6. Citroen DS
Imagine being transported back to the year 1955, to the Paris Auto Show. There were many cars on display, but most of them were warmed-up pre-war designs. They all had common engines and drivetrain choices, but nothing interesting. Suddenly, at Citroen’s booth was the new DS. It came with a self-leveling hydropneumatic suspension, front-wheel drive and a futuristic interior. It also had an aerodynamic design, and a lightweight aluminum hood and plastic roof.
For all visitors to the 1955 Paris Auto Show, the Citroen DS wasn’t just a car, but a vision of the future landing in France. This was exactly what Citroen intended. They designed the DS as a family sedan, but it was also the most innovative car in the world. Customers accepted the futuristic model and by the end of the first day of the car show, they placed over 18,000 orders for the new DS model.
Citroen also sold the DS in America where consumers considered it a technical marvel, giving it some modest success on the market. Despite all the advantages of its basic design, Citroen had problems with the underpowered four-cylinder engine and complicated mechanics, so American sales were slow. However, in all other parts of the world, they received the DS well, selling over 1.5 million of the before ceasing production in 1975.