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70th anniversary of the Citroën DS to be celebrated at Rétromobile

Photos: DS Automobiles

The Citroën DS, one of the most significant automotive icons of the 20th century, will be celebrated at Rétromobile in Paris as it marks its 70th anniversary in 2025. A dedicated exhibition, ‘The DS, a Work of Art for 70 Years’, will showcase a selection of 12 models from the DS family, illustrating the evolution of the DS throughout its life.

As an official partner of Rétromobile, DS Automobiles is supporting this tribute to the legendary DS, which redefined motoring with its innovative hydropneumatic suspension, futuristic styling, and technological advancements. The display will include the recently unveiled DS N°8 – the brand’s latest model.

Among the standout exhibits is a recreation of the famous DS Balloons, a 1959 advertising concept that depicted a DS appearing to float on air-filled spheres, symbolising its revolutionary suspension system. The recreation has been undertaken by GARAC, the National School of Automotive and Mobility Professions, and will be a centrepiece of the exhibition.

Other significant DS models on display include a 1961 factory-built DS 19 Convertible, a 1972 DS 21 Prestige used by French Prime Minister Michel Debré, and the striking DS 19 Totem Pole from the 1962 Paris Motor Show. Visitors will also have the opportunity to sit inside a 1968 DS 21 Pallas.

Beyond the main exhibition, DS models will also feature in Hall 3 at the Club Village, where enthusiasts can view a unique DS 21 prototype fitted with a Maserati engine and a beautifully restored 1975 DS estate.

The DS was famously chosen as the official car of several French presidents – read more about this in the current issue – and played a crucial role in history, notably helping General de Gaulle escape an assassination attempt in 1962 due to its superior handling and suspension. It has also gained recognition in the arts, featuring in classic films and earning a place in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York.

The exhibition will be officially unveiled during the preview evening on 4 February, ahead of the public event from 5 to 9 February 2025. For more information on Rétromobile 2025, visit retromobile.com.