DS AUTOMOBILES AND L’AVENTURE DS JOIN CLUB PARIDS TO CELEBRATE THE 70TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE DS, AN ICON OF DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY

• On 18 and 19 October 2025, Club ParIDS will mark the 70^th anniversary of the legendary DS with a Platinum Jubilee in the Parc André Citroën (15^th arrondissement) and through the streets of Paris.

• 200 DS models will be brought together in the French capital, with more than 70% arriving from across Europe.

• DS Automobiles and L'Aventure DS will support Club ParIDS by exhibiting the DS E-TENSE PERFORMANCE concept car  as well as its latest creations, DS N°8 and DS N°4, alongside a number of DS models with remarkable histories.

 

70 years after its unveiling beneath the glass roof of the Grand Palais, the DS remains an icon of automotive design and innovation. A true French legend, it will be celebrated on 18 and 19 October at the very place of its birth: the Parc André Citroën, in the 15^th arrondissement of Paris. The site, once home to the Quai de Javel factory, where the DS was mostly produced from 1955 until 24 April 1975, when the 1,330,755^th and final example – a Delta Blue DS 23 Pallas Electronic Injection – rolled off the assembly line. In total 1,456,115 DS and ID models were produced from 1955 to 1975.

 

Organised by the ParIDS Club with the support of DS Automobiles and L’Aventure DS, the DS Platinum Jubilee will feature a series of highlights around more than 200 cars, all arriving by road from across Europe. Visitors will have the opportunity to admire cars from the private collectors present as well as a selection of rare DS models displayed in the Parc André Citroën’s expansive greenhouses.

 

“In line with the major events organised in 2005 for the 50^th anniversary and in 2015 for the 60^th anniversary, our ParIDS club is committed to celebrating the 2025 70^th anniversary of the DS, the eternal symbol of automotive art and technology. The fact that more than 200 hand-picked DS cars are being brought together in the Parc André Citroën, where the DS was born and manufactured in the former Javel factories, is something that’s particularly stirring. We’ve built our programme in the middle of this iconic place, and we are now looking forward to these two days that will make history for our club.”

Didier PARJADIS, Club ParIDS President

 

DS Automobiles and L'Aventure DS support Club ParIDS

DS Automobiles and L'Aventure DS, responsible for managing DS and SM heritage, are supporting Club ParIDS in organising this historic weekend, making several special models available for the event.

Citation en cours de validation

"We are particularly pleased to support these two days that celebrating our automotive heritage. Bringing together 200 DS cars around concept cars, our two new models DS N°8 and DS N°4, and historic models once again allows us to be enthralled by the DS. A true rolling manifesto of French excellence, the DS continues to be a remarkable source of inspiration for DS Automobiles."

Xavier PEUGEOT, DS Automobiles CEO

 

The DS Automobiles exhibition and L'Aventure DS during the DS Platinum Jubilee

In addition to the 200 DS cars gathered for this celebration, DS Automobiles and L'Aventure DS will be exhibiting special models representing the history of the DS as well as the present and future of the Brand in the Parc André Citroën’s greenhouses.

The following DS models will be on display:

DS 19 “ELV 31” - 1955

The oldest known DS in the world

This pre-production car was built by hand in mid-1955 in a secret location of the Quai de Javel factory known as “Le bocal”. It was here that the first DS “ELV” models were born. These three letters representing cars not intended for sale. This unique example, which does not feature adjustable ride height, initially remained at the factory before serving as a shuttle car between Paris and La Ferté Vidame. After many years in storage, it joined the Aulnay-sous-Bois Museum in 2001 and is now part  L’Aventure DS collection.

 

DS 19 Balloons - 1959

Concept car with no engine

This iconic model was initially conceived in 1959 by Claude Puech, then Citroën’s advertising director. A faithful reconstruction was carried out in 2024 by the GARAC (the National School of Automotive and Mobility Professions). The DS Balloons, which was also featured on the poster for the last Retromobile, is a DS 19 in a tortoiseshell blonde colour with a Carrara white roof, identical to the colours chosen in 1959. It sits on four massive balloons instead of wheels to represent the legendary comfort of the DS. Photos of this visionary concept have been seen around the world, reinforcing the DS’s reputation as an avant-garde and timeless work of art.

 

ID 19 UK version - 1961

A rare right-hand drive DS

Faced taxes on imported vehicles into the United Kingdom, the French manufacturer established its own assembly plant in Slough (west of London) which opened in February 1926. From 1956 the plant assembled DS models including this right-hand drive ID. Regulations imposed requiring a quota of locally produced parts in the assembly of foreign cars gave a very “British” personality to the models coming off the Slough production lines. Their meticulous finish and traditional leather upholstery making them luxurious cars. This ID differs  from the French versions, particularly in the front design and interior, which features a more conventional dashboard. This makes it an atypical DS that is  an absolute must-see.

 

DS 21 Pallas – 1968 

Concept car with no engine - Corsair Re

In September 1967, the front end of all DS models was redesigned, featuring four faired-in headlights, along with modified wings, bonnet, bumper and valance. This redesign posed a significant challenge for the designers at the Rue du Théâtre, the Citroën design office, Paris’s 15^th arrondissement.  With the redesign the French manufacturer demonstrated once again its innovative spirit in automotive design, introducing the famous directional headlights, underlining its ability to innovate to make its cars safer. The DS 21 Pallas presented here was originally showcased at the 1967 Paris Motor Show to promote the new swivelling headlights. For the 50^th anniversary of the DS in 2005, it was renovated and modified on the driver’s side to allow visitors to experience its comfort firsthand. Several thousand people have been able to test the comfort of this DS 21 Pallas at various events.

