Citroën DS 20
Spécifications
L'histoire de cette pièce de collection...
- The good and the beautiful are not forgotten, they live in legends such as the DS -
Popularly known as the 'Pike' or the 'Iron'. The Citroen DS; a French example of design and groundbreaking technology. Flaminio Bertoni, designer of the DS, designed the car so that aerodynamics and practicality went hand in hand. In addition, the car had to steer well, which is why the front wheels are a lot further apart than the rear wheels.
The hydropneumatic system was also very much ahead of its time. When starting, the DS rises and you as the driver can determine the ride height. Fun fact; when the DS is at its highest, you can even take off one of the two rear wheels and still get home! We didn't try it, but Charles de Gaulle owes his life to the DS, which was able to get away with two flat tires at considerable speed!
In addition, the DS is gigantically good with bumps and even the American Cadillacs become silent from the suspension comfort. The braking system was also innovative and worked on the same hydropneumatic system. The 'mushroom brake pedal' is very reactive and gives full braking power very quickly.
Our DS20 was completely restored and the engine block and gearbox were overhauled. During the overhaul the cylinder bushings were enlarged, making it a '21 engine'. The compression measurement came out above 13 bar (!) on all cylinders. In addition, all HD lines are renewed, the steering box is overhauled and the ignition is converted to 1,2,3 ignition. There is extensive documentation available, along with all MOT reports since this DS 'floats' on the Dutch roads.
Who wants to take this DS on vacation? She has been to Rome and Paris a few times already and is ready for many more smiles a litre!