After 18 years of secret development, the DS 19 was introduced on 5th October 1955 at the Paris Motor Show.

In the first 15 minutes of the show, 743 orders were taken and orders for the first day totalled 12,000 cars.

To a France still deep in reconstruction after the devastation of World War II, the DS was a symbol of French ingenuity.

It was the first mass-production car with front power disc brakes.

It also featured hydro pneumatic suspension including an automatic self-levelling system, variable ground clearance, power-steering, a semi-automatic transmission and a fibreglass roof which reduced weight.

It also sported inboard front brakes as well as independent suspension.

Despite the rather leisurely acceleration afforded by its four-cylinder engine, the DS was successful in motorsports like rallying, where sustained speeds on poor surfaces are paramount.

It won the Monte Carlo Rally in 1959 and, controversially in 1966, after the disqualification of the BMC Mini Cooper team...