70 years of Citroën DS: a stylish tribute on the streets of Paris

October 21, 2025

Gathering at Parc André Citroën

On October 18 and 19, 2025, over 200 proud owners gathered their showpieces at Parc André Citroën. There the finest examples of the DS – from early models with the characteristic “frog nose” to later versions with the sleek lines – stood gleaming in the autumn sunshine.

The international composition was striking: more than 70 percent of the participating cars came from all over Europe, with a remarkably large Dutch delegation of some fifty cars. DS Automobiles and L’Aventure DS, the organization that manages the heritage of DS and SM, were also present with a number of special models and concept cars.

A classic with class

A perfect DS is now a valuable possession: some versions are valued at more than 200,000 euros. The DS stands not only for elegance, but also for a unique piece of French engineering and design that was ahead of its time. At the event were four extra special models from the rich DS heritage:

DS 19 ‘ELV 31’ (1955) – the oldest known DS in the world, a hand-built pre-production model from the former factory on the Quai de Javel.
DS 19 Balloons (1959) – a fanciful concept car without an engine, resting on balloons symbolizing hydropneumatic suspension.
ID 19 UK (1961) – a rare right-hand drive version from the Citroën factory in Slough, England.
DS 21 Pallas (1968) – a demonstration vehicle with the updated front with double headlights, as presented at the 1967 Motor Show.

In addition, DS Automobiles and L’Aventure DS showed the new DS N°4 and the DS N°8. Two spectacular concept cars, the DS AERO SPORT LOUNGE and the DS E-TENSE PERFORMANCE, showed what the future of the brand looks like: avant-garde, sustainable and powerful, with up to 815 hp of electric power.

Concours d’élégance

One of the highlights on Saturday was the concours d’élégance, in which 25 exceptional DS models were presented by female owners. The jury was led by Henri-Jacques Citroën, grandson of brand founder André Citroën. The highlight followed on Sunday: a parade of 200 DSs through the center of Paris, under police escort. The procession departed from Avenue Foch and passed iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe and the Louvre. Along the route, spectators stood cheering and waving as if movie stars were driving by. Remarkable detail: just an hour earlier, a spectacular jewel robbery took place at the Louvre. Coincidence or not, at least it provided a special anecdote for the participants.

Floating through Paris

The two-day event evoked deep emotions for many. For the French public, it was a nostalgic trip back to their youth; for the participants, a proud tribute to their carefully maintained heritage. Because one thing is certain: the feeling of comfort, the graceful gliding over Parisian asphalt – that floating character of the Citroën DS – remains unsurpassed even seventy years later.

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