1971 Citroën ID21 Safari Wagon

Description

Unconventional, futuristic and very French, the Citroën DS was launched in 1955 as a replacement for the venerable Traction Avant and remained in production for the next two decades, during which time the rest of the world slowly caught up.  Both technically and stylistically advanced in design, the DS boasted unparalleled ride and road holding thanks to the hydro-pneumatic self-levelling suspension system, with hydraulics also controlling the brakes, clutch, transmission and power steering.  Powered by a relatively small capacity four-cylinder engine, the Citroën relied on superior aerodynamics to provide a high cruising speed and decent acceleration – the unmistakable streamlined shape of the DS was penned by Italian designer Flaminio Bertoni and still looks remarkably fresh today.  Citroën expanded the range to include an estate model (dubbed the Safari in English markets with the option of seven seats) in 1959 and the chic convertible (Décapotable in French).  There was also the cheaper ID that shared the DS's body but was less powerful and with a lower specification.  Badged the Break in France, the ID wagon incorporated the DS’s stronger braking system and was available as a six-seater in either standard or Confort versions, an eight-seater Familiale, Commerciale and even an ambulance derivative.  Like the DS, the ID was extensively restyled by Robert Opron in 1967 with four headlights but the cheaper version lacked the DS’s innovative directional inboard high beams linked to the steering.  Somewhat confusingly the ID wagon shared the swivelling headlamps, along with many of the DS’s other features.  The updated ID21 of 1968 added the more powerful 2175cc engine with 115 bhp on tap.  Interest in the ID/DS range has reached unparalleled heights, with prices of the more specialized models reaching stratospheric levels, particularly the Décapotables, while the Safari wagons have a cult following of their own and good examples increasingly scarce.  Universally recognised as one of the most iconic designs ever to reach production, the DS remains a classic car that can still be enjoyed on a daily basis.