Pré-Série États-Unis

Almost everyone is familiar with Citroën’s ID and DS models, as their design is simply extraordinary and magnificent. When the DS (*Déesse*—French for “Goddess”) was unveiled at the 1955 Paris Motor Show, over 80,000 signed purchase contracts had been secured by the time the exhibition ended! With its unconventional design, hydropneumatic suspension, high-pressure braking system, power steering, semi-automatic transmission, and numerous other features, the DS was arguably the greatest sensation in the history of automotive engineering. In 1957, the decision was made to offer a simpler, more affordable version; this model was introduced as the ID, available in *Normale*, *Luxe*, and *Confort* trim levels. Today, it is often difficult to distinguish a DS from an ID, as the cars look very similar; furthermore, so many vehicles have been modified over the years that even experts struggle to tell the variants apart. Early ID models featured an unpainted, light-colored, translucent plastic roof and no headliner at all. Following their sensational success, the D-series models were even offered in the USA. There, the cars cost as much as a Cadillac equipped with a V8 engine, air conditioning, and significantly more power. Nevertheless, the Citroën DS was regarded in the US at the time as a truly luxurious, high-end vehicle. Given the high price tag, it is hardly surprising that out of a total of 1,455,746 vehicles produced, only 38,000 were sold in the USA. This figure includes the ID models sold there starting in 1958. Citroën faced significant challenges in obtaining US type approval, as the innovative car did not align with American regulatory standards. Disc brakes, high-pressure hydraulics, a plastic roof—such features were simply beyond the imagination of the time. However, Citroën persisted and adapted the cars for the American market. Distinguishing exterior features include different taillights and different turn signals at the front and rear. The roof panel on the American vehicles is made of aluminum rather than plastic; consequently, it had to be painted, even on the ID models. The ID models were fitted with the seats, wheel covers, and carpeting from the DS, as well as the smooth, painted B- and C-pillar trim found on vehicles originally designated in France for the so-called “DS Administration”—government service. Although the ID outsold the DS in the USA (customers and repair shops alike struggled with the semi-automatic transmission), the target sales volume of 8,000 units per year was never reached. In the first year, 1958, 1,733 ID units were sold in the United States, followed by 4,200 in 1959.

This particular ID 19 Grand Route—”Grand Route” being the US sales designation for the “Confort” trim level—is almost certainly one of the pre-production cars intended for the US market. In fact, its chassis number identifies it as one of the very first ID vehicles destined for the USA. We first transported the car to Berlin from its previous owner in 2022 using our tow truck; while it was still being unloaded, it was spontaneously purchased by one of our customers who happened to be on-site. The previous owner had bought the car in 2014 from a “manic” DS collector in the French-speaking region of Switzerland. The car was in original condition, though the passing decades had inevitably left their mark. It was completely disassembled at the DS-Manufaktur in Brensbach—whose head is an acquaintance of our managing director. The bodywork was stripped of old paint and refurbished, then treated with a cathodic dip coating (KTL) and finished with a top-quality paint job. The engine—along with all mechanical components—has been restored, and the interior has been upholstered in dark green leather, departing from the original specification. Combined with the green-tinted glass and the ivory-colored steering wheel and interior controls, the result is a truly stylish and magnificent vehicle. The reassembly was carried out to the highest possible standard. The hydraulic system was converted to use the later green LHM fluid, yet all hydraulic components were painted black to preserve the original appearance. The car was retrofitted with original power steering, the electrical system was upgraded to 12 volts, and a maintenance-free electronic distributor was installed. Additionally, a heated rear window was added. The period-correct radio is fully functional and has been equipped with a mobile phone connection. The result is a car that presents itself like new—offering a level of build quality that the factory almost certainly never achieved in production. It is an incredible vehicle of a quality certainly not seen in standard Citroën production of that era—though perhaps it *was* present in this specific pre-production model, as it may well have been intended for the press.

After the client purchased the car in 2022, we fully restored a DS Cabriolet for him—a vehicle that had been with its original owner in Berlin (!). This comprehensive restoration took around four years, which is not unusual for a project of this scope. Now that the cabriolet is finished, he has asked us to resell his unique ID. This offers you the opportunity to acquire a fully restored early ID at a price well below the cost of restoration; it is not only ready for immediate use but—thanks to a professional conversion to LHM fluid and a 12-volt electrical system—is as practical to drive as a D-model from the 1970s.

We subject every vehicle to a systematic inspection—covering everything from the bodywork and engine to the electrical system. Based on this, we prepare three different package options. You decide which offer best suits your needs.

Économie – €32,900
Inspected, roadworthy vehicle with historic vehicle certification (H-plate status) and a valid inspection (TÜV) until April 2027.

Standard – €49,900
Includes everything in the Économie package, plus a major service (including oil change and new battery) and a fresh inspection.

Suprême – €54,000
Includes everything in the Standard package, plus a newly painted roof and wax-based cavity and underbody preservation.

We would be happy to send you the details of these three options, or simply give us a call and we can explain everything to you personally.