Robert Puiseux, son-in-law of Edouard Michelin, takes the helm at Citroën and gives new impetus to the studies underway on the replacement for the Traction Avant.

The DS is unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in October 1955.

The new Citroën had been expected for some time but the project was shrouded in secrecy. With its original looks and design, the DS makes people stop and stare. It is equipped with power assisted brakes with discs at the front, power steering and a semi-automatic gearbox. Citroën takes 749 orders in just three quarters of an hour. By the end of the day, more than 12,000 cars have been sold.

The constant height hydropneumatic suspension, first introduced on the rear axle of the last 15 Six, sets new standards in comfort and efficiency. This system saves the life of General de Gaulle during an assassination attempt at Petit-Clamart in 1962. Despite a burst tyre, the driver of the presidential DS is able to keep control of the car and drive his passenger to safety. A Citroën enthusiast since his exile in London during the second world war, General de Gaulle always appreciated the Traction Avant and the DS.

Hydropneumatic and aerodynamic

GAS and LIQUID

A work of art on wheels, the DS revolutionises the automotive world when it is unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in 1955. It is also a leap forward for Citroen, whose range at this time comprises the 2CV and the Traction Avant. The complexity of the hydraulic suspension control system, as well as the clutch, gears, and brakes, are a challenge for mechanics, but the effort is worthwhile, as this very same system of hydropneumatic suspension provides the basis for the highly successful GS, CX, and BX, and is now combined with electronic and IT technology to endow cars such as the Xantia and XM with superlative roadholding qualities.

Citroen continues to break new ground in the 1970s. With the Dyane, Méhari, and Ami 8, the Marque continues to develop models based on the 2CV, the first of which was the Ami 6 in 1961. In 1970, Citroen unveils the SM, a coupe whose bold styling lines make it a reference to this day. The new car boasts a V6 Maserati engine, hydropneumatic suspension, four power-operated disc brakes and power steering with servo return slaved to vehicle speed. The SM is a volume production car with a top speed of over 200 kilometres per hour.

Also in 1970, Citroen brings out the GS, a mid-range family saloon. Boasting the same constant-height hydropneumatic suspension as the SM, it is the world's most aerodynamic production car. Connoisseurs are quick to recognise the qualities of the GS, which celebrates its debut year with no less than eight international prizes, including the Art and Industry Prize, the European Car of the Year Award, the British Car of the Year Award, the the Style Auto Award.