1974 Citroen D Special Sedan

Description

Unconventional, futuristic and so very French, Citroën's DS was launched in 1955 as a replacement for the venerable Traction Avant and remained in production for the next three decades. A design that was both technically and stylistically advanced, the DS boasts an 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 actually penned by an Italian, Flaminio Bertoni and still looks remarkably fresh today. One criticism levelled at the DS was the cost - it was an expensive car to build and priced accordingly, so a simplified, cheaper alternative, the ID19, was launched two years later in 1957. Sharing the same basic platform and body styling, the ID19 lacked power steering and had a conventional clutch/transmission. Two models were initially offered, the Standard (developing 63 bhp at 4000 rpm) and Luxury with 66 bhp at 4500 rpm and a slightly higher top speed. The ID19 was a resounding success and even enjoyed a successful rally career, winning the 1959 Monte Carlo Rally outright. Citroën phased out the ID in 1969, replacing it with two new models, the D Special and D Super, the latter equipped with the DS20's engine. The D Special was equipped with a 1985cc engine developing 91 horsepower at 5500 rpm, rising to 98 horsepower in 1971. Both the D Special and Super received an even more powerful 108 bhp engine in 1972 and remained in production until the end of 1975. The D Special has a lot going for it, with a simple interior full of Gallic charm, fewer complex systems to go wrong and it remains a more affordable alternative to the DS. Regarded as one of the most influential automobiles of all time (it was placed third after the Model T Ford and Mini in a poll conducted in 1999), Citroën's DS/ID series is finally gaining the recognition it has long deserved.