Citroen DS I Cabriolet Chapron 19 (83 Hp)


Overall Rating

7.4 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 3.5 / 5
Value 4.5 / 5
Performance 2.5 / 5
Comfort 5.0 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

Citroen DS:

The Citroën DS is a front mid-engined, front-wheel drive executive car manufactured and marketed by Citroën from 1955 to 1975, in fastback/sedan, wagon/estate, and convertible body configurations, across a single generation comprising three series.
Marketed with a less expensive variant, the Citroën ID, the DS was known for its aerodynamic, futuristic body design; unorthodox, quirky, and innovative technology. It set new standards in ride quality, handling, and braking, thanks to both being the first mass production car equipped with hydropneumatic suspension, as well as disc brakes. The 1967 Series 3 also introduced directional headlights to automotive mass-production....(Read more on Wikipedia)

I Cabriolet Chapron Overview:

Citroen DS (I Cabriolet Chapron). With 142 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Weighing only 1280 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. A convertible car with a retractable roof, offering open-air driving experiences. Seating for 2 makes it ideal for daily use.

19 (83 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

This 83 Hp variant offers adequate power for comfortable cruising, perfectly suiting the DS Cabriolet's grand touring character. While not a performance car, it provides smooth acceleration for its era.

Fuel Economy

Fuel economy is typical for a 1960s carbureted engine of this displacement. Expect moderate consumption, especially given its age and intended use for leisurely drives.

Best Use Case: Leisure Cruising / Scenic Drives

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Iconic and timeless design
  • • Unparalleled ride comfort due to hydropneumatic suspension
  • • High collector's value and prestige
  • • Advanced engineering for its era
  • • Luxurious and unique open-top experience

Cons:

  • • Complex hydropneumatic system requires specialized maintenance
  • • Parts can be scarce and expensive
  • • Performance is modest by modern standards
  • • Lack of modern safety features
  • • Fuel economy is not a strong point

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(I: 1961 - 1962).

General:
Brand:Citroen
Model:DS
Generation:I Cabriolet Chapron
Modification (Engine):19 (83 Hp)
Start of production:1962
End of production:1964
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Cabriolet
Seats:2
Doors:2
Engine:
Power:83 Hp @ 4500 rpm.
Power per litre:43.4 Hp/l
Torque:142 Nm @ 3000 rpm.
Engine displacement:1911
Number of cylinders:4
Engine configuration:Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:2
Fuel injection system:Carburettor
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Engine oil capacity:4 l
Coolant:11 l
Engine layout:Front, Longitudinal
Cylinder Bore:78 mm mm
Piston Stroke:100 mm mm
Compression ratio:7.5:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Weight-to-power ratio:15.4 kg/Hp, 64.8 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:9 kg/Nm, 110.9 Nm/tonne
Space:
Kerb Weight:1280
Fuel tank capacity:65 l
Size:
Length:4820 mm mm [20mm more]
Width:1790 mm mm [Same width.]
Height:1450 mm mm [20mm less]
Wheelbase:3125 mm mm [Same wheelbase.]
Front track:1500 mm
Rear (Back) track:1300 mm
Minimum turning circle (turning diameter):11 m [above average]
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelFront wheel drive
Number of gears4
Transmission typeManual
Front brakesDisc [bad for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDrum [bad for performance and cooling.]
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Front suspensionHydro-pneumatic element
Rear suspensionHydro-pneumatic element

Have you ever driven an Citroen DS?
How was your experience with it? Share with us: