Citroen DS: The Complete Story (Crowood Autoclassics) Hardcover – June 4, 1999

This book is far better value than the "original citroen DS' book, that so many want ridiculous money for since it is out of print.It does a nice job of going over the history of the car, has some useful appendix section and is a worthwhile purchase if you're interested in learning about the DS, or you already know a bit and want to dive into more detail.More info can be found in this more detailed book review:[...]

This is THE complete book on the Citroen DS models. Well written with great color and b&w photos. If you want a history of this famous marque's model DS, there is no better book than this one! A MUST own book for your automotive library.

It is almost impossible to believe that 50 years have passed since Citroen shocked the establishment by introducing the DS.Although Pressnell's history of this fascinating car is far from new, it is worth looking at because of the car's half-centenary. He starts by giving a short history of Citroen, and also includes a table of events which runs until the publication date of the book. This serves as a guide to the part the DS played in Citroen's history. The first chapter also tells the story of Citroen before the DS. However, if you want the full account of those days, it is better to wait for his soon-to-be-released book of the Traction Avant, which should be essential reading for any Citroen enthusiast.The history of the DS is described in detail, and he even explains the origin of the DS name. Unusually, he also gives a full account of the DS models that were available for the British market. Moreover, he also discusses the models that were available in other markets, ableit in less detail. Thankfully, his information about the South African market is correct.Special-bodied versions are also discussed, but one wonders if these are fondly remembered, because they look far worse than the original models. However, they were produced, and they had to be featured.If you are going to restore a DS, you need detailed guidelines on how to go about it, because it is such a complex car. Therefore, not everybody is capable of completing such a project successfully. Fortunately, a lot of detail is given on purchasing and restoration, and there is no doubt that this information is indispensable.It has been said a hundred times before, but it needs to be repeated: the DS is an acquired taste that soon becomes a passion. If you have acquired the taste for this stunning piece of automotive genius, you had better get this book while it is still available, or else hope that it will be reprinted.

This is my choice over the similar book by John Reynolds, owing to its better writing. The other book definitely has better pictures, and probably more details like fabric swatches for the various years, but this one delves deeper into the story behind the car, telling tales of the people responsible. And uncovers some interesting facts from deep within the Citroen archives and interviews with the principals. It also benefits from the long professional automotive journalist career of its author, as the writing is very polished.Americans won't find much on our tiny market, but may enjoy deciphering the British colloquialisms scattered throughout. Like "If Hotchkiss had not bottled out, the ...could have not only anticipated the DS but beaten it hollow."

Hello,I can recommend this book for people who want to learn more about the story of the DS, people behind it and the evolution of the project. You can find a lot of facts concerning the mechanics and the styling. Lots of stories about the launch of production and all versions. It's not a book dedicated to the technical side, it just tells a story of the most astonishing car in the history. Good print, interesting photographs. Hope you enjoy it.RegardsSlawek

...the plasticy wannabe that haunts the streets, missing the mark and too conventional,THE Dee Esse is THE big Citroen to own and covert. Idiosyncratic, curious and misunderstood as only a big French Saloon car can be.This book covers its development from the early sketches to production along with its spin off designs that became CX, XM and SM.The most complex of designs compared to the average 1960's hack supplied by Ford or Vauxhall. The Leyland 1800/2200 and Three litre aped the fluid suspension but lacked self levelling control and powered braking, the 3-litre did have a form of self levelling but it was not as 'sorted' as the simple setup that Citroen used. Complex in their way but as sophisticated as a hammer in comparison to any model of the DS.DS still looks good, a car that appears to be travelling at 70whilst standing still. Not many achieve that with their designs.IF you ever wondered what made this car an icon whilst in production this book with explain it.

This book is full of interesting details and secret stories behind the birth of the most beautiful car ever produced. It's also an useful reading for whoever wants to better understand the struggle that accompanies every great project. Dreams may be made of stardust but when it's down to make them come true, it's a hell of a hard work. This is a story of endurance, learning, sweat and genius. Fantastic and entertaining.

Beautifully written, photographed and illustrated. I thoroughly enjoyed this... One of the world's most advanced and standout cars highlighted perfectly.

A competant survey of one of the key vehicles in production after WW 2. A must for any collector of the marque, or for those contemplating the purchase of a DS Citroen.

Das Buch ist 1999 erschienen und somit schon was älter. Ich habe zwar schon einige andere Bücher zum Thema DS, aber trotzdem waren mir manche der angesprochenen Themen neu. Das Buch ist leicht verständlich und gut lesbar, auch die Gliederung ist gut. Allerdings ist die Original-Auflage mittlerweile vergriffen und in der jetzigen Ausgabe steht "Printed in India, 2011). Die Papierqualität ist noch OK, aber die Wiedergabe der Fotos ist ziemlich schlecht. Die Fotos sind fast nur schwarz-weiss, dabei oft unscharf und alle sehr blass (hellgrau bis dunkelgrau). Da hat man an der falschen Stelle gespart...