Michelin to support international gathering for Citroën DS 60th anniversary

Michelin will celebrate the Citroën DS’s 60^th anniversary as enthusiasts create an international gathering this year. The tyre manufacturer has strong connections with its French compatriot, continuing to working with its motorsport teams and equipping all models of the DS sold in Europe.

The Michelin Group became Citroën’s majority stakeholder in 1934, before passing the reins to Peugeot SA in 1974. During this period the car brand built some highly original models that have since become cult collector’s items. These include the TUB utility vehicle in 1939, the popular 2CV in 1948, and the innovative DS in 1955.

Michelin’s senior executives during this period (Pierre Michelin between 1935 and 1937, Pierre Boulanger between 1938 and 1950, Robert Puiseux between 1950 and 1958, then François Michelin) were personally involved in defining and developing vehicles. They also encouraged atypical engineers to devise original solutions that revolutionised the way cars were designed and used.

The DS, such as it appeared in 1955, was the inspiration of Robert Puiseux who was looking for the roomy, comfortable, safe “car of his dreams.” He took risks in striving for this ambitious goal; introducing new technology on a series-produced car, motorists needed to relearn how to drive and garage mechanics needed special training to repair and maintain the new model. Michelin says this innovation completely redefined the standards of automobile comfort and safety.

The DS was the first car with a suspension system designed for the radial tyre, thus enabling it to deliver improved performance. The DS has always been fitted with Michelin products and adopted successive generations of tyres, including the X and XAS. The first versions of the DS also featured a Michelin wheel with a central fixing point that made it easier to change in the event of a flat tyre.

The important synergies between Michelin and the DS thus include bold technology; motorsport, from the original DS to the DS3 WRC with which legendary driver Sébastien Loeb won several world championship titles; and research and development. The DS’s adjustable suspension system has made it possible to conduct very precise trials with Michelin transforming many of these systems. This creative spirit is reflected in the Mille Pattes (or centipede) used to test truck tyres at high speeds, which is on display at L’Aventure Michelin in Clermont-Ferrand.

Michelin continues to produce tyres for the DS models of today, as well as vintage products for owners of older DS models. Most of these DS fitments involve separate front and rear wheels and may vary depending on the month of production and the country of destination. This Classic range is available in 18 countries around the world.

Also available are all tyres in the following sizes mounted on the DS and ID produced between 1955 and 1975:

• 165 R 400 X
• 5 R 400 X
• 180 HR 15 XAS
• 185 HR 15 XVS-P
• HR 15 XAS
• 1 HR 15 XAS

Michelin helps owners find the right tyre through a dedicated website.

Today, almost the entire DS lineup is fitted with Michelin tyres, from the DS3 and DS3 Cabrio to the DS4 and DS5 (excluding 19-inch tyres, which represent seven per cent of the range). Engineers from the Clermont-Ferrand-based tyre manufacturer are working closely with PSA Peugeot Citroën teams to create tyres that correspond ever more closely to carmaker and motorist expectations.