- Seller: Tedd Z
- Location: Hales Corners, Wisconsin
- Mileage: 64,284 Shown
- Chassis #: 4404366
- Title Status: Clean
- Engine: 1.9-Liter 4-Cylinder
- Transmission: 4-Speed Manual
Few cars have created such a sensation upon their release as the Citroën DS19. From its unique, aerodynamically efficient styling to its radical suspension, the DS pushed the boundaries of what was possible in automotive engineering. It enjoyed an extended production run in various forms, and the DS19 even tasted success in world rally competition. This 1963 DS19, which is titled a 1964 model, would make an excellent project candidate or parts car. The current owner has coaxed its engine back to life and has performed other work to give the winning bidder an excellent starting point. He also includes a selection of Manuals and other reference material so that the buyer won’t be in the dark tackling the tasks required to return the Citroën to its rightful place on our roads. The time has come for the DS19 to find a new home, so the owner has listed it exclusively with us at Barn Finds Auctions.
Citroën launched its DS range at the 1955 Paris Motor Show and was overwhelmed by the public’s response to its latest model which had been under development for almost two decades. By the time the Show’s doors closed, Citroën found itself with deposits for over 80,000 cars, and it would take over sixty years for that record to fall. Our feature DS19 left the factory in 1963, although it is titled as a 1964 model. The car’s Green and White exterior makes a positive first impression, with no significant bumps or bruises. The paint retains a pleasant shine, and with no panel rust, leaving the exterior untouched to create a survivor-grade look is a viable option to consider. The owner is honest about the presence of rust in the floors, and examining the image gallery will reveal that while there is steel penetration, this French classic’s floors aren’t like Swiss cheese. The trim looks pretty respectable for a survivor-grade restoration, and the glass is clear. The seller has already replaced the tires, plus had the wheels stripped and painted, rebuilt the generator, and replaced the battery.
One aspect of the DS19 that received universally positive reviews was the interior comfort. It isn’t loaded with the types of options that you might typically expect in a luxury car from this period, but the seats are wonderfully supportive, and the ride is almost eerily smooth. This Citroën’s interior requires a retrim because its upholstered surfaces have seen better days. Interestingly, almost everything required to return the inside of this classic to its factory form is readily available, but the buyer should be prepared for the fact that they may need to source at least some of the items from overseas via one of the specialist organizations that will ship internationally. There are plenty to choose from, and most get positive online reviews from satisfied customers.
Citroën elected to power the DS19 with a 1,911cc four that sends 85hp and 105 ft/lbs of torque to the front wheels via a four-speed transaxle. The company had extensive experience with this layout, courtesy of models like the successful Traction Avant. However, what set the DS19 apart from the competition was its suspension setup. Citroën chose to forego traditional springs and shocks, equipping these classics with innovative hydropneumatic springs and dampers with self-leveling and driver-adjustable ride height. The company also mounted the front disc brakes inboard to reduce unsprung weight which improved suspension response. France was continuing to work through a rebuilding program following the end of World War II, and it is fair to say that the country’s roads were typically very rough when the DS hit the market. However, the DS19 would cope with these surfaces better than virtually any production car, including the legendary 2CV. The owner revived this Citroën after it spent over forty years in storage under the care of its previous owner. He returned the engine to a running state, restored the wheels, and fitted five new Blockley tires. Also new is the battery, and the generator is freshly rebuilt. The car isn’t roadworthy, because the brakes are inoperative. The owner includes a wide selection of manuals and other literature (in English) that will help the winning bidder negotiate their way through the restoration process. The buyer will also receive a range of additional parts, including another transaxle.
This 1963 Citroën DS19 won’t appeal to all tastes, but that is true of almost any classic. However, these cars enjoy a strong following among enthusiasts with European leanings. One of the great attractions of the DS19 is that it is exceptionally robust, which is largely due to the amazing suspension system that cushions the mechanical components (and the occupants) from the worst that rough roads can throw at it. This gem deserves better than to spend decades in isolation, and the current owner is doing his bit to ensure that it returns to its rightful place on our roads. You could play your part by submitting a bid and I will understand if you do.
