Info für Besucher ohne Javascript

Premium

Citroën ID 19 in (historic) test - Almost earthly

This article was auto-translated. We apologize if some words are confusing or simply amusing. Would you like to help us improve?

Created on November 1, 1960

Text:

Heinz Kranz

Photos:

AR

2

Archiv

29

AR

2

Archiv

29

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Even long journeys are not too expensive with the ID, which is mainly due to its outstandingly low drag and long-stroke engine.

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Citroën ID 19 (1957) - less chrome, less luxury for the simpler model

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Even after three years without modifications, the "old" ID is still more than holding its own. The latest models have a 12-volt power supply and, if ordered, hydraulic power steering on board.

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Citroën ID 19 (1957) - identical in size and shape to the DS

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Citroën ID 19 (1957) - the ID for dad, the duck for the wife

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Citroën ID 19 (1957) - the mechanically simpler version of the DS

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

The spring comfort decreases in the highest position, but this position is rarely really used anyway.

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Still futuristic and unique even years after its launch - the ID 19, here an example from 1961.

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Citroën ID 19 (1959) - photographed near Lausanne

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Citroën ID 19 Luxe (1959) - photographed in Paris, on today's Voie Georges Pompidou

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

The exemplary chassis design is only pushed to its limits and beyond by very reckless cornering speeds.

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Citroën ID 19 (1959) - with DS hubcaps, together with a "real" DS 19 at the 1959 Geneva Motor Show

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

In keeping with the good long-distance characteristics of the ID 19, the seats are very soft and comfortable. Thanks to the fold-down backrests, they can even be transformed into a well-padded reclining surface.

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Citroën ID 19 (1957) - unchanged generous space

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Citroën ID 19 Luxe (1958) - almost American-style upholstery made of nylon fabric and vinyl

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Citroën ID 19 (1959) - Interior with conventional brake pedal

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

The interior cannot compete with the avant-garde exterior. It is mainly here that the ID shows its weaknesses, and the windscreen wipers are not entirely convincing either.

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

In addition to the ingenious single-spoke steering wheel, the front disc brakes also contribute to the high level of safety of the ID occupants.

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

This photo was taken at the 1960 Geneva Motor Show and shows the engine of a DS 19. For the ID, the four-cylinder engine originally installed in the Citroën 11 CV was reduced by nine hp to 66 hp.

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Citroën DS 19 (1956) - View into the trunk, taken in Geneva at the 1956 Geneva Motor Show

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Citroën ID 19 (1959) - Trunk volume

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Citroën ID 19 (1958) - another way to demonstrate the size of a trunk

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Citroën DS 19 (1956) - Curved rear window with clearly visible rear indicator light

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

As with the DS 19 from 1956 shown here, the rear mudguards can of course also be removed from the ID.

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Parts of the Citroën body at DS

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Citroën DS 19 (1960) - Plan drawing

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Citroën ID 19 Break (1960) - more practical, but perhaps a little less elegant than the sedan

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Citroën ID 19 Break (1960) - the rear seats could be folded down completely

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Citroën ID 19 (1959) - from a good family - Advertising for ID 19 and 2 CV

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Although the ID 19 is not a thoroughbred racing vehicle, its design is so advanced that it even celebrates success in this area.

You have only

1 out of 31

images seen in high resolution

Summary

The Citroën DS is undoubtedly one of the most advanced cars ever built. However, the revolutionary and much-acclaimed design with hydropneumatics, dual-circuit braking system and power steering posed problems for many mechanics and was initially met with skepticism. So in 1957 Citroën sent a somewhat more conventional and less expensive demigoddess onto the road in the form of the ID 19, which was showered with praise and thus impressively underlined the incredible progressiveness of the D-series. This article reproduces an original test report from 1960 and shows the ID 19 in extensive historical images and sales material.

This article contains the following chapters

Fairytale road holding
Heavy steering and yet light handling
Antique heart in a surrealistic body.
Seats... Armchair or couch
A great deal for security
Driving performance
Technical data and test results

Estimated reading time: 15min

Preview (beginning of the article)

Quite some time has passed since we had the pleasure of driving the technically more comfortable sister of today's test car - there's no other way to describe driving a car that's as sloppy and ingenious as a real bohemian. Our and other people's experiences have told us that the ID is more practical for our longitudes than the totally hydropneumatic goddess, but this is only half true since Citroën in Germany has managed to expand its after-sales service network a little more and thus go into more depth. After all, a normal workshop can deal with the ID far sooner if necessary, because the hydraulics are limited to the suspension, while the steering and gearbox are purely mechanical. The normal brake pedal is also easier for us to operate than the small knob on the goddess, whether it is to find the pedal instinctively in the event of danger or to use the brake with fine control.

Welcome to Zwischengas!

Continue reading this article for free?

Images of this article

Source: