An unexpected French classic has become an obsession for British car fans

This French classic has found an audience with British car fans, for whom it has become an obsession.

The DS was unveiled back in 1955 by Citroën at the Paris motor show.

At the time, this car was a trendsetter.

And nearly 70 years on, it’s still got an iron grip on car lovers across the English Channel in the UK.

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The French classic that has become a favorite among British car fans

Classic cars have broad appeal and it’s easy to see why.

They harken back to a simpler time, and also demonstrate some super neat craftsmanship.

And what better place to enjoy classics than in the UK?

The home of Rolls-Royce, the UK knows a thing or two about a nice set of wheels.

The town of Guildford is renowned for the classics that lined its cobbled streets.

And this love for vintage cars is reflected even in abandoned properties.

If we said that a French car has proven to be a big hit, you might be surprised.

After all, the two countries are known for having an ongoing rivalry.

But the Citroën DS is worth setting aside petty grievances for, right?

The car was first unveiled in 1955 and achieved something remarkable – it made other cars of the time look obsolete.

Between then and 1975, when it stopped production, almost 1.5 million units had been built.

Whilst production may have ceased, its appeal has lingered on in the decades since.

But why are Brits so particularly keen on it?

Why do Brits love this car?

Two British car lovers spoke to The Telegraph about their love of the classic.

Ross Paterson, a 43-year-old doctor from London, and Ian Budden, a 64-year-old from Buckinghamshire, had similar insights.

“I remember seeing them when we went on family holidays to France in the 1970s. It was primarily the looks that appealed,” Paterson said.

He loves them so much that he’s owned six of them in the past 14 years.

For Budden, taking a DS on vacation to France has been an interesting experience.

“We took it on holiday to France last year and people were waving and giving us the thumbs up wherever we went,” he said.

“People seem to have a real affinity with the DS. They would come up to me when I was filling up with fuel just wanting to talk about it. I even met a guy who had worked at the factory making them.”

These aren’t cheap cars to buy – but can you put a price on class?

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