French Car Voted Coolest Car of All Time, Beating Ferrari and Porsche

The Citroën DS has been named the coolest car of all time in a reader poll conducted by Auto Express. The victory for the French model marks a departure from typical rankings that often favor high-performance luxury brands such as Ferrari or Porsche.

The poll results highlight a preference for the Citroën DS’s unique blend of mid-century aesthetics and pioneering engineering over the raw speed or exclusivity associated with traditional supercars. The vehicle, whose name is a play on the French word for goddess (déesse), is recognized for its significant impact on automotive design and technology.

A Legacy of Technical Innovation

First introduced in 1955, the Citroën DS was regarded as a technological masterpiece upon its release. It remained in production for 20 years, until 1975, with approximately 1.46 million units built during that period.

The car is best known for its avant-garde styling and the introduction of advanced systems that were far ahead of their time. Most notable among these was its sophisticated hydropneumatic suspension, which provided an unprecedented level of ride comfort and stability by automatically adjusting the car’s ride height.

Beyond its suspension, the DS introduced several other innovations that influenced future vehicle development, including directional headlights and a semi-automatic transmission, which contributed to its reputation as a visionary piece of machinery.

Market Value and Accessibility

The current market for the Citroën DS reflects its status as a highly coveted collector’s item. While some entry-level examples may be found at lower price points, high-quality, UK-based models can command prices exceeding £100,000.

This wide range in valuation underscores the car’s transition from a mass-market French vehicle to a prized asset for automotive enthusiasts and historians.

Influence on Modern Design

The enduring appeal of the DS continues to influence the current automotive landscape. The premium French brand DS, which spun off from Citroën, has looked to the original model for inspiration in its quest to establish a luxury identity.

Olivier François, the head of DS, has previously discussed plans for a new premium flagship luxury saloon. This project is intended to be an aero-focused homage to the original 1960s Citroën DS, aiming to replicate the original’s success by blending radical design with modern efficiency.

This effort to revive the spirit of the DS suggests that the original’s “cool” factor is not merely a matter of nostalgia, but a blueprint for future luxury vehicle development, particularly as the industry pivots toward alternative fuels and synthetic energy sources.