Citroen - Citroen ID19
With the introduction of The Citroen DS at the end of 1955, Citroen were aware that the high price of the DS model meant the need to find a more economical version to fill the gap left by the less expensive Traction Avant, for those that did not want to, or were unable to justify the cost of buying a DS. So by 1957 a car was built with the same panels but with less power (although it had the same engine capacity) and with cost savings to the interior. An estate car version was called the Citroen ID Break, built from 1958. The ID 19 model had no power steering, and the savings on the hydraulic system meant that the ID 19 also had a normal gear change and clutch, simplified braking system, all of which meant it could be sold for 3/4 the price of the DS. As time went on the ID19 engine got given higher compression to the extent of even surpassing the original power output of the DS. Citroen ID production continued until 1969, although the ID evolved into the D Special and D Super (with 2175cc DS21 engine) which was produced up to 1970.
Citroen ID 19 tyres:
- The earliest models of Citroen ID19 were fitted with millimetric 400 mm wheels and the 165R400 tyre, and Blockley produces an excellent 165HR400 example, with a steel belted construction offering excellent road manners.
- Later on the ID 19 fitted 180x380 front tyres and 155x380 rear tyres. But 380mm is 15 inches (14.961" to be exact) but by specifying the Michelin tyres in a millimetric size, presumably the hope was that the customer would ask for the same 180x380 size when reordering, which only Michelin listed! So these sizes translate to 180R15 front and 155R15 rear at the time, yet today people fit a 185R15 size all round, and this is what we would recommend, and it keeps the choice of spare wheel size less complicated. There is a lot of chat from people who sell tyres who are not as qualified on technical matters as they think, insisting that the asymetric Michelin pattern is somehow essential for roadholding on any Citroen, and rest assured this is pure salesman "bunk". If the asymetric tread patterns of the XAS were so essential and excellent then everyone would still be making them today! Blockley tyres offer huge savings for these Citroen owners, with our 185VR15 and 165HR400 tyres (and other sizes) and we guarantee if these are not the best tyres you've ever driven on we will refund! Click on details below.
