Citroën DS

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May 2016 - Available again after a long absence!
The most radical of Citroën’s idiosyncratic offerings, the DS was sensational when it was introduced in 1955. Twenty years and 1.45 million cars later it was still technically advanced in relation to most other cars. Revolutionary in driving characteristics and comfort, it remains one of the most innovative cars of all time.
In this book Malcolm Bobbitt, a well-known motoring author and DS owner, gives an in-depth guide to the Citroën DS - its history, design and specifications, as well as valuable advice for buyers and owners. This long overdue revised edition contains much new and updated information.

As every Citroën enthusiast must be aware, 2005 represents the fiftieth anniversary of the launch of the DS.  I had fully expected a plethora of new books on the subject but surprisingly there appears to be only this one new English language work available.
I must admit I approached this book with mixed feelings.  Malcolm is a friend of mine and if truth be told, his last book on the DS disappointed me.   At the time, I asked the question “Does the world need another book about the DS?” and inevitably I repeated this question to myself this time round.  The story of the DS has been exhaustively covered already and there can’t possibly be anything new to write about.
But then it occurred to me that this book does have a market since John Reynolds’ masterpiece is long out of print and most of the rest of the DS books available are in French.
The book is beautifully presented with 225 colour and 50 monochrome pictures; many of which have not been seen before.  The book covers the development of prototypes and production cars with all the variants being covered and, unlike John Reynolds’ book, an entire chapter is dedicated to the car’s not inconsiderable sporting achievements.  The SM (sadly without any pictures of the DSport or the development mules) is also given a chapter, as are the DS’ contemporary rivals.  There is a chapter that provides useful hints on buying and running a DS together with a useful list of UK businesses and clubs that can assist.
I have but two minor gripes: the lack of serial numbers to assist in identification; and the lack of an in-depth technical explanation of the hydraulic system.
Even if the story is familiar to many, there are plenty out there who will take delight in discovering for the first time the twists and turns that led to the creation of an unique motor car.  Those who already know the story will still find fresh revelations in these pages and Malcolm’s easy prose and the mix of fresh and familiar pictures, together with a refreshing lay out make this book a joy to own.  

This book comes strongly recommended.

Julian Marsh

June 2005