First choice of the French Presidency..
It will be brought together at the DS Automobiles stand. DS and SM models, which have formed a strong bond with the Presidency of the French Republic over the years, will crown many presidential models that reflect this deep-rooted cooperation with a photo exhibition.
Commenting on the fair, DS Automobiles CEO Xavier Peugeot said, “The 50th Retromobile is an excellent opportunity to showcase our historical cooperation with the Presidency of the French Republic. In this journey from General de Gaulle’s DS to PRESIDENTIAL DS N°8, DS Automobiles continues to stand next to the Élysée Palace with its impressive models symbolizing French excellence.”
The 50th Retromobile Fair will feature 4 extraordinary presidential cars signed by DS Automobiles:
DS 21 PALLAS (1965), used by General de Gaulle: Produced at the Javel factory in the 15th arrondissement of Paris on September 29, 1965, this DS 21 PALLAS was used by the President of France, General de Gaulle, between 1959 and 1969. The car, which was put into service on October 2, 1965 with the plate number 1737 RX 75, had special equipment for official use. These equipment included side sunshades for the rear seats, flag holders added to the front bumper, and the badge and document holder on the instrument panel. This DS 21 PALLAS was used mostly in General de Gaulle’s travels between the Élysée Palace and his residence in Colombey-les-Deux-Églises (Haute-Marne). In November 1967, the car was sold to the manager of the Colombey-les-Deux-Églises dairy cooperative and remained in his family’s ownership until 2021. After changing hands, DS 21 PALLAS was sold at auction in October 2023 for 59 thousand 40 Euros. The car, which was completely restored in the last two years while remaining true to its historical texture, was exhibited in the garden of the Élysée Palace as part of the European Heritage Days last September.
DS 21 with a length of 6.53 meters
PRESIDENTIAL DS 21 (1968): To replace the limousine produced in 1955 by coachbuilder Franay using the Traction Avant chassis, the Presidency of the Republic ordered a new ceremonial car, which was delivered to the Élysée Palace on 14 November 1968. This unique, long DS 21 met particularly stringent technical requirements, including the requirement that it be larger than the car driven by the US President. This Presidential DS 21, designed by the Quai de Javel team and then fitted out by coachbuilder Henri Chapron, was the subject of a press release published on 13 November 1968: “Designed for official use (ceremonies and corteges), this new car with registration plate 1 PR 75 is a front-wheel drive Citroën with hydropneumatic suspension, equipped with a special body and layout. It is 6.53 meters long and wide. It is 2.13 meters. It has the capacity to move uninterruptedly for hours at very low speeds (during official parades), even at the highest temperatures.”
This model, which stands out with its Trade Wind Gray color and silver gray roof, also draws attention with its extremely assertive features for that period, such as the innovative lighting system (4 headlights including 2 long-range diode auxiliary headlights), sliding lights on the rear indicators, illuminated side flags and the illuminated emblem placed on the hood. Inside, the Presidential DS 21 offers exceptional comfort and elegance. There is a curved glass partition that separates the driver and assistant from the rear passengers. The interior is completely covered with brown leather upholstery and is equipped with electric windows and air conditioning. In addition to direct and indirect lighting, there is also an intercom system and mini bar. Thanks to its 3.78-meter wheelbase, an extremely large living space is offered in the rear. While this space allows two or even three passengers to sit comfortably, there is also a folding seat positioned towards the passengers and this seat is designed to be used for the interpreter when necessary.
Automobile Magazine – English
