1971 Citroën DS - Jay Leno's Garage

This car remains as innovative today as it was when it first hit the road in 1955. Jay changes its tire without a jack - and shares Citroën's truly weird advertisements.
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1971 Citroën DS - Jay Leno's Garage
• 1971 Citroën DS - Jay ...
Jay Leno's Garage
/ jaylenosgarage

[@karlpartridge9546]

Four years ago I watched this video and commented that I could never afford the car of my dreams Today I am watching this video as the proud owner of a 1972 DS special !! Took thirty years but amazingly the dream came true !!

[@hed1117]

Congratulations, that's awesome! 🙂✌🏼

[@williebillie925]

I have always wanted one

[@howlingbeats2544]

Living my dream over there. Fortunately, I am only 19-years-old as of now. I have plenty of time.

[@maartenzantinge6387]

Same here, I’ve watched all DS videos on YT while thinking I’d never own one myself, but an opportunity came up to buy one with a partner, it’s a 1970 DSpécial. It’s really nice to share the enthusiasm and the maintenance costs, too.

[@karlpartridge9546]

Cool!! Keep it garaged and enjoy!!!​@@maartenzantinge6387

[@fireblade3682]

my grandpa was born in 1940 in lisbon, portugal. When he was a teenager, he would pass through a citroen dealership everyday on his way to art school. It was his favourite car. Later he became a successful architect, and he bought a fuel injected DS23, only 7 were ever sold in portugal, one of them to the dictator. He passed away last summer with lung cancer. Been smoking since he was 13. The car is still in our garage.

[@onelyone6976]

Please if possible keep the car as long as possible and restore it, history will thank you, oh and don’t forget to drive it every summer

[@bartolomeumalfeitor965]

In Portugal we call the DS "Boca de Sapo" (frog's mouth)

[@kunjupulla]

Is it for sale?

[@jamesshunt5123]

To OP. Please make sure it's in running condition. It'll be virtually priceless in the future.

[@Shaker626]

80 is a very good age to reach for a smoker. I hope he enjoyed his life to the fullest.

[@Nickabooticus]

"Take a look at this ad." *KZbin ad about chips comes on.* Wow what an innovative car.

[@technorunner1]

Lime chips

[@Nickabooticus]

@@technorunner1 Haha exactly

[@bjorn2run]

Acne medicine ad!

[@buntfalke1235]

It was the Audi E-Tron GT for me lol😂

[@avibarr2751]

It showed me a nice innovative, French, grilled cheese

[@theodorekazadzis6657]

As a 75 year old man that was one of my dream car that I wished I had and drooled over on my teen years. Finally 60 years later my dream has come trough. Located one in Greece in pretty good shape and well kept plus it has AC and a 5 speed transmission. Happy to say that in the next 4 months will find another home in the good old USA. I guess Jay’s video was the catalyst! TK, Atlanta GA

[@axonis2306]

Have you got it by now ? If yes, how does it feel to finally sit on your own Citroen DS ? Καλημέρα απο Ελλάδα!

[@OscarLimaMike]

You have exceptional taste. I also love the Citoën SM however the engines sucked.

[@scowell]

Car Wizard just got one... paid 18K$ for it I think. Lots of content from him on this coming soon!

[@TheFrenchscot]

So happy for you from France. All the best and enjoy the rides! Salutations.

[@theodorekazadzis6657]

@@TheFrenchscot Thank you from America. Car is here and I love it. Plus every time I take it on the road, I become a celebrity!

[@hoodoo2001]

When Jay speaks he sounds like he is not trying to convince you of anything or impress you with his knowledge, he is just wanting to share with a friend.

[@charlesgibson646]

Well said!

[@leanmeangreenbeanmachine3347]

His slight lisp really helps him sound like that. Makes him seem like a genuine guy.

[@minolio]

hoodoo2001 A true enthusiast...

[@alberthodges4426]

@@charlesgibson646 gun j

[@jachan969]

That is genuine coming from his heart.

[@kimpalmer3316]

My dad owned two Citroens, both with the same body style as Jay's: They were a 1961 ID-19 and later, a 1969 DS-21. Dad put more than 100,000 miles on each of them. They were wonderful cars in which to ride, as well as to drive. Dad had heard from his Citroen mechanic that even with a sudden front tire blow-out, these cars were so stable it was possible to take both hands off the steering wheel and not lose control. So, I remember once we were driving 75 mph on Interstate 5 in the Central Valley of California when Dad said, "Uh oh . . . I think we just blew a tire. I can't tell which one it is, I'm going to try it. (We were still going 70 mph). Dad took both his hands off the steering wheel, and began to brake, but the car continued its straight, rock-steady trajectory with no hint of wandering out of our lane. When we had finally pulled over and come safely to a stop at the side of the road, Dad got out of the car and found the right front tire had blown. Amazing engineering . . . not to lose control even with a blown front tire at 75 mph! Not surprisingly, both Citroens often turned heads . . . especially when we came to a stop sign: After about a second or two, the rear end would begin to return to its normal position, and the front end would raise back to its normal position. Because both of the Citroens were front-wheel drive, both the front and back seat floors were absolutely flat: a great convenience for carrying things on the floor. They were both exceedingly comfortable-riding cars, not only around Los Angeles, CA, but especially for our annual cross-country trips from L. A. back to the Midwest. However, because of the difficulty of parts (especially in the mountain states and Midwest) Dad did always carry a spare hydraulic pump (for the suspension/brake/steering system), should we have car trouble. We never did, though. I wish I still had Dad's DS-21. . . it was a car that was truly ahead of its time.

[@thesteelrodent1796]

The ID was the discount version of the DS, which came out after the DS failed to sell a lot of units because it was very expensive. The ID had the hydropneumatic suspension, but no power steering or power brakes, and the semi-automatic transmission was not an option, and since it didn't have to drive anything but the suspension with the hydraulic pump, it did just fine with the 1.9 liter engine

[@juancoccs]

Yess, this are typical stories from Citroën owners with the hidropneumatic suspension, one of the most advanced and incredible performance feature in the iconics Citroëns, but this brand it’s much more important than many people think, Citroën invented, the front wheel drive, the all terrain vehicules, the disc brakes, the Hidropneumatic suspension, the directional headlights and more!! I m gonna get a “SM” soon!

[@duanetrivett750]

Thanks for the story Kim ! I love hearing from someone who has actually had one . Thanks Kim.

[@welbyroberto6581]

I sat on one that belonged to my classmate's dad. He raised the car after we sat along for awhile. In those days, I had no idea Citroën was ahead of its time😊

[@edouardsowa3660]

@@juancoccs You're gonna get an SM ?!! My dream. I hope you get it.

[@1004445]

I am 50yrs old now, and that was one of my dream cars as a kid growing up in Lagos, Nigeria ❤.

[@hetgenie]

I love how Jay talks respectfully about the DS. He gives Citroen the credit it deserves.

[@fenrislegacy]

I didn't know I needed a Citroën DS until I watched this video.

