"La Déesse"
- Designed by the Italian sculptor Bertoni and engineered as only the
French can
- First model year: 1955, with some changes to the front fendors and headlights
in 1966 (as above)
1970 DS21 Pallas
- Fourth owner, purchased in 1985 at 48,000 miles (first and only car
owned by me)
- 108,000 current miles, driven often (except in salt)
- Full leather interior; manual four-speed on the column
- "European" turning headlights; rotary a/c compressor with
fender-mounted condensors; relocated pressure regulator
- Recent Repairs: yes
- Current Needs: please don't ask
- Availability for Sale: not on your life
DS FAQs
Q1: Does it really go up and down [accompanied by hand motion]:
A: [Sigh] Yes. It has a hydraulic suspension, without shocks or springs.
It has a servo-controlled leveler, which assures the same ride height no
matter the load. Sort of cybernetic, you see.
Q2: Where do you find parts?
A: Hey, what makes you think I need parts?
Q3: Where do you get it serviced?
A: Ah, good question. There is a great guy nearby (Lance Hellman) for everything
except major engine things. For that I will need to drive 4 hours to New
York State, probably in a month or so...
Q4: Is it true that the car had major innovations years ahead of its
time?
A: Emphatically, yes. Front-wheel drive, in-board front disk brakes, "cab
forward" (as Chrysler now calls it), aerodynamic design (0.38 drag
coefficient), curved front bumper.... sorry, internet download time doesn't
allow a complete list.
Q5: Is it true that you consider the process of changing a tire, which
does not require a jack, to be a mystical experience? If so, why?
A: Unquestionably: because of that last moment, when the car leans heavily
away from you and lastly lifts its wheels off the ground for you - c'est
magnifique.
2 November 95
2006 Update: Citroën as a Prop for a Cybernetic Talk
2006 Update: Dr Wires drives the Citroën
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