1968 CITROEN DS21 2.2 (101 HP)

Vehicle Overview

The Citroen DS was one of the most revolutionary vehicles in the world when it was compared with the cars from its age.

When the DS was introduced at the 1965 Paris Motor Show, it totaled 12.000 orders on the first day and 80.000 during the ten days show. That record was broken 60 years later by the Tesla Model 3. The biggest problem for the DS was the engine, which was too small for it. It always thrived for more power, which came in 1968 along with the DS21.

The DS21 featured the same magical technologies as the DS. Its headlights turned along with the steering wheel to light inside the curve. The suspension resides on the oleo-pneumatic system that made the car float on the road, and the passengers felt like they were on a magic carpet. Moreover, the car was designed by former aircraft engineers, and the only bump on its bottom was the exhaust pipe. Everything else was straight to allow a better air-flow.

Inside, the one-spoke steering wheel was one of the most iconic elements in the car-industry. The three-dials on the dashboard were designed to prevent the sun from reflecting on them. The four-speed manual gearbox with a steering-column mounted gearstick (four on the tree) was easy to reach. Moreover, Citroen installed a sequential gearbox, as well. In 1970, the DS received a 5-speed manual. The DS’s futuristic features helped it came third for the title of “Car of the Century” behind the VW Beetle and the Ford T.

The most important evolution of the DS 21 was the 2.2-liter. It was offered with a carburetor or with fuel injection. It finally had an engine to suit the car’s magic.