Citroën ID: The Unsung Hero of French Motoring

When one thinks of revolutionary French automobiles, the Citroën DS almost invariably springs to mind. Its futuristic design, innovative hydraulics, and unparalleled ride quality captivated the world upon its debut. Yet, behind the shimmering spotlight of the 'Goddess,' there existed a quieter, more pragmatic sibling that, in many respects, played an even more crucial role in democratising Citroën's advanced engineering: the Citroën ID. Often mistaken for its more famous counterpart, the ID was a masterclass in strategic simplification, designed to broaden the appeal of Citroën's groundbreaking saloon and address some of the initial complexities that accompanied the DS's radical innovations.

The story of the ID is intrinsically linked to the grand unveiling of the DS19 at the Paris Motor Show in October 1955. The public’s reaction was nothing short of hysterical. Thousands of orders poured in on the first day alone, a testament to the car’s revolutionary appearance and its myriad of technological advancements. The DS19 was innovative in virtually every aspect, save for its engine, thanks to its sophisticated hydraulic system that powered the suspension, steering, brakes, and even the gearbox. This meant a complete rethinking of the driving experience, almost requiring drivers to relearn how to operate a car. The DS was, without doubt, building its legend.

The DS Legacy and Early Challenges

Despite its sensational launch, the DS19's early days were not without significant hurdles. The hydraulic fluid initially used, known as LHS (Liqueur Hydraulique Synthétique), was notorious for its corrosive properties. This red-coloured fluid had an unfortunate tendency to corrode metal components and eat away at paintwork, leading to numerous leaks across the system. These leaks were a persistent source of breakdowns, causing considerable frustration for early adopters. Furthermore, it quickly became apparent that Citroën's dealer network was ill-equipped to handle the intricate repairs required by the DS's advanced systems. Mechanics, accustomed to simpler, more conventional vehicles, struggled to diagnose and rectify the complex hydraulic issues.

Recognising that the very innovations intended to define the DS could, paradoxically, jeopardise its long-term success, Citroën's management made a crucial decision. They opted to introduce a new model that would share the DS's stunning, avant-garde bodywork but would be significantly less reliant on the full hydraulic system. This move served a dual purpose: it aimed to mitigate the negative experiences of the first wave of DS customers and, crucially, to make their revolutionary large saloon more accessible to a wider market. This strategic pivot paved the way for the Citroën ID, a car that would quietly outsell its more celebrated sibling and truly embed the 'Goddess' shape into the popular imagination. The situation was further improved from 1959 onwards, when the LHS fluid was significantly improved, and later replaced by the greener, far more stable LHM (Liqueur Hydraulique Minérale), which largely eliminated the risk of leaks.

Introducing the ID: Accessibility and Simplicity

The Citroën ID made its debut in 1957, just two years after the DS. From an external perspective, it was virtually indistinguishable from the DS, maintaining the iconic flowing lines and distinctive silhouette. However, beneath the skin, the ID was a very different machine, embodying a philosophy of simplicity and practicality. While it retained the DS's revolutionary hydraulic suspension, many of the other hydraulic complexities were stripped away, replaced by more conventional mechanical systems.

The ID19 was powered by a less potent version of Citroën's 1.9-litre 'Serie D' four-cylinder engine. Producing 66 horsepower, it featured a single-barrel carburettor, in contrast to the DS's double-barrel unit. Despite this reduction in power, the ID19 managed to maintain comparable performance to the DS19 due to a significant reduction in weight resulting from its simplification. This made it not only more affordable but also, arguably, less intimidating for drivers accustomed to traditional controls.

The interior of the ID also reflected its more utilitarian purpose. While still comfortable, it eschewed some of the luxurious appointments found in the DS, opting for more durable and straightforward finishes. Perhaps ironically, the most basic trim level of the ID was named 'ID19 Luxe' – a clever marketing move by Citroën that subtly elevated the perception of even its entry-level offering.

Technical Divergence: DS vs. ID

The core differences between the DS and ID lay in their engineering philosophies. While the DS embraced hydraulic power for almost every function, the ID selectively applied it, focusing on the suspension to retain the characteristic 'magic carpet' ride, while reverting to more conventional systems for other operations.

Braking and Steering

On the DS, the brakes were operated by a peculiar 'mushroom' pedal that required a light touch and offered little conventional feel, integrated into the hydraulic system. The ID, however, reverted to a standard, familiar brake pedal, providing a more intuitive and reassuring feel for many drivers. Similarly, the DS featured hydraulic power steering, renowned for its lightness and precision. The ID, in contrast, utilised conventional mechanical steering, which, while heavier, was straightforward and familiar to most motorists.

Gearbox and Clutch

One of the most significant distinctions was in the powertrain. The DS famously featured a hydraulically operated gearbox, which, while innovative, could be a source of complexity. The ID, on the other hand, was exclusively fitted with a manual gearbox, complete with a traditional clutch pedal. This made the ID a much more conventional car to drive, reducing the learning curve for new owners and simplifying maintenance for mechanics.

Comparative Table: DS vs. ID Key Differences

Evolution and Renaming

Over the years, the ID range evolved, with various trim levels being introduced, though always positioned a step below the top-tier DS models. In 1969, a slightly more powerful version, the ID20, was added to the lineup, offering more performance for those who desired it. However, the name 'ID' itself was destined for retirement. In 1970, Citroën streamlined its nomenclature, and the ID models were rebranded to align more closely with the DS. The ID19 became the 'DSpécial,' while the ID20 was renamed the 'DSuper.'

