1972 Citroën DS21 Super 5 Electronique
Flaminio Bertoni’s aerodynamic styling and André Lefèbvre’s engineering created one of the most technologically advanced production cars when the DS was introduced in 1955.
It was among the first mass-produced automobiles to feature front disc brakes, while its hydropneumatic self-leveling suspension delivered exceptional ride quality regardless of load or road conditions.
That same high-pressure hydraulic system also powered the steering, braking, and transmission functions, with Rolls-Royce later licensing the technology for use in its own luxury models.
The 1967 facelift, overseen by Robert Opron, introduced the DS’s most recognizable visual update. Directional headlights were placed behind a smooth glass canopy, with the inner pair swiveling in response to steering input to illuminate corners.
A fiberglass roof panel lowered the center of gravity, while different front and rear track widths contributed to improved stability and handling.
The DS21 variant used a 133 cubic inch (2.2-liter) inline-four engine. In Electronique form, Bosch D-Jetronic fuel injection raised output to approximately 139 horsepower (SAE gross), driving the front wheels through Citroën’s rare five-speed manual transmission designated “Super 5.” This made the DS21 Electronique one of the most advanced front-wheel-drive sedans of its era.
The name itself reflected French admiration for the design (DS pronounced “Déesse,” meaning “Goddess”). Production of the DS range spanned 1955 to 1975, totaling approximately 1.45 million examples across sedan, wagon, and convertible configurations.
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