In the world of classic cars, few names carry as much reverence, or as much gentle wonder as the Citroën DS. First launched in 1955, by the early 1970s the DS21 had matured into one of the most technologically advanced and stylish cars on the road. Its influence wasn’t just mechanical, but cultural. A symbol of ingenuity, elegance and a very particular kind of driving experience that still feels futuristic today.
The DS21 was a car that startled people the moment it appeared. Its flowing aerodynamic lines and sleek silhouette looked less like a vehicle and more like a concept from twenty years in the future. Beneath that distinctive body lay innovations that set it far apart from its contemporaries. Most notable was the hydropneumatic self‑levelling suspension system, a Citroën breakthrough that gave the DS a ride quality unlike anything else, so smooth and poised it felt like gliding on air. Disc brakes and advanced steering assistance added to its confident, composed road manners.
Even its headlights were ahead of their time. From 1967, certain DS models featured swivelling directional headlights that could tilt into corners to improve night‑time visibility a feature that wouldn’t become common on other cars for decades.
No wonder the DS earned almost mythical status among motoring enthusiasts. The philosopher Roland Barthes wrote of the Citroën DS that it was “the almost exact equivalent of the great Gothic cathedrals” — a bold comparison perhaps, but one that conveys the passion and admiration the DS inspired among its early devotees.
This wasn’t just innovation for its own sake. The DS21’s blend of comfort, handling and design made it a favourite with those who demanded more from their travel than mere transportation. Heads of state and monarchs favoured the DS Pallas and bespoke versions for official duties, and one of the more extravagant adaptations the Présidentielle by coachbuilder Henri Chapron was built for France’s Élysée Palace and later used in state occasions and celebrations.
It’s easy to see how a car like this came to be woven into cinematic and cultural narratives. Decades after its launch, the DS21 was used on screen and in period drama to evoke class, sophistication, and an unmistakable European flair. One such example is the 1970 Citroën DS21 featured in the film Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy — a presence that reinforces the car’s enduring style and timelessness.
At RNG Classics we’re thrilled to offer our own 1970 Citroën DS21 Pallas from our 1970s collection. Finished with that iconic sculptural body and rich interior, it’s a chance not just to see a classic, but to feel it, the soft suspension, the graceful curves, the subtle confidence of a car that was decades ahead of its time.
Driving a DS21 is unlike driving any other classic. It’s not just about nostalgia it’s about engaging with a piece of automotive history that challenged convention and still impresses today. And when you glide over the road in one, it’s easy to understand why so many dignitaries, royalty and automotive lovers placed their trust in this remarkable machine.
So whether you’re a fan of French design, engineering innovation, or cars with real character, the DS21 is a story worth experiencing. Come take this extraordinary car for a day and discover for yourself why it’s more than a classic; it’s a legend that still feels alive!