Bid On This Auction
Lido5 bid $100.00 2025-03-18 11:18:10
Never had a DS, but have had half a dozen BXs and Xantias so can vouch for the fabulosity of the suspension! The going up/down suspension is also good for bemusing small children who don’t think that cars can go up and down…
Once you get your head around the thinking of it, the plumbing ceases to be scary.
Go for it! Marvel in the floatiness!
I really dig these cars and would love to own one. But not a project car. Sorting my Detroit cars is challenging enough!
The front inboard disc brakes are quite complex and when stuck are hard to service, but I’ve learned a lot of ways to get them out and working better than original, if anyone’s interested in hearing about them. My first car was the cheap ID19, with only the hydropneumatic suspension – no power steering or power brakes – just a standard master cylinder with fluid reservoir screwed to its top. But that car taught me most of what I know today after first learning about these cars in 1962. Still driving and restoring them today. This car can be saved and by the owner if he’s willing to do some mechanical and sheet metal work. With the brakes fixed, it can be a driver until rust repair can be done and other details fixed.
French maids, yes. Citroen, no.
Great color and absolutely worth restoring. These cars are magical.
Has the suspension been touched? Is it functional at all?
Any under hood shots?
I have a scruffy ’67 and it’s been an unreasonably reliable driver over the years. Engine/transmission are bomb-proof. Hydraulics are simple enough but with LHS, this will need rebuilt spheres and a flush at the minimum. No worse than a forklift or skid steer, but you need to adjust your thinking to the Citroen way.
Parts are very available via several sources in the US like Javel, Rudy (citroendsparts), Brad Nauss, etc. Rust is the killer but this one doesn’t look scary if it’s just limited to the flat surfaces of the floor and not inside the complex box sections.
As a kid I was fascinated with the design of these cars. To me they look like a frog (not you, Frog). And the directional signal light up on the roof was captivating. One thing, though, that I really hated was the weird looking steering wheel. Not being very mechanical at the time I wasn’t really interested in the mechanics of the car which I have since learned were very advanced for the time. I remember an ad of a Citroën driving with only three wheels. One of the rear wheels was completely missing but the car was still drivable. Funny the things we remember.
Fifty plus years ago my girlfriend had one of these, a DS19, and I had a 2CV. Hilarious vehicles, nothing like a Detroit ride. Perhaps the best element of ownership was the support, skill and cultural references of the mechanic in Oakland who had the parts and a little shop to keep these things on the road. Originally from Algeria, had to move, went to a South American country, had to move, finally settled down in the USA and was extremely cautious and circumspect regarding all the radical politics bandied about in the area at the time. Once I was at his shop at lunchtime. He unbuttons the coveralls and beneath he is wearing a white shirt and a tie. Slices a loaf of bread, serves the cheese and fruit, and pours a glass of wine. Very cool guy. George Sayeh, European Auto Works, on Telegraph Avenue. My favorite mechanic of all time. And the cars are great.
Living in Germany in 1970, I was moving and was waiting for the movers. Three guys showed up in white shirts, coats, ties and small suit cases. They came in, took off their coats, put on their overalls and began packing. I was impressed!
On August 22, 1962, French President Charles De Gaullie and his wife were being driven in a Citroen DS in a Paris suburb when they were attacked. The Citroen was able to out drive the attackers. Credit was given to the suspension of the Citroen.
I respect others thoughts on these vehicles but in my eyes they are definitely in the top 2 most ugly cars I have ever layed eyes on!
Iconic car ahead of its time in every respect!
Back in 76′ a friend of mine finally got his worked, 69′ Camaro on the road and went for a test ride around the corner. Got to the red light on his block, popped the clutch, and buried his car right into a brand new, parked, Citroen. It was a 4 door and he entered it right at the back edge of the driver’s passenger door, and buried it touching the dashboard before he stopped. He was complaining to a buddy driving with him, I kept turning the wheel but it wouldn’t turn?!? A kid sitting on the park bench came over and said, That was so cool, you popped a wheelie right into that car… Hence, not being able to steer the car…