalent of the great Gothic cathedrals. However, the public was more hesitant in welcoming the DS 19. Colours like Apple Green, Aubergine, and Dark Yellow that can be said to be less unpleasant were used for the promotional cars, Δ In the advertisement, the DS 19 turns into a private car! The car was empowered with a tremendous passenger seating capacity.

Famous conspiring forces served to push the DS to enter contemporary history. It was revealed that General de Gaulle himself was an unconditional supporter of the car.

8 but somehow did not satisfy the masses. It was a period where people were more willing to show off cars that were grey, black or brown. However, the DS 19 soon provided unparalled quality and comfort as a longdistance automobile. As a result, the DS 19 became a commercial success much to the envy of others. Famous conspiring forces served to push the DS to enter contemporary history. It was revealed that General de Gaulle himself was an unconditional supporter of the car. His affinity for the car turned into blind idolisation after the second time he survived a surprise attack while he was in his car. In May 1957, the DS 19 received support for ID 19, a more affordable variant of the car. At the Paris Motor Show in 1965, the DS series emerged with the release of the DS 21. The DS 21 was replaced by the DS 23 at the 1972 show. In this last series, the DS 19 accommodated a 2.347cc engine in either a carbureted (115 hp) or electronic fuel-injected (130 hp) form. The bottom of the front bumper of the 1963 model was modified through trimming. For cars that were manufactured in 1968, the most luxurious models of the DS series (the Pallas, Prestige, Cabriolet) made use of revolutionary lamps, where auxiliary lamps throw their beam along the driver s intended path on curved roads. Departing from its life as a city car, the DS went on to accumulate experience as an active sports car following its victories especially in the 1959 Monte Carlo Rally, and the 1963 week-long Tour de Corse. Amongst all the DS modifications, the Cabriolet, completed by automobile coachbuilder Henri Chapron, became the most popular model. The style of the collapsible roof in this version, however, became a slight aberration. Δ The slim and compact fish-like front view Δ Pioneering technology contained within the revolutionary bodyline of the DS 19, amongst which the most innovative features can be found within the hydropneumatic suspension, the steering apparatus, the braking device and the hydraulic servo device for the transmission.

Car History. Appreciation of 100 classic cars in the world. Compiled by Ye Hong CHINA MACHINE PRESS. Full-color print

Car History. Appreciation of 100 classic cars in the world. Compiled by Ye Hong CHINA MACHINE PRESS. Full-color print Full-color print Car History Compiled by Ye Hong CHINA MACHINE PRESS Rich content Brought to you by car industry veteran Car lover must-have Post-war Period 1945~1970 Post-war refers to the period of time