[@ungurdani8346]

CIAO MEN , I HAVE ALL CITROEN 1:43 RALLY , PLS SUBSCRIBE .

[@ungurdani8346]

CIAO MEN , I HAVE 86 MODELS CITROEN 1:43 1:24 RALLY , PLS SUBSCRIBE ..

[@flar48]

I m French and im 44 year old, when i was a kid my grandfather has one of these, the rising car suspension ,the shape and the feeling when on the road is something one need to experiment.

[@algrayson8965]

The DS is an antique. The last were produced in 1975, 46 years ago. A few ID ambulances were sold as 1976.

[@joshuabruce9599]

I pray that Citroen, someday, does another run of this car. Maybe with some modern internals (could even be electric) but with that same body. I only learned about this car, properly, about a week ago but I already think its one of the most beautiful looking cars ever made.

[@thebeautifulones5436]

The future was so much better back in the 60s

[@Thankz4sharing]

First revealed at the 1955 Paris auto show. Incroyable!

[@dayra6425]

Ha nicely put

[@thetman0068]

I wish I had that amount of hope for the future...

[@leanmeangreenbeanmachine3347]

The Mad Gentleman hey man the hole in The ozone me layer should be healed by 2070

[@dayra6425]

I grew up in the 80-90s and the 2020 we were suppose to be driving flying cars and living on the moon.. so next year should be crazy

[@leokimvideo]

A car so ahead of it's time it's unbelievable. Yes it's the most comfortable car ever built I have been in one it's like a lounge chair on wheels.

[@emanueljmartins]

"Ever built" can be a bit of an exaggeration. I owned a Citroën C5 from 2004, that was fit with what was the latest stage on the evolution of this remarkable suspension system. Imagine all Jay Leno showed you, but in the 21st century. The suspension height adapts in real-time to the type of road and speed you are driving. You can not only lift or lower the suspension from the inside of the car, with a button near the gear lever but also from inside the rear boot (mine was a state wagon), to help you place heavy objects inside. Full panoramic glass rooftop with electrical shutter panels, fully electrically adjustable seats with massage backs, heating controls, independent fully automatic AC system, 3 modes robotized automatic gearbox with a sequential option, etc. The driver seat will vibrate when you go across to another lane without using the indicators! Plus, it was a 2.7 liter, 206 HP V6 engine with twin turbos that could easily do 160 mph. Google "Citroën c5 break 3.0 v6 exclusive" and check it out. So ... go easy on the "...most comfortable car ever built". Maybe for its time, maybe for a loooong time, but definitely not "ever".

[@leokimvideo]

@@emanueljmartins The beauty of English exposed.

[@redman840]

More comfortable than my ‘63 Cadillac Coupe De Ville,which is like riding on a gigantic marshmallow? One thing this vehicle truly is? One of the ugliest ever produced,other than the AMC Gremlin.

[@leokimvideo]

@@redman840 Stylish, not ugly. Remember we are dealing with French design ideas and they are often bending the rules

[@tonyking9235]

I AGREE THE BEST RIDE I EVER HAD

[@wdoochild]

I think this is the episode where Jay is the most enthusiastic about a car !

[@bandagefreak]

I don't think I've ever seen JL in love with any car as much as this...it oozes from his pores and yet it can't even do a burnout. Vive la France!!

[@billyhack9673]

i'll bet it can with the Maserati engine.

[@ungurdani8346]

CIAO MEN , I HAVE 86 MODELS CITROEN 1:43 1:24 RALLY , PLS SUBSCRIBE .

[@dragosCJ]

You pronounce "DS" in French language exactly like the word "déesse" which translate to "goddess", so Jay is in love with a goddess.

[@ungurdani8346]

@@dragosCJ thank men pls subscribe

[@underscorechaz]

@@ungurdani8346 can you stfu

[@volkerjanssen7905]

About 35 years ago, hitch hiking back from Munich to Hamburg, Germany, on the German Autobahn, I had the unique opportunity to ride along in a Citroen DS. It was the most impressive journey I've ever made to this day. You don't ride, you fly. The seats are so comfortable it's beyond description and the car is very well insulated against noise. Even by today's standards, I would choose a DS over many other contemporary cars - anytime. And then there is the Opel Commodore A GS/E Coupe, but that's another story...

[@algrayson8965]

The DS Pallas had more sound insulation than the lesser models. Can't ignore that thumping, roaring IL4 motor right there in the big housing between the footwells. Older ones' front pinion (secondary/lower) shaft bearing whining got louder and louder with mileage.

[@scot-combs]

When we lived in Europe, my Dad went to Paris to buy a DS Safari. He kept saying the Citroen was ahead of its time. He loved driving it. Thanks for doing this. You've illuminated a bit of my childhood!

[@northernzeus768]

I live in a little tiny town in northern Wisconsin. There is one here. The elderly man who owns it was shocked when I knew vaguely what it was last summer. He was out for the day. Coming out of the post office. True story. I love it so much and told him I would buy it whenever he was ready.

[@punto182]

"The ride quality of Citroens were so impressive that Rolls-Royce licensed the hydropneumatic system."

[@edbo10]

that hydropneumatic suspension is the reason why it's better to speed up at speed bumps in a ds lol you could do 80 km/h on a speed bump and hardly feel a thing

[@punto182]

@@edbo10 Had Citroen BX once, When airborne through doing 60mph/100kmh or more over a hump in the road, it would self level while in the air for a second! and bounce alot upon landing, not ideal for Rallying ;)

[@edbo10]

@@punto182 self level in the air because you can't spill your passenger's drink lol

[@nothingsurprisesmeanymore]

I had a 1989 BX it was great, yes it wasn't fast but it was a 1.9 diesel (no turbo) and I loved it that engine would go on forever. They are pretty much classics now, I wish I still had it.

[@tyraela115]

@@nothingsurprisesmeanymore After the GSA 1.3 petrol we used to have BX facelift 1.6 TRS (96 BHP) version 1st registerd in January 1988 sadly no aircon but what a car! I miss it. One of my uncles had back in the 90`s 2 ZXs one was 1.9D (70 BHP i think) and later on newer ZX with 1.9TD (90 BHP). Also great cars etc. So I know what you`re talking about. Back in 2019 at one Citroën dealer an elderly gentelman brought Xantia 1.9TD (90 BHP) with 750 000km on the clock for regular maintenance! That was really bullet proof engine!

[@jamesh.hayward8066]

As the original owner of a 1972 DS 21 Pallas, I was delighted to see your excellent video. There are a couple of features that were not mentioned that I feel are worth sharing. As the car was self leveling, the pressure in each suspension sphere was proportional to the weight over the associated wheel. When the brake bulb was depressed, it controlled the release of the pressure in each of the suspension spheres to the associated brake. Thus the braking force applied to each wheel was proportional to the weight over it. When the car was heavily loaded with passengers and luggage, the braking force increased to prevent nose diving.

