Citroën DS Break (1975): Pleasant space

Auto Motor Klassiek » Casual meetings » Citroën DS Break (1975): Pleasant space
Purchasing classics there

As classic enthusiasts, we like to linger in times gone by, but that was certainly not the motivation of Jeannette Hartman to create a Citroën DS Break. In 1996 she wanted a practical station wagon for her growing family that - after many searches - was eventually found in the French Pyrenees. All 4 children could be comfortably transported in it. 

By: Dirk de Jong

The previous owner also had the same wishes at the time to purchase the space car, according to photos of the first owner who owns Jeannette. 

Nice history 

The French family from the mountains in Southwestern Europe had a special logbook with the car. The years of ownership and the first 65.000 kilometers were painstakingly recorded in the log. Not only the technical condition and maintenance, but certainly also the adventures with the car. Such as the outings, the holidays, and just the daily groceries to the baker and butcher were described. You'd better call it a diary. The logbook, as well as the original proof of purchase, are still carefully kept. 

Describing feelings 

The fact that the car has been in her possession for 24 years already says enough. For her it is still streamlined sympathy that is really only ridden by herself and her son in the summer period. In autumn and winter, the car sleeps under a blanket in the garage. Why this two-tone blue full of character Citroën DS is not ridden by her boyfriend? Jeannette: "Very simple, because I enjoy driving so much myself." Every year after the winter period, when she is behind the wheel again, she experiences the same sensation of total relaxation. Jeannette: “Well… that experience. It is really the case that I am always smiling and enjoying myself in the car and every year I am amazed that my body still knows how it feels, sits, shifts, sounds, smells, steers. I don't have to think how to do it. My feet and hands still remember. 

Statement? 

Jeannette: “Perhaps you can explain to me that when we are addressed about our 'goddess', the questions and admiration do not go my way, but towards my friend. While I'm behind the wheel. This has always remained a mystery to us. The attention is understandable. After all, the DS is considered the most beautiful car ever made. Yet we sometimes have the tendency - albeit with a smile - to keep driving quickly. 

Coincidence? 

When they bought their current home twelve years ago, the owner had exactly the same Citroën DS Break in the garage. The funny thing is that a piece has been cut out of the wall to give his DS a suitable place. The photo of the DS Break shows something special: Double number plates. An extra horizontal plate was mounted to better see the license plate. For example when the bottom cover is open to transport a long object. Originality is sacred to some of us. Jeannette's DS Break is 100 percent original. Is maintained in order to be able to enjoy the property permanently and to extend its lifespan. Truly a car with its own history.

Also read:
- The Nose of the Pike: Citroën DS
- Citroën GS. State-of-the-art and non-competitive middle class
- Citroën BX
- Renault Rodeo. Much cheaper than one Citroën Mehari
- Citroën Xantia: a cheap hydraulique

Citroën DS Break (1975)
Citroën DS Break (1975)
Citroën DS Break (1975)

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17 comments

  1. What a beautiful container! I actually find the estate even more beautiful and exclusive. What does it matter, a year earlier refurbished or in possession. I am not exactly such a Pietje. Go on, I enjoy again and again!

  2. Where the ID / DS sedan is an unbeatable beauty, the estate is almost plain ugly. But very nice, cool, elegant and tasty. The most beautiful (production) car could also be the Jaguar E-type. And then there are countless unique models, such as pre-war Talbots, Delages, etc., which can compete for the title 'most beautiful car of all time'. And then again, tastes continue to differ.

  3. Hello Pascal, if you had read the story correctly, you would have seen that the car is 100% original according to Dirk. (Which I also doubt given the color) Then I don't think there is 9 years of restoration in between?

    Best regards. Ed

    • Dear Ed, I have to say that I don't quite understand the problem. Perhaps every now and then there will be a stitch. They are not in-depth interviews, not long articles with depth and extensive history. That is not at all the intention of this column that Dirk writes: 'accidental encounters'. This is just a short introduction to another classic enthusiast who tells her story. This article is written on the basis of that story.

      Other than that: Given the story, I would not find it so unlikely that this is an original car. The first owner has apparently been very careful with it. Witness the extensive logbook and the limited mileage when the car went to the Netherlands.

      It is also not at all uncommon for a car to be stationary for a few years before it is finally registered / imported. No restoration has to be preceded.

      Maarten Wilbers - Auto Motor Klassiek

      • Hello Maarten, it is great that you have responded while the perpetrator of all this is once more silent. Of course I understand that certain matters cannot be discussed in depth and extensively in the newsletter. But to fall into empty slogans, half-truths, made-up stories and the indiscriminate copying of Wikipedia and / or Google (preferably with the placement of your own photo again) does not do the magazine AMK justice. Then Dolf can say in his answer (BSA story) that it is only a free column, I think that is no excuse to post something in the hope that the reader will take it for granted. Just keep posting nice (well-researched) articles!

        Best regards. Ed

        • Hi Ed, the fact that he does not respond is undoubtedly more due to the fact that he sends his articles via email, and we post them from here on the site.

          I like Dirk's articles quite a bit. They are nice and accessible and yet regularly bring up nice classics and owners. I find nothing wrong with that at all. The limited history contained in these articles may well be from sources on the internet, not everyone can understand everything equally. And if there are errors, there are plenty of readers who can comment on them in the comments below. This way everything will be fine.

          I have no doubts about the personal story of the owner - as I said earlier. I think it is not at all unlikely that this is an original copy, which was cherished and still is.

          Further 'fact checks' go way too far for this website and the budget associated with it. Something that Dolf also rightly reported. Then we will soon end up in premium sections and paid online subscriptions. But even though no one wants to work for nothing, many expect that he / she will get everything online for free.

        • Moreover, compared to the various social media, where no one has a problem that the information is even more scant, after which your digital tracks are also followed indefinitely, we offer nice content for the same price and less advertisements. However?

  4. Hi Dirk,
    If the DS, as you claim, was taken from France itself in 1996 and has been in possession for 24 years now, why was it only given on 27-12-2005?
    And I think a car is driven and not driven. I have a different picture of riding something or someone.
    Ms.Ed

    • Maybe the car was first restored between import and registration ..?
      I have a DSuper myself, which I have been working on for 15 years now ..
      It will be fine..

      • Hello Pascal, if you had read the story correctly, you would have seen that the car is 100% original according to Dirk. (Which I also doubt given the color) Then I don't think there is 9 years of restoration in between?

        Best regards. Ed

      • Hello Pascal, if you had read the story correctly, you would have seen that the DS is 100% original according to Dirk. (which, by the way, I doubt given the color, but that aside) I don't think there will be 9 years of restoration in between?
        Best regards. Ed

  5. If t is a machine I swap for the Volvo 850station machine of my wife. Don't understand why nobody wants that🤔😜
    Oh yes, the Volvo trunk is 'covered' with real original Bernese Mountain dog hair including matching forest / dog air.

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