 

Also on display:

DS N°4, the new DS Automobiles creation

DS N°4 redefines the standards for premium compact hatchbacks with a unique balance of bold design, handling, exceptional comfort and advanced technology. DS N°4 is the only premium multi-energy compact hatchback available as a hybrid, plug-in hybrid or in the new 100% electric E -TENSE version.

 

DS N°8, the Brand’s new 100% electric flagship offering up to 466 miles of range

DS N°8 marks a bold step into a new electric era for DS Automobiles. With a  range of up to 466 miles it is available for handover at the EUREXPO test centre. DS N°8 ushers in a new electric era, with a daring aerodynamic design for  efficiency, a refined, high-tech interior and emphasis on total dynamic serenity. DS N°8 is available in PALLAS, ÉTOILE and JULES VERNE Collection trim levels  with two battery capacities combined with a 2 or 4-wheel drive transmission, for an output of up to 350 hp.

 

Alongside the concept car: DS E-TENSE PERFORMANCE

Unveiled in February 2022, this creation is conceived as a very high-performance laboratory aimed at accelerating the development of technology for DS Automobiles’ designs.

Designed, developed and created by DS PERFORMANCE - the racing division of DS Automobiles – following back-to-back Teams’ and Drivers in Formula E, DS E-TENSE PERFORMANCE features a carbon body, a 600 kW (815 hp) dual electric motor and four-wheel drive.

The chassis, powertrain and battery feature innovative solutions, tested to fuel the development of future generations of the 100% electric E-TENSE production models.

DS E-TENSE PERFORMANCE received the Chantilly Arts & Elegance Richard Mille Innovation Award in September 2022 and won the Concept of the Year trophy at the GQ CAR AWARDS 2023.

 

The Platinum Jubilee programme – Celebrating 70 Years of the DS

On the  morning of 18 October, from 10 am, participants will be welcomed to the Platinum Jubilee. More than 70% of the cars entered will arrive from several European countries, with participants travelling from, amongst other countries,  the Netherlands, Germany, the United Kingdom and Italy

Following a special lunch for collectors, the afternoon from 2.30 pm will feature a concours d'élégance celebrating  the DS through a tribute to femininity. Twenty-five special examples will be presented by passionate women, each submitting their car for evaluation by a prestigious jury chaired by Henri-Jacques Citroën, grandson of the eponymous Brand’s founder.

On Sunday morning, a grand parade will take place, featuring all 200 DS cars registered for the event travelling a unique route through the streets of Paris. Starting from the top of Avenue Foch, the route will take them to the Parc André Citroën, passing the city’s iconic landmarks along the way.

After the parade, the public will have the opportunity view the 200 DS cars at the Parc André Citroën and attend the prize-giving ceremony for the Concours d'Elégance, which will take place from 2.30 pm. This will be the conclusion of  two historic and unforgettable days for enthusiast in DS Automobile’s rich history.

 

 

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PRESS CONTACTS

 

Krystyna Perry – Head of PR DS Automobiles UK   krystyna.perry@stellantis.com 07710 062 783 

Manesh Taank – PR Manager DS Automobiles UK manesh.taank@stellantis.com 07841 569 038 

 

ABOUT DS AUTOMOBILES

Founded in Paris in 2014, DS Automobiles is a premium brand aiming to embody the French art of travel. Thanks to an exceptional heritage, exemplified by the 1955 DS and enriched by the wealth of French culture, DS Automobiles offers a global and diverse range with DS 3, N° 4, DS 7 and N°8. 

Designed for a clientele seeking something different, who want to travel the world and enjoy every moment, DS creations stand out through their charismatic style, interior refinement, sophisticated technology and first-class comfort. Combined with a suite of bespoke services, they offer a unique brand experience before, during and after each journey. 

With numerous records since its entry into Formula E in 2015, including two double Teams’ and Drivers’ titles, DS Automobiles is at the forefront of electrification and sells each of its models in an electrified version. The Brand offers 100% electric drivetrains as well as self-charging and plug-in hybrids with up to 360 horsepower and 4-wheel drive. In 2025, DS Automobiles is accelerating its transition to electric by launching N°4 with 279 miles of range and N°8, the new DS flagship providing up to 466 miles of range.

With a presence in 40 countries, the DS brand has an exclusive distribution network that includes nearly 450 DS STORES around the world.

 

Follow news from DS on www.DSautomobiles.co.uk and @DS_UK

 

ABOUT L’AVENTURE DS AUTOMOBILES

L'Aventure DS Automobiles, an entity of the L'AVENTURE PEUGEOT CITROËN DS association, brings together collectors, clubs, and associations dedicated to the ID, DS, and SM cars. These three iconic models have marked automotive history with their aesthetics and technical uniqueness. It is the atypical, exclusive, and innovative characteristics of the ID, DS, and SM that have shaped the DNA of the DS Automobiles brand.

Meetings, events, advice and support for maintenance and restoration, parts and documentation supplies, L'Aventure DS Automobiles offers the full range of services expected by enthusiasts of the three models, in France and around the world!

https://laventure-association.com/laventure-ds-automobiles/

 

 

ABOUT CLUB PARIDS

The ParIDS Club is based in the Île-de-France, a large area around Paris, and aims to bring together DS and SM collectors from the Île-de-France. What better way to symbolize the ParIDS Club's Parisian roots than with the Jubilee parade in October 2005, which saw nearly 2,000 Historic DSs from around the world parade from the Arc de Triomphe to the Eiffel Tower!

www.paridsclub.com