Classic Rides Season 1 Episode 17 Citroen DS

Classic Rides season 1 episode 17 pays homage to the iconic French Citroen DS.

Hosted by the charming Tim Strange, this episode takes viewers on a journey of cultural significance, exploring how the DS was much more than just a car. With its innovative engineering, it holds a storied place in the history of the automobile industry and France as a whole.

The episode starts with the story behind the DS' initial concept. A team of Citroen designers had to pull out all the stops to come up with a vehicle that would appeal to the public after the Guerre d'Algerie. The DS, with its futuristic design and hydraulic suspensions, was instantly adored, earning it the nickname "The Goddess."

Tim travels to France to meet with other Citroen enthusiasts and learn more about the impact that the car made. In Paris, he visits the Citroen showroom and admires the stunning DS19, described as one of the most iconic models. Underneath its sleek lines, he learns about the DS's unique technological features, such as its new and complex hydraulic suspension system which allowed for a buttery smooth ride.

Tim goes on to chat with passionate Citroen experts and collectors, many of whom have devoted large parts of their lives to the car brand. He gets a glimpse of different DS models, from the early DS21 Pallas to the DS5, a newer model that still draws inspiration from the original.

The episode also explores the DS as an emblem of French culture and an iconic symbol of French design. With its futuristic curves, chrome detailing, and unconventional mechanics, the DS became a beacon of French innovation and style during a time of cultural and political upheaval.

As he learns more about the DS, Tim takes a ride in a restored 1967 DS21, where he experiences first-hand the car's unparalleled performance and luxury. Driving through quaint French towns, Tim gets a feeling of what it was like to drive the vehicle during its heydey, while passing locals honk and give him and the car the thumbs-up.

Overall, Classic Rides season 1 episode 17 is a tribute to the most revered French-designed car, and the team behind its creation. It showcases the DS's continued relevance and importance today and reminds us of its significant contribution to the history of the automotive industry.