[@tanngrisnir69]

That is amazing in a car that is already amazing in just about every way 🤗

[@andrewculverhouse8914]

You probably need to do some research, to say your not accurate would be an understatement. The spheres have a fixed amount of gas, and the only change was in hydraulic fluid going through a damping hole into the sphere which then acted on a membrane against the gas which was used as a spring, with the exception of the accumulator sphere which acts as a pressure reservoir and an anti pulse filter for the hp pump. The only car that could level cross axis is the xantia activa which used rams on of side of the ARB and a special sensor on the front ARB and steering to counter roll. The breaking was proportional to rear load as the break valve allowed pressure from the rear rams to give added force to the breaks. And for all those who remember seeing it, this is why everything up to the sx xantia (vsx exclusive and all later cars (C5/c6) were fitted with antisink) would often be seen with it's bum on the ground. Over time the break valve breaks down and leaks allowing the rear suspension to drain when parked a lot faster than the front suspension. These cars do give the best ride ever but they aren't magic and the hydropneumatic system is very simple if you understand it.

[@enwri]

@@andrewculverhouse8914 I'll believe the guy that can spell brakes.

[@andrewculverhouse8914]

@@enwri don't really care you knew what I meant and I'm dyslexic so f u

[@errcoche]

@@andrewculverhouse8914 I guess the dyslexia can be added to your undiagnosed Asperger's then. You know your stuff but your opening sentence shows a distinct lack of social skills. Your technical nous will be better received with some manners and tact.

[@derekantill3721]

When introduced in 1955 the DS Citroen was very innovative and way ahead of its time. It’s biggest problem was the extensive use of hydraulics making it expensive to maintain. I traveled hundreds of miles on dirt roads in Africa in early 1960’s and the car would just glide along as if riding a magic carpet. A really fine car.

[@algrayson8965]

Citroen never would seal the hydraulic system reservoir. As the fluid level fell and rose, moisture and oxygen along with dust is sucked through the vent hole in the reservoir cap. The cars from 1954 until 1967 used brake fluid Liquide Hydraulique Vegetale (castor bean oil and methanol), Liquide Hydraulique Synthetique (basically DOT3 brake fluid) and LHS2 (improved lubricity), 1969 in the USA. The later cars used LHM (Liquide Hydraulique Mineral), very similar to ATF, hydraulic jack oil, Red Oil (used in older airplane landing gear struts and many industrial machines), except dyed green.

[@johngore7744]

@@algrayson8965 wow you know yer stuff. Tres bien dits.

[@music-hx5lf]

Hi. ,Thank you for sharing 👌.

[@geraldmussak6726]

@@music-hx5lf by⁰b b

[@geraldmussak6726]

@@algrayson8965 no

[@bokasanjo]

Citroen DS 21 has been my favourite since I was a child (born in 1955 like myself). Top legend till now, the most iconic car of all times.

[@geektoro]

Being born European but raised in the U.S., it wasn't unusual for our parents to send us back to the old country for the summer. In '82 my dear old dad bought us a Citroen CX . During a drive we popped a tire doing 150+kph(roughly 90mph) on the highway. We had no clue until we stopped for fuel and notice the tire had a small tear. The Citroen's suspension was so good the car was balanced on 3 wheels with no lose of control.

[@HarryFlashmanVC]

I've got a CX, cracking motor, the smoothest ride ever. The only folk making hydropneumatic these days are rolls Royce and only on the top of the range

[@francejetaime98]

true

[@paulh7589]

Didn't notice a flat? I'm glad you were not on the road near me.

[@JULIAN8845]

once sat in a new cx gti with black and white leather seats and a cxprestige in our local dealership when they were new.never seen that quality in any car since shame about body protection.

[@waynemazzola9443]

@@paulh7589 What geektoro says is true if you were ever driving in one of these and blew a tire the car is so well tuned you will not lose control of the car the suspension system compensates so quickly with the other wheels it takes almost all weight off the damaged tire and redistributes it to the others literally the safest car you can drive from the standpoint of a blown tire!!!!

[@jbnitpou9942]

Hi Jay ..... I’m French, your video is the most beautiful declaration of love I’ve seen on this marvelous car. A big thank you for all this.

[@tonyf756]

I had a 77 DS. It was the most comfortable car I've ever driven. The only car I've had which I could drive from Melbourne to Sydney and then feel that with a cup of coffee I could get back in and drive it back again. Road holding was superb and the turning circle was beyond belief.

[@strato9223]

Hum, DS were produced until 75. At least, in France.

[@tonyf756]

@@strato9223 You're quite right, mine was a 75 DS23, one of the last built. I bought it in 77. I still see it around town occasionally. It looks as though it was built this morning.

[@glennbruner7504]

My friend in high school, Mike Curtis, drove Citroen’s. His dad operated a repair shop for Citroen’s. Mike drove a Citroen to a Van Halen concert at the Cow Palace and was looking for a parking spot. He found one but some left several cases of empty beer bottles in the parking spot. There were some people nearby watching him park into the spot. He used the hydraulic suspension to raise the car and pull in over the bottles. Then he lowered the suspension and had the wheels off the ground until the bottles broke. He got quite the laughter from that. Mike was always a crazy individual and I still remember this story of his to this day! Seeing this video reminded me about Mike and the various Citroen’s he would drive.

[@MajesticKyng]

Jay Lenos garage is one of the few channels where one can actually learn about the vehicle pretty thoroughly.

[@saveriosalemme5366]

My uncle in Italy had the top of the line model in the early 70’s and it was like something from the future, I’ll never forget it.

[@ducciocolombi7729]

My grandfather (bless him) once used a DS of one of his clients all the way to the south of the country (Italy) to go on a seaside holiday. The funny thing is that somehow the heater got on at full power but, being a client's car, he didn't want to mess it up so he never tried to turn it off, so basically he went on vacation with the heater fully on to the south of Italy in the midst of summer. Riding in a DS in the early '70s on the Autostrada, I think that you were truly one of the kings of the road, it must have been so cool. I really like this car, I'd love to own one of these in the future. Hopefully.

[@geley5285]

Certainly wasn't very "cool" for your grandfather with that heater on lol

[@ducciocolombi7729]

@@geley5285 That's for sure, but I think that he was very glad that he had to pay a small price for that level of magnificence ;)

[@adventureawaits3646]

a piece of French artwork for sure! I rode in one of these as a kid, my neighbors had one. Dark green color, 2inch or more thick carpet, and the most flying carpet ride I've ever had in any vehicle. Still remember it to this day, just amazing. Floating. Not like my parent's Audi that was all bumpy over bumps.

[@luka5208]

I always thought: if there is one car they need to remake to the current specifications, it's this one! It's so against mainstream; I love it!

[@wpcote108]

I had a '71 DS 21 in 1976. It was the finest car I ever owned!

[@NormAppleton]

If they can do the GT40, they can do this.

[@minoassal]

citroens latest DS5 was inspired by this

[@luka5208]

@@minoassal I didn't know that. Sadly it didn't trigger that link, seeing often the DS5's....

