1975 Citroen D Super 5 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, during which time the rest of the world slowly caught up.  A design that was both technically and stylistically advanced, 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 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 and two models were initially offered; the Standard (developing 63 bhp at 4,000 rpm) and Luxury with 66 bhp at 4,500 rpm and a slightly higher top speed.  The ID19 even enjoyed a successful rally career, winning the 1959 Monte Carlo Rally outright. In 1969 Citroën replaced with the ID with two new models, the D Special and D Super (equipped with the DS20 engine).  When the DS21 was replaced by the more powerful DS23 in 1972, Citroën added its engine and five-speed gearbox to create the D Super 5.  The D Super 5 has a lot going for it, with a simple interior full of Gallic charm, fewer complex systems to go wrong and – as when it was new, 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), appreciation for Citroën’s DS/ID series continues to rise with every passing year.