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Citroën DS: The “Goddess” That Redefined Automotive Design

Recently highlighted in Nigeria, the iconic Citroën DS captured attention once again this time through an image of a man standing proudly beside the classic French automobile.
First unveiled at the 1955 Paris Motor Show, the Citroën DS stunned the world and earned instant iconic status. Designed by Italian sculptor and industrial designer Flaminio Bertoni, the DS carried a distinctive “teardrop profile” and sleek silhouette that set it apart from anything else on the road. Its name, “DS,” was a clever pun on the French word “déesse”—meaning goddess.
But the DS wasn’t just about looks. It was packed with technological firsts:
Front-wheel drive for better handling.
Hydro-pneumatic suspension, delivering unmatched comfort.
Hydraulic systems controlling brakes, clutch, gearbox, and steering.
The first mass-produced car with disc brakes, making it far ahead of its time.
Production continued until 1975, leaving behind a rich legacy. Today, the DS is celebrated not just as a car, but as a symbol of innovation cementing its place in automotive history as one of the most influential vehicles ever made.