Sun Star 1:18 1966 Citroen DS 19 Convertible

One would be hard-pressed to think of a car that better personified its country of origin than the Citroen DS. The styling of the car was simplicity itself, and unmistakably French: low, long, aerodynamic and relatively unadorned (especially by American standards), with a front end somewhat reminiscent a catfish. Like the mechanical characteristics it introduced, as well as those it inherited from its forebears (e.g. the famous Traction Avant, with its front-wheel drive), the styling was well ahead of its time. Whether or not you find this car beautiful, there’s no denying that it’s unique, instantly recognizable and very French. Stylish, innovative and influential, few marques have cultivated such a fiercely devoted following of owners and admirers.

Mechanically, the DS continued the long Citroen tradition of innovation. With its modest 4-cylinder engine producing only 75 hp (the French levy a tax based on horsepower output…early Citroen model names reflected this assessment…, and at any rate, the originally proposed air-cooled 6-cylinder power plant for this model never materialized), the car made its mark instead with superb handling and road manners. Citroen made extensive, ingenious use of hydraulics, including its “hydropneumatic” self-leveling suspension system, which could be controlled by the driver for almost instantaneous ride height adjustment. Not only did this readily adapt the car for varying terrains and conditions, it even worked as a kind of internal jack for tire changes. Over the 20-year production run of the DS, many other refinements took shape, like aerodynamic headlight integration (including a function that allowed the lights to illuminate the road in tandem with the turn of the steering wheel). It was also the first production car with front disc brakes.

Sun Star has always been notable for offering a broad spectrum of subject matter from many different countries and eras. With their recently introduced, high-detail “Platinum” line, they continue this philosophy. The Citroen is doubly welcome: this important marque is not well represented in any scale, and now we have one of the finest examples, the DS 19, in an exceptional image. Fit and finish are beyond reproach. The color, “Rouge Esterel,” is not really red (though it appears that way in some photos of the model), but a rich, warm chestnut-maroon. It is immaculately applied and actually seems to change in character and hue in various lightings. The Sun Star trademark of superb chrome produces pristine results here, not in wide swaths or sweeping curves…that’s not this car’s style…but in the delicate replication of fine details like light bezels, door handles and, tellingly, the trademark Double Chevron delicately inlaid in the trunk lid. The front and rear light lenses are artfully done, as are the simple elegant wheels, complete with valve stems. Windshield glazing is clear and the wipers are perfectly modeled (thankfully, without the questionable “articulation” seen on Sun Star’s recent, otherwise impeccable '56 Lincoln and '58 Buick).

The interior, vaguely reminiscent of Hudson’s “step-down” design, is exceptionally fine. The realistically textured seats…the front seats slide back and forth… are soft and pliable to the touch (Auto Art, please note…), the floor is carpeted and there are moveable visors with vanity mirrors. The dash has plenty of depth and fine detail and the oddly configured wheel (with the gear shift for the semi-automatic four-speed transmission mounted atop the steering column) is captured splendidly. Oddly, there’s no pedal cluster, a very curious oversight, but the model comes with a top-up piece and convertible boot, both of which are about the best I’ve seen on any model, uncannily realistic in look, texture and feel, and the fit of each is tight and true.

The trunk is sealed (no major complaint in my book), but in keeping with the car’s mechanical distinction, Sun Star offers a unique operating feature: a switch on the chassis adjusts the model’s ride height, emulating Citroen’s self-leveling suspension! On top of that, there’s working suspension all around. Under the hood, the engine (which shares space with the spare tire) is intricately and faithfully reproduced with full wiring and plumbing.

Rounding out the presentation is Sun Star’s elegant packaging, with Styrofoam shell and full color slipcase, “Platinum” fob and DS spec sheet (in French). This easily stands comparison with many Auto Art and Kyosho models, for considerably less money. As said before, Citroen models are hardly thick on the ground, surprising for such a significant marque, one which even had its place in pop culture. Bravo to Sun Star for filling an essential gap, and for doing it with such élan. Initially intrigued by this model, I’m now thoroughly infatuated. Is there room on my shelf for another DS 19, in Bleu Pacifique? Mais Oui!

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