I have been working on and selling these cars new and used since 1957-I was the Dealer in Central Penna.from 1964 until Citroen folded in the US .

The last year of production was 1975.

The DS19 started production in 1955-it was a sensation-they had many teething problems and ongoing updates over the next 10 years,the body and suspension remained outwardly the same-mechanically there were thousands of changes --the most important were to the shifting and declutching-1962 saw the first major changes-the transmission was not fully syncro until 1966-

Sept 66 in Europe-Introduction of LHM fluid--(Lubricating huile mineral)--------USA models did not recieve the new LHM -(green fluid) MINERAL OIL--until June 1969 we called them the 691/2 model--up until this time the USA cars had Lockheed brake fluid (Vegetable Base) and corrosive--it was the only fluid available to appease the US Government Automotive standards for brake fluid as the Citroen hydraulic fluid was also a fluid of  similar type called (LHS) lubricating huile synthetic and the hydraulic units were painted BLACK V/S GREEN-so as not to make a mistake in adding fluid (It Happened) and it destroyed the rubber seals.

The Ds was available in standard shift from the late 1960s (62 ) if my memory is correct?

The ID or Ideal as the French called it came on the scene in sep 1957-it was a standard shift for buyers who were intimidated by the DS shift-It was a much lower priced plain jane car.

the US model DS  std shift was called the Grand Route-the French designation was BVM boite vitesse manual--the hydraulic shift (no clutch pedal)-was the DS 19 or 21 depending on the engine size-French designation BVH boite vitesse hydraulic.The transmission shifting and clutch engagement -re-engagement is by hydraulic servos partially controlled by the driver by a small gear shift lever placed on the dash in front of the steering wheel.

Driving the Id is pretty simple just follow the directions and start it up using the hand choke for cold starts-and depress the clutch, select a gear and drive as you would any standard shift-The Id was always a 4 speed on the column-on USA cars and they had no power assist brakes or steering until the mid 1960s -if the steering wheel wrapper  is black instead of  IVORY- it will be power assist--if the brake pedal is lower than the clutch pedal it will be power brake equipped. The DS used a round pedal and are always power assist--also they are always power assisted steering.  The Ds requires some learning in shifting and the adjustments must be made as normal maintenance-I have listed these in an article on GOOGLE-called CITROMATIC Magic--so I will not include them here to save space.The DS is a DRIVERS car-and the transmission , clutching  and shifting can be very sporting if you take the time to read and adjust you car to my specs-The ride ,Braking and handling are superb-It has won many ralleys against many sporting machines-and not to be sneered at. It is a Family mans sports car-PERFECT- ''It is not''-No car that I Know is--But a D model Citroen is a car that will put a smile on your face guaranteed-you just need to find a good one -many hacks have played with some of the ones that are out there -a lot of good ones remain-parts are no problems-tons of them were made and sold world wide-read my othe review on buying one. The one in the picture is a 1972 (last model before Citroen pulled out of the USA--DS 21 Pallas-the most luxurious one -the pallas was top line -best leather and everything -not cheap vynil-and all stainless trim -thick carpets and tons of creature comforts--downside -all the new updated items have been squeezed into the 1955 chassis and engine compartment-GOOD STUFF-all the D model parts are  quickly removable, fenders doors and roof unbolt-for replacement or service --all body parts can be on the ground in about 2 hrs leaving a driveable chassis and all the parts adjust for alignment -a truly amazing and easy car to work on.

The Handeling,brakes and RIDE are outstanding as is the rack and pinion steering-SAFETY is # 1 with this car-I have never had a customer injured seriously in any collision over the last 40 odd years-The heater is weak as is the a/c--not a big deal to the French back then-THE best a/c was the double condenser model by Coolaire -fitted here by the Citroen dealers in the late 1970s-(The European models used a unit made by Chausson and were factory fitted)-NEVER AVAILABLE HERE.--the early USA ones with condensers in front of the radiator were useless and caused overheating and blown head gaskets.

The new engine With 5 main bearings  from -1966 on is an indestructible 5 main bearing  wet sleeve unit-The gearbox - as it came from the factory--was used on Lotus racing cars as well as Maserati Merak-and some special Peugeot race cars -It's all syncro and all gears run on roller (needle)-bearings. the clutch is a heavy duty unit. the Suspension and Drive train mechanics are well proven and near bullet proof --The tin worm is its worst enemy and ''well meaning'' ?? tinkerers-

These cars were everyday drivers to a lot of people -some still are -most are now collector items.

As it is -the way it came from the factory it is one of the best all around cars I have ever owned.

1966 on thru 1975 were in my opinion the best made.

The early models rode much softer but had teething problems-with the Hydraulics-(leaks) nothing that can't be fixed though-the engine was an older type -proven and reliable but -nothing compared to the newer unit launched in Sept 1965.

Buying one on EBAY ??-Ask SELLER for  good quality Photos-and close ups of specific areas ''if they won't comply''-- ''FORGET IT''

A-- "NICE " -D model Citroen will be a Very good investment.

RED D