[@murmenaattori6]

One of the best modifications for a DS is an all electric drivetrain - even a weak electric motor moves this thing well because of it's low weight and great aerodynamics. It also becomes dead quiet with an electric motor since the suspension doesn't squeak like metal springs would.

[@herrfriberger5]

A relief that Leno, unlike many comedians, does not always try to be funny. I like his nerdy side.

[@johnkemple]

That is the key to lenos success. He is a nerdy guy like most of us..

[@svchinadoll4924]

He is a nerd just like me as I too worked on these cars in a shop in Houston(1970-75mostly SMs) while in between jobs managing pizza huts I always looked forward to getting to work on these so I could do the post work checkout drive while the ‘other’ “kid” mechanics wanted to work on the mustangs and the chevy’s Cameos RS everyone thought I was a nut case or a French sympathizer my French was and still is as bad as J’s spoken “French” it wan’t the vocabulary for me but I never got the but my pronunciations were wrong 90% of the time as confused as I was I realizes now that my pronouncitions were actually not that bad it was the tense and gender that I kept getting messed up on even-after studying the language for 4 years in college in my last year “orals” I truly wanted to fly to France on the concord to experience that too and take an emersion language course- but it simply didn’t happen...Interesting enough the D3 was reintroduced but in a limited number of global markets, like in tijuanna Mexico in the 1990’s $70KUSD one could buy a new SM but you couldn’t cross the boarder with the car especially into California! Most French car manufacturers pulled out of the US market due to the costs associated with getting an import licensing done was excessive except for Renault sold as the Nissan Maxima built in Japan is really an SM but without all the good stuff that makes it an SM or a French car. 10 years ago I was a stoaway on a trip to France for my fiftieth birthday and SMS ere seen everywhere one I noticed on the autobahn between strausburg FR and Wiesbaden I was driving a CC 6-speed 2.0 Diesel engine before this car was brought into the US by VW more than a year later it had no model name badge then finally it was called the ‘cc’ Car and driver said it’s styling looked like a SS helmet but it looked more like a tank like the ones shown on the bridge signs displaying how many tanks can cross the bridge at one time and which way the each tank can be going to do so... anyway I noticed the SM was yawing along at speed bouncy bouncy up and down nose pitch o the suspension system was no longer analog controlled by somehow digitally done but chasing it’s bounce or perhaps the aerodynamics was causing a ‘flutter’ in the suspension that was causing it to over react! Not sure but still would hav loved to drive the new one... which looked more like the Nissan maximum than a SM...

[@jody024]

He doesn't need to try, he is naturally funny.

[@God-mb8wi]

Well, that's the thing. He isn't exactly funny

[@ronbork8454]

he never was. good car guy though

[@hope6571]

My dad had a Citroen XM years ago. To this day it is the best riding car we ever had, and on the outside it looked like a spaceship.

[@thesteelrodent1796]

The XM, incidentially, is the most unreliable car ever sold under the Citroën name (and the most unreliable car PSA has ever made throughout the entire combined history of Peugeot-Citroën-Talbot). They were notorious for electrical failures, and in some cases even caught fire. For the XM they innovated on the hydropneumatic suspension with electronic leveling sensors and an extra sphere that allowed it to switch between hard and soft suspension depending on the quality of the road, but thanks to that fancy suspension combined with the unreliable electrical system, many of them ended up having suspension failures where the car would slouch to the one side or constantly wobbled back and forth when stopped on a hill because it kept trying to level the car out. They were great cars when they worked properly, but the problems were so widespread that they reworked the whole suspension system to make it more reliable and dealers had to swap out parts for the more reliable versions whenever the cars came in for the regular service. They never attempted that version of the system again, and for the C5 they went back to the old tried and true system

[@hope6571]

@@thesteelrodent1796 His suspension did fail once, the car just layed on the ground, haha.

[@edouardsowa3660]

I had two of them in the seventies,and I can say that I never had more comfortable cars to drive since.And so reliable on the road,fantastic braking and steering. My best feelings in driving.

[@funonutube100]

Look at that smile of appreciation on Jay's face . You can tell he really enjoys driving this car!!!!

[@richardwilliams1064]

As a former owner of 5 Citroen DS, I agree with Jay. This car is very special and different. Citroen is a car that is fun to drive on a long distance trip and I enjoyed the memories of taking my 1972 D Special to Canada. There is no other car like it. Citroen DS is definitely Avant garde ( Way ahead of it's time). Wonderful car!!! Great video Jay!!!

[@jimfonzie2887]

It is still. I remember my uncle said than in a emergency braking with a caravan on the highway with full family (from 110/120 km/h), both car & caravan remain aligned ;) A secure car for sure ;) Regards from Fr. boys.

[@alno9794]

And he is right about comfortable than rols or benz ,it is ,but no one believes until they drive it.

[@tommyhallum2747]

R44h

[@drsvs]

Ask the man who owned five...

[@RomanTrollanski]

I've seen at least 2 of them around Vancouver, British Columbia. I've seen even some older models of Citroen's.

[@Shitinthemorning]

Can we all just for once Thank Jay Leno for those amazing videos ? He does it to bring us love for the history of cars. For some of us it even helps us true hard depressions, Thanks LENO

[@jimcarson2977]

no

[@endokrin7897]

Can we all just stop saying "can we all"? Everyone already appreciates Jay. 🙄

[@stephenknutson6256]

Quiet frankly, this car could still be made today and it's innovations would still set it apart from today's automobiles.

[@MoultrieGeek]

Yes it would. In a sea of identical car styling dictated by aerodynamic and safety concerns the DS would stand alone, shining as brightly as it ever has.

[@johnl1685]

Yes. Why don't car companies everywhere ever consider pulling out the old records and revisiting their past glory cars and just make them again? (Even with having to add the necessary modern safety upgrades they would still be a smash hit.)

[@Taabituubi]

@@johnl1685 The couple of times they've tried it, it was a disaster.

[@christopherjackson9811]

Thanks - this is one of the cars I asked for in the comments on the 1,000,000 subscribers video. Cheers Jay.

[@wizardmix]

Me too...

[@christopherjackson9811]

Evan J It's just so cool isn't it? - I've been watching his videos for a while now, and every now and then I could see this in the background.

[@Lipitoarea]

ME TOO!!! OMFG!!!! i Saied i wanted to see french cars especially Citroen or Renault! He read our comments!

[@skog77]

Me too. Truly innovative and different. I drive a Xantia every day :)

[@retroracingshirt591]

A R12 or R8 Gordini

[@jimmybeauxarts]

I love everything with this car, showing clearly how today’s industry doesn’t care about users or customers but profits

[@armr6937]

Too many regulations regarding safety and efficiency will constrain designers way beyond their capacity to make new and interesting things.

[@ungurdani8346]

CIAO MEN , I HAVE ALL CITROEN DS 1:43 RALLY , PLS SUBSCRIBE .