Both the DSpécial and DSuper models continued to be manufactured alongside the DS until 1975, marking the end of an era for this iconic family of vehicles. Despite the name change, the core philosophy of the ID – offering a more straightforward, accessible version of the DS – remained intact, proving its enduring appeal and commercial viability.

Spotting the Differences: ID vs. DS

For the uninitiated, distinguishing between a Citroën DS and an ID (or its later DSpécial/DSuper derivatives) can be challenging due to their shared bodywork. However, there are a few simple tells that allow enthusiasts and collectors to differentiate between the two:

• Chevron Badge Colour: The most straightforward visual cue is the colour of the Citroën chevron badge on the grille. DS models consistently featured gold-coloured chevrons, signifying their premium status. In contrast, ID models were adorned with silver-coloured chevrons.
• Brake Pedal: As mentioned, the brake pedal offers a tactile confirmation. The DS has its distinctive 'mushroom' pedal, requiring a unique braking technique. The ID, on the other hand, features a conventional, elongated brake pedal.
• Gearbox: Perhaps the most definitive mechanical difference is the gearbox. The ID was exclusively offered with a conventional manual gearbox and a classic clutch pedal, whereas the DS could be found with the more complex hydraulically operated manual or semi-automatic gearbox.

Beyond the standard saloon, the ID platform also spawned several highly desirable derivatives. Most notably, the practical and spacious 'Break' (estate) version, which became a staple for families and businesses alike. There were also factory-produced cabriolet versions, crafted by the renowned coachbuilder Chapron, which today command significant collector interest.

Production Figures: The ID's Quiet Victory

When it comes to sheer volume, the Citroën ID quietly outshone its more famous sibling. Between 1955 and 1975, a total of 1,455,746 DS/ID models of all types were produced. While precise figures can vary slightly between sources, it is widely reported that the ID models accounted for a significant majority of this production. According to available data, approximately 835,666 ID units were manufactured, a simple subtraction revealing that the ID indeed outsold the DS. This remarkable sales performance underscores the ID's strategic importance and its role in broadening Citroën's market reach.

It's also worth noting the existence of unique regional variants, such as the 'ID Parisienne' produced in Australia between 1961 and 1966 (AM 67). With an estimated production run of between 1,350 and 1,500 units, these Australian-assembled IDs are particularly sought after by collectors today, representing a fascinating footnote in the ID's global journey.

Legacy and Conclusion

The Citroën ID, often overshadowed by the legendary DS, holds a unique and vital place in automotive history. It was the pragmatic solution to a revolutionary design, making advanced technology palatable and affordable for a wider audience. By simplifying the hydraulic system and offering a more conventional driving experience, the ID ensured that the iconic 'Goddess' bodywork – with its unparalleled comfort and distinctive style – could reach hundreds of thousands more customers than the fully hydraulic DS alone could have. Its commercial legacy is undeniable, demonstrating that sometimes, less complexity can lead to greater success.

Today, the ID is increasingly recognised by enthusiasts and collectors not just as a cheaper alternative to the DS, but as a significant car in its own right. It embodies Citroën's commitment to innovation, even when that innovation meant judicious simplification. The ID is a testament to clever engineering and astute market strategy, proving that the unsung hero can often be the most effective.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What was the main reason for the Citroën ID's creation?

The Citroën ID was created primarily to offer a more accessible and less complex version of the revolutionary DS. Early DS models faced issues with their full hydraulic systems (leaks, complex repairs), and the ID provided a simpler, more affordable option that retained the DS's iconic bodywork and hydraulic suspension but used conventional mechanical systems for steering, braking, and gear shifting.

How can I tell the difference between a Citroën DS and an ID?

Several key visual and mechanical differences distinguish them: DS models have gold-coloured chevron badges on the grille, a distinctive 'mushroom' hydraulic brake pedal, and could feature a hydraulically operated gearbox. ID models, conversely, have silver-coloured chevrons, a conventional mechanical brake pedal, and were always fitted with a traditional manual gearbox with a clutch pedal.

Was the Citroën ID more successful than the DS in terms of sales?

Yes, in terms of production volume, the Citroën ID models (including their later DSpécial and DSuper iterations) significantly outsold the DS. Of the nearly 1.5 million DS/ID cars produced, the ID accounted for approximately 835,666 units, making it the more commercially successful model.

Did the ID have the same revolutionary hydraulic system as the DS?

No, not entirely. While the ID retained the DS's groundbreaking hydraulic suspension, which provided its famous 'magic carpet' ride, it did not utilise hydraulics for other functions such as steering, braking, or the gearbox. These systems were conventional mechanical setups in the ID, making it less complex than the full-hydraulic DS.

What were the 'DSpécial' and 'DSuper' models?

The 'DSpécial' and 'DSuper' were the names given to the ID19 and ID20 models respectively, from 1970 onwards. Citroën rebranded the ID range to align its nomenclature more closely with the DS, but these models essentially continued the ID's philosophy of offering a more conventional and accessible version of the iconic car until production ceased in 1975.

If you want to read more articles similar to Citroën ID: The Unsung Hero of French Motoring, you can visit the Automotive category.