1961 CITROEN DS DS 19

The 1961 DS19 is extremely rare. Built for just a single year, it's the only DS with its distinctive "ashtray wings". A chrome grille for the air intake into the cabin.

The 1961 model has only just benefited for the past 2 years from a 12V electrical system in place of the weak 6V from the early DS days! Moreover, it now benefits from a proper high-pressure pump, replacing the low-pressure one, and many other details that make the car far more reliable, especially over longer distances.

The owner brought his DS to us in a pitiful state. The rear parcel shelf was only held in place by its trim... So the chassis was restored from A to Z. And we couldn't stop there! The doors and other components deserved restoration as well. Next it went for a respray to recover its original Larch Green colour. Meanwhile, its original interior was restored with the same (refabricated) "rust" coloured fabric that matched its bodywork tone.

On the first outings, the owner found more things that still needed doing!

Since then, this DS19 has been fitted with an engine completely overhauled from A to Z.

The synchro rings and all the gearbox bearings were replaced by the specialist.

2 drive shafts and both pivots were fitted with new period-correct parts (!)

The wiring loom behind the dashboard was replaced. The starter and dynamo were overhauled, the radiator fitted with a new core. All hoses were replaced with new ones. Electronic 1-2-3 ignition, cleaned carburettor, new fuel tank and fuel system.

Hydraulic pump, standard centrifugal regulator and all new spheres. Brake calipers overhauled, entire circuit flushed and hydraulic fluid replaced.

4 new Michelin X400 tyres.

Nothing has been left to chance! German MOT with zero defects.

The car is viewable in Koblenz, Germany, 540km from Paris, 330km from Strasbourg