[@wowtomobile9898]

André Citroën the founder was saying "once an idea is good, the price doesn't matter", and after he died, the Michelin company, main owner Citroën, which was totally agreeing with this philosophy, continued to path the way in the same direction. Unfortunately, they invested so much money in developing the Wankel rotary engine in the 70's, meanwhile the petrol crisis arrived and they abandoned it. Then Peugeot , with a little help from the French Republic bought Citroën. Until the beginning of the 2000's, Peugeot (PSA Group) let Citroën did Citroën things, but nowadays, Citroëns are just sort of different Peugeot's. Let see in the future how it will be because Citroën released 2 years ago a totally new suspension with 20 new international patents. And the DS brand which is the luxurious Citroën brand will perhaps let us discover new innovations. Future will tell.

[@fuckinantipope5511]

@@wowtomobile9898 even before the 2000s, Peugeot got their hands into Citroën to make them build more mainstream cars. They forbid Citroën to redesign the CX, and when they did in secret the Citroën designers were let go and replaced by Peugeot designers. Did Citroën still make impressive cars? Of course. The C6 I own is a true marvel of Citroën engineering. But Peugeot influence was felt immediatly after they aquired Citroën. The worst thing Peugeot did is letting the SM die completely instead of letting Citroën safe it. The SM is the most beautiful car ever made imo.

[@timlee1118]

I always heard and knew this car was different, but never realized how unique and creative the engineering was that went into this automobile!! That suspension setup actually makes so much sense….What an amazing car!!! Thanks Jay!😎👍

[@heathmissen9805]

Has long been my dream car. Having just ticked over 50, I don't know that I will ever be in a position to have one in the garage - it's nice to keep the dream alive.

[@gotzeichendorf874]

For me the most beautiful Car in the world, thank you!!!

[@JensGraikowski]

A friend of mine used to have a Citroën DS which he used as a daily driver. When he sold it had 1.5 million kilometres on the clock! All with the first engine.

[@gmansplit]

How the hell did you get verified?

[@_0x7cf]

Haha that's what I'm wondering

[@Oldbmwr100rs]

Although I don't think Citroen had a US importer, a number of people imported them over the years until the emissions and safety regulations in this country became too hard to meet. I knew three people who owned both ID 19 and DS 21 models. There was a citroen specialist shop in Santa Cruz so owning them in the bay area wasn't impossible. I did some work on a couple, they are actually simple and not hard to care for. The hydraulic system is very well designed and everything is serviceable and repairable so long as you can source the parts. Was absolutely amazed how comfortable these, and French cars in general, actually are.

[@zagyex]

Nirodim [ROAD TO 500] interesting

[@MrCarlangas84]

Nirodim [ROAD TO 500] chicascalientess

[@rebellemming84]

I just adore this guy and all the positive stuff he has to say. Anything I’ve read about him has been pleasant, his show was good, he’s a car guy, and he finds things to appreciate in everything.

[@billyraylaray]

Dad (in the Army Stationed in Germany) and I went to the Citroen factory Paris in 1962 and picked up a new DS 19 Wagon. Brought it back to the states in 63' No one had ever seen anything like it. Radial Tires no one had ever seen before (hey buddy your tires are flat) Dad would work the suspension up and down and people freaked out (first low rider). Later he had a DS 21.Had front axel problems didn't spend much time on the road, took six months to get the parts. Otherwise a Beautiful. Wish had one today. I do still have the original Citroen key fob. Also saw a 2CV for sale the other day, I want.

[@cobra1010]

Jay Leno is just the perfect guy to do this kind of presentation. He has a lot of respect for smart engineering and for craftmanship - no matter what kind of vehicle is concerned and in what country it has been manufactured. The combination of knowledge, respect and humour is just great. Thank you Jay! It is a pleasure to watch these videos!

[@TheLexy131313]

My father had a CX station (Familiale or Break they called it) in the 80's. We were a family of 6 children. We fitted all eight in it! In the summer we went all the way from The Netherlands to Portugal in that car. I was in love with that thing.

[@kerryprance3767]

I was at the ( I think) 1973 Atlanta auto show. The Citroen display was really high dollar. It had a SM ( with the Maserati engine) on a rotating pedestal with and incredibly beautiful Hollywood style blond girl in an evening gown working a remote to demonstrate the hydraulic suspension. I - the epitome of long haired hippie/biker was standing looking at this weird car and the beautiful girl hopped off the stage and walked over to me. And in a dead-ringer EllieMae Clampett southern drawl, said to me " Aint that sumpthin"? This left me speechless for a minute... But we stood there and talked for well over half an hour just like old ( southern) friends. A while later I ran into an old friend. Eventually we passed the Citroen exhibit ( we'll call her " Deb", as I know about 100 " Deb's") Deb waved at me, and I waved back and said ( motioning to my friend) " show him that suspension"... Which she did. My friend was obviously impressed and said " You know her"? I said " oh yea" and motioned her to come over, which she did. I was waiting for the obvious, as she said to my friend" betcha dinent speck that!". He was just as awed as I had been.😄

[@myherocamus8847]

Wow! What a masterpiece of engineering! It looks like the ultimate car.

[@31freek31]

We used our 1968 id 19 when my mother got very ill. We drove over 800 km (500 miles) in one go averaging 140+ km/h (87 mp/h) and it didn't even think about breaking down. One hell of a car.

[@asenfilipov]

Mr. Leno I would like to congratulate you on the show and the way you are presenting. I simply adored your impartiality in the whole episode. Usually car shows in different countries tend to promote the "local production", but you sir, you give credit when credit is due no matter where the car comes from.

[@veelawrence4285]

Gosh! Nostalgia feeling with this car. This car reminded me of my upbringing in South Eastern Nigeria in the early 70s, as my father drove one in navy blue with a white roof and shining chrome wheels. This car was technologically advanced for its day. It used to turn heads whenever my father dropped me off at my boarding school, with the wheels folding in when stopped and packed, the turning headlamp, the air conditioning, which was unheard of at the time, and the semi-automatic transmission. Also had the cassette cartridge as part of the radio system (a significant invention at the time before the cassette tape). The most comfy car ever, with seats so plush and soft that it feels like you're lounging on a sofa. My Papa adored French cars, particularly Citroen and Peugeot, whereas his colleagues drove Mercedes as their luxury vehicles. He drove a Peugeot 204, x2 404 (white salon and a red family 7-seater station wagon), 504 GL, 505 SL, and 605 GL. The Citroen DS, however, was reserved for special occasions. LOL.

[@dawatcherz]

as a kid these cars were like magic to me :) our neighbour use to drive one and i remember hanging out near that car so we would get to see it go up before it drove away.

