Vehicle Description
There was no automobile so technically advanced, so singularly
designed and conceived as the Citroen DS19 at its introduction in
1955 at the Paris Motor Show. Its 4-cylinder engine was retrograde,
being derived from the Traction Avant and having only three main
bearings, but the rest of the car, from its streamlined design,
through the ground-breaking air-oil hydraulic 4-wheel independent
suspension, hydraulic-assisted braking and steering,
hydraulically-assisted clutchless shifting to the first use of disc
brakes (on the front wheels and mounted inboard to reduce unsprung
weight) on a mass-produced automobile, the DS19 offered a litany of
unique features. Unlike the similarly advanced Chrysler Airflows of
the 1930's, however, the DS19 was an instant commercial success
with over 80,000 orders taken during the Motor Show. The basic
design remained in production for nearly two decades during which
time it continued to be a trend-setting, technically-advanced
example of ingenuity and effectiveness at doing its job. This 1967
Citroen DS19 benefits from the model's initial success which
generated funds to develop a new 1,985cc/90 horsepower
four-cylinder with five main bearings. Equipped with the luxury
Pallas package with leather seats it was imported from Europe in
2017 and has been regularly serviced by DS-specialists since then.
It is equipped with full wheel covers, Michelin XAS tires and
steering-linked Euro headlights. The driver's seat is
hydraulically-adjustable and it has Citroen's famous single-spoke
safety steering wheel as well as the innovative Citromatic 4-speed
hydraulically shifted "clutchless" gearbox that preceded the
development of auto-manual transmissions like Ferrari's F1 gearbox
by three decades. There are dual outside mirrors and a roof-mounted
radio antenna (although there is no radio.) The air-oil suspension
is fully operational and provides a driving experience like no
other, soaking up road irregularities like a magic carpet and
compensating for body roll when cornering. When the DS19 was
introduced Citroen was owned by Michelin so as expected the
suspension tuning was specifically adapted to the ride and handling
characteristics of Michelin's latest steel belted radial tires. In
condition this is a good, attractive driver with sound paint,
dashboard, gauges, upholstery and interior trim. The exterior
bright trim is sound with some use and age apparent. The upholstery
is very good and only lightly abraded on the driver's seat cushion
and back bolsters. The back seat is plush with the ashtrays
appropriate for a French car of the 1950's. The engine compartment
is clean and orderly, consistent with this car's unrestored,
well-maintained character. Driving a Citroen DS19, particularly
with the luxury Pallas trim, is an experience that is unique even
fifty-four years after it was built. Having been well cared for
during its life and thoroughly serviced by marque expert Dave
Burnham since coming to the U.S. four years ago there is no better
way to acquire the Citroen DS19 experience than with this honest,
carefully maintained and recently serviced Pallas sedan. Offers
welcome and trades considered For additional details please view
this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/6870-1967-citroen-ds19-pallas-4-dr/
