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The Citroën DS, the “Shark” that revolutionized the automobile industry

The Citroën DS, nicknamed “Tiburón” (shark in Spanish) or simply “Le Requin” in French, is one of the most iconic and revolutionary models of the French brand. Launched in 1955, this avant-garde car has marked the history of the automobile with its futuristic design, its technological innovations and its lasting impact on the industry.

A bold launch in a post-war context

The Citroën DS made its debut on October 6, 1955, in a Europe still marked by the aftermath of the Second World War. Despite an unfavorable economic context, its success was dazzling and immediate:

  • Presentation at the Paris Motor Show in 1955
  • 12,000 orders recorded on the very day of its presentation, a record for the time
  • 80,000 orders at the end of the show, ten days later
  • 1.5 million units sold over two decades of production (1955-1975)
  • This unexpected commercial success demonstrates the extent to which the DS responded to a need for renewal and innovation in the automobile industry of the time.

    A revolutionary design that earned it the nickname “Shark”

    The nickname “Tiburón” (shark in Spanish) or “Le Requin” in French, attributed to the Citroën DS, comes from its aerodynamic and futuristic silhouette, reminiscent of the tapered shape of a shark. Its striking aesthetic characteristics include:

  • Front headlights with distinctive elongated frames, reminiscent of a shark's eyes
  • A sleek chrome grille, reminiscent of a shark's mouth
  • A large glass surface offering exceptional visibility
  • A roofline that slopes towards the rear, accentuating the aerodynamic aspect
  • Prominent rear wings, reminiscent of shark fins
  • Classic and timeless lines that have stood the test of time remarkably well
  • The DS design was the work of Italian Flaminio Bertoni, in collaboration with French engineer André Lefèbvre. Their creation not only defined the automotive aesthetic of the 1950s and 1960s, but continues to influence contemporary automotive design.

    Technological innovations ahead of their time

    The Citroën DS stood out for its revolutionary technological advances, including:

  • Hydropneumatic suspension: Using nitrogen-filled spheres instead of traditional springs, this technology offered increased flexibility and better absorption of road irregularities. It also allowed the height of the car to be adjusted, making wheel changes easier.
  • A more precise power steering system than the standard of the time, significantly improving the vehicle's handling.
  • Disc brakes on the front axle, a first for a production car, providing superior stopping power.
  • An integrated hydraulic system controlling the suspension, steering, clutch and brakes, a major innovation for the time.
  • An advanced monocoque construction, reducing weight while increasing structural rigidity.
  • A lasting impact on the automotive industry

    The legacy of the Citroën DS in the automotive industry is undeniable:

  • Production from 1955 to 1975, with constant improvements over the years
  • Ranked third in the 1999 “Car of the Century” vote, behind the Ford Model T and the Mini
  • Considered one of the most influential models in the history of Citroën and the automobile in general
  • Has inspired many concepts and technologies taken up by other manufacturers
  • A cultural and political symbol

    Beyond its technical impact, the DS has become a true cultural symbol:

  • French presidential car for several decades
  • Appearances in numerous films, becoming a symbol of French cinema
  • An object of study for philosophers and sociologists, notably Roland Barthes who saw her as a modern-day “goddess”
  • The Citroën DS, with its bold design that earned it the nickname “Shark,” and its revolutionary technical innovations, remains a striking example of French automotive ingenuity. Its influence endures well beyond its production period, testifying to the lasting impression it left, both aesthetically and technologically. The Citroën “Shark” not only marked its era, but continues to inspire automotive manufacturers and designers around the world.