[@rejeanhubert147]

Thank you so much for the memories. My dad bought a Citroen exactly like that in 1971. Living in Quebec the winter was really bad. I remember a trip up north in the province where everybody was stuck in the snow an waiting on side of the road for snowplow. My dad just raise the suspension an then we where the only one who could ride in this wheather . We could hear people yelling at us :)

[@kelharper7971]

Except that not riding high enough is almost never the reason that cars get stuck, go off the road, or cannot go on. If the snow is so deep that the average cars underbelly is touching it, then it's already too deep for most cars to travel though without 4WD and/or tire chains. Most cars get stuck or have to pull over long, long before the snow is anywhere near deep enough to bog a car down in it. If you were traveling while others were pulled over, it's almost certainly because you had front-wheel drive, and probably better tires or chains, while 99% of cars were still RWD in 1971. FWD is more controllable and puts the weight of the engine over the drive wheels. VW Beetles were good in the snow for the same reason, excpet being rear-engine as well as RWD, once you DID start to skid it was very difficult to recover. Point is, you traveled while others were stopped due to the FWD, not due to the suspension being able to raise. That probably helped very little.

[@kenjsr1]

@@kelharper7971 I had a French made Simca Bertone fast back in '64. It had a rear engine like the VW, so I could drive straight in 2 ft of snow with the light front end planing over the snow and the heavier rear tires diggen' in. It also got fifty mpg 40 yrs before hybrids. Makes me a believer that the oil companies own the auto industry. 🤑🤑🤑

[@wetrock2766]

@@kelharper7971 What you said is true but I know with experience (52 years driving in those conditions) that a raised body configuration was a definite help. It's not so much the fact that there would be an even high amount of snow on a road but that you would encounter a snow drift, your car would then lose it's momentum and be bogged down with it's underbelly jacked up. With less weight on the wheels, even under the engine, the tires would not have enough traction to pull the car out from a standing position. Radial tires, not in use at that time on american models, were also part of the deal.

[@189951]

Even on the video you can feel the extreme flexibility of the suspension, the comfort of the seats and the impressive silence of this car! On the other hand, those who are prone to seasickness, this car is not for you, because in the rear seats you will need to bring a bag in case of discomfort, that's why some people loved Citroën and its suspensions while others preferred harder suspensions! It's the perfect car for long trips on highways and also to drive on mountain roads, because its handling is legendary! Its exterior and interior design are timeless, it is a true work of art, the reflection of an era, just like art deco! Citroën has always been ahead of its time, as much by its engineering as by its design, a great national pride for this company!

[@notasdelaimagen8587]

I love how Mr. Leno is so enthusiastic about cars, and how he genuinly wants to share with us his cars and knowledge about them. Thank you Mr. Leno.

[@GrandPrixDecals]

Ever since hearing Jay once worked for a car dealership, I question wether he ever stopped

[@thomascampbell5633]

It's great how Jay describes and shows the car. Makes you feel like you're on a Sunday afternoon cruise with him.

[@fr-tigerfangs7039]

Whatever the car he's road testing, he makes us all want to by one! So addictive!

[@MilouTintin]

I'm heartbroken that we sold my dad's Citroen, but I'm delighted that Jay has taken such good care of it. If I had kept it, it would have been a survivor. In Jay's hands, it thrives. Maybe someday I'll find another....

[@compu85]

This was your father’s car previously?

[@bdo7765]

Hi, Philippe! This is Will's son. I was wondering if anyone in our family had commented on this video, and here you are! I sent this video to Will back in 2015, but I don't know if he ever saw it - he said his computer at the time was not able to watch KZbin videos. I think I'll send it again to be sure he sees it. The old Citroen certainly looks happy now! I just wish Jay had kept the "We think your car looks funny too" license plate frame...

[@ungurdani8346]

CIAO MEN , I HAVE 86 MODELS CITROEN 1:43 1:24 RALLY , PLS SUBSCRIBE >>

[@MilouTintin]

@@compu85 Yes it was. Dad bought it new in France. We drove it around France for the summer, and then brought it back. Dad drove it for many years.

[@guyfromfrance]

Monsieur Jay, Yo're the best french car's AMBASSADEUR in the WORLD !!! Thank you for that !!

[@dgfunds5893]

The most comfortable car ever built. My dad had one. I learned to drive in this car. It was actually my first car followed by a audi quatro which was a wild change from this but to this day, my dad regretted selling the car. 94 and still driving, go dad. 👍🏻

[@matt697n]

Love that you used the actual music from the Ds "headlight" commercial. True petrolhead

[@michaelmeliambro5117]

Don't u mean gasoline????

[@ungurdani8346]

CIAO MEN , I HAVE 86 MODELS CITROEN 1:43 1:24 RALLY , PLS SUBSCRIBE ..

[@arthurclairefontaine7994]

The guy knows his cars, no doubts...

[@ungurdani8346]

CIAO MEN , I HAVE ALL CITROEN DS 1:43 RALLY , PLS SUBSCRIBE

[@ungurdani8346]

CIAO MEN , I HAVE 86 MODELS CITROEN 1:43 1:24 RALLY , PLS SUBSCRIBE ..

[@uthoshantm]

This was a dream car in my childhood back in the 70's. A real beauty.

[@pkh4340]

Love Jay’s presentation….like ambling next door and talking with your neighbor!

[@Munkenba]

Absolute legend! Now do the SM pleeeeeease!

[@wizardmix]

He did the SM a while ago but it didn't make it to the youtube channel, I hope he puts it up or re-does it.

[@mikelemay1859]

warms the soul to watch Jay fully enjoy any one of his rides

[@billyroe2455]

My grand father had one in England back in the late 1960s. My brothers and I would badger him to put the suspension up and down as we were totally mesmerised. A fantastic car, thanks for a great video Jay.

[@mikesh9639]

Thanks for the memories. Many morning spent on the autobahn driving to base and never lost a drop of coffee, lol

[@jorgemorillo482]

My all time favourite automobile. In my opinion, the most beautiful. Probably the only car I desire.

[@mikerutty]

Jorge Morillo I would say the 61 Jag E type is the true beautiful, but this look nice too!

[@HunterShows]

What a great car. Way more interesting than the generic sports cars we've seen so much of. I wish I could ride in it. The advertisement helps to explain why Citroeen had trouble in the U.S.

[@RCmadness888]

+HunterShows Of course, everything has trouble in the US, unless you lie about it some....

[@gregorytimmons4777]

leneanderthalien Also because no French auto builder had a strong parts and service network in place. French cars being so unconventional needs that representation more than any other imports.

[@TheGel69]

the Citroen trouble in the US was simply because of a lack of commitment in the market place, like Renault and Peugeot for that matter

[@crpth1]

Not just lack of commitment. Import protectionist laws came to play a very important roll. Industry lobbies are very powerful and made it quite visible. ;-)

[@Norbert1819]

Ja....Aber auch Tucker wurde systematisch ruiniert. Ford, Chevrolet und viele andere hatten kein Interesse an innovativer Technik. Billige Produktion war ihnen wichtiger, als moderne Technik für ihre Kunden.....

[@tubeyhamster]

I've always admired this car's style, but I had no idea it included all these innovative features. Thanks, Jay!

[@j.pendergrass9805]

My five year old son loves this episode. Thanks Jay and everyone at Bigdog Garage.

[@jpckuijer]

Jay's DS has one of the coolest interior and exterior colors. Love the deep red body with ivory colored roof which is mirrored in the interior.

