Quirk Database1950sFranceStreamliner / space-age
Citroën DS
The Citroën DS is a saloon, estate and cabriolet made by Citroën in France from 1955 to 1975. Its weirdest quirk: The brake isn't a pedal. It's a little rubber button on the floor that barely moves.
One high-pressure hydraulic system runs the suspension, the brakes, the steering and (on many cars) the gearchange. The brake is a rubber mushroom on the floor. It still looks like it was beamed in from 1990.
Quick facts
- Maker: Citroën
- Years: 1955–1975
- Country of origin: France
- Body type: Saloon, estate and cabriolet
- Weirdest quirk: The brake isn't a pedal. It's a little rubber button on the floor that barely moves.
- Sold prices logged: 5 (latest: $10,000 at Bring a Trailer, Oct 2, 2026)
- Full story: Citroën DS: The Car That Ran Its Brakes, Steering, Gearbox and Suspension Off One Hydraulic System
Sold prices
| Date | Venue | Car | Price | Mileage | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bring a Trailer | 1972 Citroën DS21 | $10,000 | 83k mi shown | Result for 1972 Citroën DS21 at Bring a Trailer ↗ | |
| Bring a Trailer | Euro 1970 Citroën DS21 IE Pallas | $38,000 | ~20k mi (32k km) shown | Result for Euro 1970 Citroën DS21 IE Pallas at Bring a Trailer ↗ | |
| Bring a Trailer | Euro 1974 Citroën D Special 4-Speed | $32,500 | ~800 mi shown on rolled odometer | Result for Euro 1974 Citroën D Special 4-Speed at Bring a Trailer ↗ | |
| Bring a Trailer | Euro 1958 Citroën DS19 | £38,000 | ~52k mi (84k km) shown | Result for Euro 1958 Citroën DS19 at Bring a Trailer ↗ | |
| Cars & Bids | 1972 Citroën DS21 | $24,000Sold after auction | ~36,700 mi shown | Result for 1972 Citroën DS21 at Cars & Bids ↗ |
Prices as published by each auction site, in the currency the car sold in. "TMU" means total mileage unknown.