Source: Image archive | DS Automobiles | Stellantis
Citroën DS - symbol of the art of design
In 1955, the Citroën DS heralded a new era in French automotive design. Named “La Déesse”, “the goddess” in French, the model was accompanied by an equally creative advertising campaign. One of the most famous photos shows the DS on four balls above a body of water. This motif inspired the poster for the “49th Salon Retromobile”, which took place in Paris from February 5 to 9, 2025. DS Automobiles, the brand based in the French capital, is the official partner of the major classic car show.
Source: Image archive | DS Automobiles | Stellantis
DS Cabrio - masterpiece of innovation
The Citroën DS, a masterpiece of innovation and the French art of travel, celebrates its 70th birthday in 2025. Unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in 1955, the now iconic model impressed experts and the public alike at the time. Thousands of orders were already received during the show.
With its unique technology, futuristic design, unparalleled comfort and high level of safety, “La Déesse” reflected the avant-garde of the French automotive industry. As a symbol of the French classic car, it has achieved legendary status today and has become a universal symbol of the art of design.
Technical data: Citroën DS 19 - la "Déesse" (the goddess)
1,911 cm³ 4-cylinder in-line engine with an output of 75 hp at 4500 rpm
137 Nm at 3000 rpm
145 km/h (90.1 mph)
Hydropneumatic suspension
Length: 4800 mm, width: 1790 mm, height: 1470 mm
Weight: 1170 kg
Gris Palladium (silver-grey), Bleu Danube (dark blue) and Aubergine AC 406
The "goddess" on four balls
The advertising motif “DS on four balls” was the brainchild of Claude Puech, one of the main protagonists in the launch of the DS. The campaign, produced in 1959, is an original and impressive representation of the first-class driving comfort of the DS, created by the unique hydropneumatic suspension.
The photo shows a Citroën DS 19 in the color Ecaille Blond (tortoiseshell blond), which rests on four balls instead of wheels and appears to float above a surface of water. These balls symbolize the spherical pressure tanks of the hydropneumatic suspension. The photo went around the world and shaped the reputation of the DS as the most avant-garde and progressive automobile of its time.
Cabriolife
Event calendar
The Salon RetroMobile in Paris is the most famous event for mobile classics in France. Cabriolife has of course noted the event in the 2025 event calendar.