[@ungurdani8346]

CIAO MEN , I HAVE 86 MODELS CITROEN 1:43 1:24 RALLY , PLS SUBSCRIBE >>

[@MrLotrecht]

As child every holidays we drove with our citroen to Austria in the mountains-i loved that car!

[@thenadonation2664]

The way J talks about cars is more seductive than anything else a person could ever experiance. I respect a man who truly has a passion and projects that in his presentation.

[@archangele1]

A friend had one of these in the early 70's and it always amazed me how smooth it rode and how thick and plush the carpeting and padding under it was.

[@ungurdani8346]

CIAO MEN , I HAVE 86 MODELS CITROEN 1:43 1:24 RALLY , PLS SUBSCRIBE ..

[@DWS1435]

Love these cars. Would love to see them make them again. I have a friend whose father had an SM and when he passed away his son inherited the car and he still has it.

[@janwittebrood271]

Hi, I'm from Europe, Belgium, Holland and France. I've driven this car in Europe, it was so well adapted to the French roads and the "Péage" Motorways. You didn't feel the bumps of the old rfrench country roads, you weren't driving you were floating, and on the motorway it was just "flying". It takes a while in the morning to build up hydraulic pressure, no problem, you needed a cup of coffee anyway, cause it was so comfortable. Without the hydraulic pressure the DS just doesn't allow you to drive away. I was brought to boarding-school in this car every monday by a Bank Director, and picked up every Friday at the bank. Amazing how we could have a fantastic conversation in the car, and the "safety feeling" just incredible. I would like to thank you so much for putting the best car ever on the Internet. Normally I don't watch items on YT, but Jay Leno's Garage has got my full attention now. Later on whe had the DX a modern dark blue son of the DS, with the hydraulic system, it was floating on the roads like a battle ship, one single wiper, which was a hype then, de-icing in one minute. Ater boarding school I got so tired that, and felt so safe, I was like sleeping in my living room, so silent and comfortable. I heard of Jay from the shows, but never followed or watched it, now I discovered his Garage, Imust admit I respect the incredible knowledge, history, tutorship and mechanical insight of Jay. Keep it running Jay! Kind Regards from Spain (Mallorca). You got a good fan here!

[@lastguy8613]

Jay saying about how you can drive it on only 3 wheels brings back memories from a episode of Chips back in the 80s. They pull over a guy doing exactly that, the arrogant French man driving it exclaims 'in France we always drive like this!'

[@onemat2000]

Just watched this video again as I have a love for Citroens as well as Jay Leno's enthusiasm for cars. . The "bongos" in the commercial that demos the lights were actually a Gretsch Jazz drum set, played by the great Art Blakey with his band The Jazz Messengers.

[@christopherg9806]

I knew it was a drum set (snares were turned off on the snare drum and was riffing between that and the upper tom tom), but didn't realize it was Art Blakey. Thanks for sharing that factoid. What was the name of the song? I've been trying to find the solo, but haven't been successful.

[@robertmcduck6712]

Yea me too

[@timweatherill3738]

My father had a '72 (I suppose, considering it had A/C) and it was the BEST. His was a sable/grey colour, single tone. It had a Blaupunkt radio and rich light brown leather seats, rather fuller than in Jay's car. I suspect we had a deluxe model. And we had it in Canada, so the smaller front headlamps would indeed follow the steering wheel. To this day, we reminisce more about this car, the DS than any other. By the way the 'DS' designation is a pun of sorts; in French "DS" is pronounced "DAY-ESS" which in turns means DEESSE - "Goddess" or as Jay said "Nicknamed the Goddess". (The first E should have an accent acute over it)

[@AmbroseB1900]

Possibly the most beautiful car ever made. And the innovations for 1955 - disc brakes, inboard discs on front to reduce unsprung weight, hydraulic system for suspension, brakes, steering and gearbox for clutchless gear changes. I drove hydropneumatic Citroens for nearly 30 years; if you put heavy loads in the boot, the car sank down at the rear but as soon as the engine started, it levelled itself...magic. The last one, a C5 mark 1, had computer controlled suspension with sports mode and virtually flat cornering - was like running on rails. Still don't understand why Citroen abandoned this suspension or the swivelling lights. Great video and commentary! Thank you.

[@algrayson8965]

The DS/ID always had drum brakes in the rear. The station wagon (“break”) had wider and finned drums with larger bore cylinders. Only the SM, which was based upon the DS, had rear disc brakes on modified DS suspension swing arms. The hydropneumatic suspension was not cost-effective. The extreme precision of many of the components, the blocs (“spheres”) added up to higher cost of manufacture. The market was not willing to pay extra as roads were greatly improved from the bombed, rutted roads following WWII. Conventional steel spring suspension had advanced greatly as well.

[@AmbroseB1900]

@@algrayson8965 thanks for the correction. Have amended my comment. My hydraulically sprung cars had discs all round (BX to C5). I now have steel sprung cars which have good suspension, but every so often on a piece of rough or badly cambered road, I get reminded that it is not quite a match to the old hydraulics!

[@chevyguy1422]

beutiful? A 59 cadillac is beutiful, this i dont even have a word for, the design is not for everyone.

[@AmbroseB1900]

@@chevyguy1422 Nice comment but a 59 Cadillac is too OTT for me!

[@algrayson8965]

@@chevyguy1422 The Citroën D series and SM were designed as aircraft. Automobiles are primarily aircraft as at speeds above 40-45 mph aerodynamic drag becomes the consumer of the majority of energy consumed by moving the car. A ’59 Cadillac Sedan or Coupe DeVille is about as aerodynamic as a storage building on a trailer. My Dad had a ’55 Cadillac Fleetwood limo for a while. He had a ’71 Sedan DeVille, a ’66 Sedan DeVille, which I drove for a couple of years until a car driving at night without lights totaled it. I had a ’68 Sedan DeVille w/black leather. The 472 motor died from the chronic valve train problem. I had a ’76 Sedan DeVille that had the 500 in³ motor with Bosch D-Jetronic EFI. Its injectors kept springing leaks, so I found Nippondenso injectors that had the same specs but they had barbed fuel connections that I turned down to fit the Cadillac fuel rail. So I am familiar with Cadillacs, thank you. I thought that they were all ugly. However I don't choose cars for their styling. I really don't care about what a car looks like, within limits.

[@rodericklohrey1746]

Jay Leno is a remarkably knowledgeable and interesting man. I owned a 1965 ID19, no power steering, but a superbly comfortable car. I read that aerodynamics and fuel efficiency are at their premium at 69/ 70 miles per hour. My Citroen had a very long crank handle you could slot through a space below the hood/bonnet and after one or two easy turns the engine would fire. Handy in case of a flat battery. The wheel brace was also the tool to remove the one bolt holding the rear guard onto the car. The correct procedure to remove the guard is while standing behind the Citroen, slide the guard to the rear, towards you. Do not lift it vertically. The Citroen has self levelling suspension and if you come to a sudden stop, despite anti dive geometry the front of the car will dive a bit and a few seconds later the rear will fall to make the car level. A very strange feeling. Drive the Citroen around a sharp bend and the car will lean initially creating stress on your body, but then the self levelling comes into force and the stresses disappear. That is another reason for their supreme comfort.

