Coys Auction - Spring Classics
Royal Horticultural Halls
Elverton St
Westminster
London SW1
Thursday 11 March 2010
Registration Number: MUF 754F Chassis Number: 4482058
After eighteen years of development in secret as the successor to the venerable Traction Avant, the DS 19 was introduced on October 5th 1955 at the Paris Motor Show. The car’s appearance and innovative engineering captured the imagination of the public and the automobile industry almost overnight; 743 orders were taken in the first 15 minutes of the show and orders for the first day amounted to 12,000.
Far from being just a fascinating technology in search of a purpose, contemporary journalists were effusive in noting how the DS dramatically pushed the envelope in the ride versus handling compromise possible in a motor vehicle. A fibreglass roof reduced weight while inboard front brakes (allied to independent suspension) also reduced un-sprung weight. Different front and rear track widths and tyre sizes mini