During a special tour of the Citroën 'Conservatoire' in Aulnay, near Paris, France, Auto123.com was given an exclusive look at two mythical Citroëns DS -- Charles de Gaulle’s presidential car and Bjorn Waldegaard’s ice racing car.
The idea of a presidential limousine had long been resting in the minds of Citroën executives. One day, they asked Robert Opron to design it and coachbuilder Henri Chapron to build it. Finally, in 1968, a year marked by great agitation in France, the presidential DS was delivered.
First of all, the doors open wide, which means that you don’t have to contort your body in any way in order to step inside. That’s great because, as you know, chiefs of state are not really experts in gymnastics.
Inside this 2.7-ton, 6.53-meter long monster, you’ll find soft carpeting, precious wood trim, leather everywhere, unparalleled comfort as well as an incredibly-smooth ride.
"Very seldom do we allow people to sit inside, but come on in, be my guest," said Denis Huille, director of the Conservatoire.
The rear-seat cushions were precisely measured and designed to accommodate the endless legs of General de Gaulle. How comfortable!
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| The stunning presidential DS of De Gaulle. |
The idea of a presidential limousine had long been resting in the minds of Citroën executives. One day, they asked Robert Opron to design it and coachbuilder Henri Chapron to build it. Finally, in 1968, a year marked by great agitation in France, the presidential DS was delivered.
First of all, the doors open wide, which means that you don’t have to contort your body in any way in order to step inside. That’s great because, as you know, chiefs of state are not really experts in gymnastics.
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| The roomy interior filled with leather and wood. |
Inside this 2.7-ton, 6.53-meter long monster, you’ll find soft carpeting, precious wood trim, leather everywhere, unparalleled comfort as well as an incredibly-smooth ride.
"Very seldom do we allow people to sit inside, but come on in, be my guest," said Denis Huille, director of the Conservatoire.
The rear-seat cushions were precisely measured and designed to accommodate the endless legs of General de Gaulle. How comfortable!
 |