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The aged goddess - Citroën ID 19 in the (historic) test

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Created on March 20, 1965

Text:

Clauspeter Becker

Photos:

Archiv

11

Archiv

11

Citroën IDéal 19 (1963) - excellent winter performance thanks to front-wheel drive and hydropneumatics

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Citroën ID 19 (1965) - side view

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Citroën ID 19 (1965) - Front view

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Citroën ID 19 (1965) - rear view

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Citroën ID 19 (1964) - black windshield rubber, white steering wheel and small hubcaps distinguish it from the DS

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Citroën ID 19 (1965) - much simpler dashboard with shrink lacquer instead of artificial leather

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Citroën ID 19 (1965) - now with black dashboard and black steering wheel

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Citroën DS 19 (1963) - feudal back seat

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Citroën DS 19 (1963) - View into the trunk

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Citroën DS 19 (1963) - View into the engine compartment with the four-cylinder engine

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Citroën ID 19 (1963) - suitable for forest roads thanks to height-adjustable chassis

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Summary

Can a car that was highly advanced when it was presented still be convincing almost ten years later? Of course it can. Even as the affordable ID 19, Citroën's "goddess" was still in a class of its own in terms of driving comfort and safety in the mid-sixties. With power assistance for the steering and brakes, the former economy model was no longer so economical. The only real point of criticism was as old as the car itself: the tired engine. In this historical test report, the weaknesses and talents of the big Citroën are explained in detail.

This article contains the following chapters

Has the long gestation period paid off?
The engine
Gearbox
Clutch
Suspension
Steering
Brakes
Riding characteristics
Equipment and the like
Technical data & measurements

Estimated reading time: 20min

Preview (beginning of the article)

There are not many cars that are granted the privilege of being honored with a test to celebrate their tenth birthday. However, it is almost unique for a vehicle of this age to be described as "technically ahead of its time". It seems almost miraculous, but it is anything but a miracle. The great Citroën was only lucky enough to be as modern as it could be ten years ago - with the exception of the engine. Subsequently, this car proved that nothing is as durable as real progress. And there is no doubt that the great Citroën taught a clear lesson to all those who tinker with their cars every two years and pretend they are doing something new.

Welcome to Zwischengas!

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