Customer Reviews

Citroen DS: The Complete Story (Crowood Autoclassics)

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This is my choice over the similar book by John Reynolds, owing to its better writing. The other book definitely has better pictures, and probably more details like fabric swatches for the various years, but this one delves deeper into the story behind the car, telling tales of the people responsible. And uncovers some interesting facts from deep within the Citroen archives and interviews with the principals. It also benefits from the long professional automotive journalist career of its author, as the writing is very polished.

Americans won't find much on our tiny market, but may enjoy deciphering the British colloquialisms scattered throughout. Like "If Hotchkiss had not bottled out, the ...could have not only anticipated the DS but beaten it hollow."

It is almost impossible to believe that 50 years have passed since Citroen shocked the establishment by introducing the DS.

Although Pressnell's history of this fascinating car is far from new, it is worth looking at because of the car's half-centenary. He starts by giving a short history of Citroen, and also includes a table of events which runs until the publication date of the book. This serves as a guide to the part the DS played in Citroen's history. The first chapter also tells the story of Citroen before the DS. However, if you want the full account of those days, it is better to wait for his soon-to-be-released book of the Traction Avant, which should be essential reading for any Citroen enthusiast.

The history of the DS is described in detail, and he even explains the origin of the DS name. Unusually, he also gives a full account of the DS models that were available for the British market. Moreover, he also discusses the models that were available in other markets, ableit in less detail. Thankfully, his information about the South African market is correct.

Special-bodied versions are also discussed, but one wonders if these are fondly remembered, because they look far worse than the original models. However, they were produced, and they had to be featured.

If you are going to restore a DS, you need detailed guidelines on how to go about it, because it is such a complex car. Therefore, not everybody is capable of completing such a project successfully. Fortunately, a lot of detail is given on purchasing and restoration, and there is no doubt that this information is indispensable.

It has been said a hundred times before, but it needs to be repeated: the DS is an acquired taste that soon becomes a passion. If you have acquired the taste for this stunning piece of automotive genius, you had better get this book while it is still available, or else hope that it will be reprinted.

Hello,
I can recommend this book for people who want to learn more about the story of the DS, people behind it and the evolution of the project. You can find a lot of facts concerning the mechanics and the styling. Lots of stories about the launch of production and all versions. It's not a book dedicated to the technical side, it just tells a story of the most astonishing car in the history. Good print, interesting photographs. Hope you enjoy it.
Regards
Slawek