[@JessicaSanchez-qm9mi]

The soundtrack for the commercials are so good

[@WanderingFriar]

One of the most iconic cars of all time. Still in love with it after seeing it in 1985, it belonged to my school pal's dad

[@philipmccarthy6175]

A car that I'd love to own even 50 years later. Unique styling and ride.

[@chiefcw3911]

I loved my 1971 DS21 had it when I was stationed in Germany. It is more comfortable then my Lexus LS. Thanks Jay for a trip down memory lane. I drove all over Germany, Switzerland and Italy …what a great ride. No speed limit on the autobahn in many areas of Germany.

[@martyboy4386]

Hello Jay. I served my 4 year apprenticeship in Aberdeen, Scotland with a C&G scholarship. Most of that was based around the DS. A true innovation. Rolls Royce still to this day use the same Citroen branded green accumulators as this car has.

[@CatholicSatan]

Loved this car. As kids in 1964, my brother and I were taken by a mad Frenchman in his Safari version (mustard colour with green seats), Paris to Orleans and back. More than 50 years later I can still remember those trips clearly. The version he had, had a much more curvy single steering wheel stalk. It really did look like the future then.

[@frankfarago2825]

I am watching this whole review for a 2nd time already. Will watch it again later, too. As a kid, I used to be driven a lot in a first gen Citroen 2CV w. the suicide doors. She was not a real French beauty, for sure. Fortunately here in Europe, in every country you can purchase all the French car brands. They have by far the best designs still. This DS is a masterpiece, and the Citroen-Maserati SM version was no slouch, either. The Citroen Clubs here in Hungary have many fine examples, like this one.

[@colinfuidge8660]

Lovely car. I was lucky enough to own a DS21 some years ago and loved every moment of driving and just admiring it. Mine was sky blue with a white roof - just epic.

[@mikelavigne5085]

In '75 I had a girlfriend who's dad had a Citroen. He let us drive it all the time. Unbelievable car! Thank you John. I miss you Margot.

[@Darth_Xemnas]

In Spain, the Citroën DS was also named "Tiburón" (The spanish word for Shark).

[@hemidas]

Same in Yugoslavia!

[@Koobca.]

Here in Portugal we call it ‘boca de sapo’ (toad’s mouth) ;)

[@slytv4352]

My croatian friends told me, in croatia they called the car "ajkula." (The croatian word for shark) So interesting, that spain called it also shark in their language. Wow.

[@geraicastilloserrano4368]

Eh berda

[@fortheloveofmusic860]

In dutch it's nicknamed "snoek", pike in english.

[@irfan-106]

This car gives me a nostalgic feeling. We used to have few in the neighbourhood back in the late 1970s to early 80s. The car surely was a head Turner then and even now.

[@lamberko]

"... there's even a fish in the ad ..." Yes, and for a good reason. The way how a fish's air bladder works is a good comparison to how the Citroen's hydraulic system works, when it has to go "up & down".

[@claudiod.3864]

Loved this car. It's amazing what Citröen did back then.

[@daweigo6851]

Not any more sadly 😔

[@documentosdelmotorsanti]

We loved Ciroën Ds. When the future became art

[@MsBIKERRONI]

viva la france

[@kaisersoymilk6912]

Yeah, but it's not 100% French as Jay says: the iconic bodywork design is by Flaminio Bertoni (Italian).

[@DivoAminotorsKarpasitor]

This is a fantastic video that I truly appreciate, thank you so much for sharing it with us. Your insights on the DS and CX Pallas are spot-on, and I completely agree with your observations about their uniqueness, comfort, and unmistakable French character. I had the pleasure of owning a DS for a brief period, and it left a lasting impression on me. Later on, I had the opportunity to drive a CX Pallas for an extended period, and it has remained one of my all-time favorite vehicles. In a world where many car manufacturers prioritize performance over comfort, these Citroens stand out as true gems, providing a smooth and serene driving experience that's more akin to riding in a limousine than a car. After driving rough roads in other high-performance cars with stiff suspension, I can't help but appreciate the joy of gliding along in these Citroens. It's a shame that the French seem to have lost some confidence in their products, but I still believe that they make some of the best cars in the world. Vive la France!

[@fr-tigerfangs7039]

Jay, oh Jay!!! Your DS is to die for!!! She is a beauty, with this perfect leather upholstery, the rear shades, the double round headlights and this deep red body paint. Plus, you look great driving her! As a French youngster growing up in the 70s, I still remember to this day the ride in my grandfather's black DS with red vinyle uphostery to this day. It was completely surreal, I found myself lost on a cloud as a young kid. This memory has remained with me to this very day. And I love your sense of humour, lightly mocking our accent and using extracts from the popular, hugely successful "La Grande Vadrouille" movie. Thanks so much for all your love for cars.

[@Tom-Lahaye]

My dad used to own one when I still was in my childhood, I remember this car for it smoothness and quietness, and the fact there was enough space between front and rear seats to actually sit down between them and play board games on the floor. But it was the hydropneumatic suspension which also ended ownership of the car for my dad. A broken 10 cent O-ring seal which made the suspension leak would set him back 750 Dutch Guilders back in 1974, that was about 1/3th of the price he payed to buy the car second hand. That was because even at the Citroën dealership they would need around 20 hours of work to replace that seal, and these were mechanics trained on that car. So instead he decided to trade the car in for a much simpler and less luxurious Citroën Ami 8 break, but even that car, with its suspension based on that of a 2CV, had a very smooth ride. The suspension used 2 longitudinal mounted coil springs connecting the front and rear wheel on each side, and working under tension rather than compression, when the front wheel on one side was lifted by a bump, the spring would pull on the rear wheel on the same side and push that down, it keeped the car level in that way. The same was achieved in the hydropneumatic suspension by displacing fluid form the front to the rear spring sphere and vice versa. The only other brand I know which used a hydropneumatic suspension was British Leyland, in cars made under the Austin and MG brands. They named it Hydragas suspension.

[@jackking5567]

Can confirm. I owned an Austin Allegro (please don't shoot me!) and although it was severely underpowered - overtaking was planned 2 miles beforehand - it was incredibly comfortable. Dropping off a kerbstone wasn't felt. The roads were silky smooth and it actually handled really well. The Allegro went on to make toasters because one day I put it into reverse and let out the clutch. The wheels moved as they should but the car remained stationary. All of the link arms and suspension had literally rotted out from the car body on both (front) sides. Rust and British cars went hand in hand.

[@stopglobalswarming]

You got jewed

[@ryoungatlmidotnet]

Mid-1960's through 1980 Rolls Royce used Citroen suspension bits for the Silver Shadow.

[@elroyfudbucker6806]

@@jackking5567 The hydragas system was passive in that there was no engine driven high pressure pump as in the Citroen.