5 comments about The Classic Citroens, 1935-1975.

1. The one auto company which had three finalists in the final list of the Car of the Century competition in 1999 was Automobiles Citoern: all three models were developed during the time the company was owned by Societe Michelin, and all were created by engineer Andre Lefebvre and stylist Bertoni. THE CLASSIC CITROENS: 1935-1975 to be sure is a specialty item - but one no car fan will want to be without. Included are black and white photos of the various cars and plenty of background history of models, production line appearances, technical specs and changes in design and engineering, and more. From changing demand and influences on technology and design to the politics underlying changes and decisions, THE CLASSIC CITROENS tells it all, imparting a great deal of background on auto industry history as a whole, in the process.
   
   Diane C. Donovan, Editor
   California Bookwatch



2. This is a nice book with lots of info and to many black and white pictures, it was recommended as better then the rest. I found it to be just the same. There are so many things to illustrate such as Specialties GH and Robergel accessories for the DS and other Citroens, yet all you keep getting is more of the same. As I said nice book but nothing new.



3. This is a fantastic read. The title is little deceptive with book covering the period up to 2000. Not for the light-hearted and best read, in my opinion, as a dip-in dip-out Chapter read other than for the somewhat serious historian. Great pictures [although all black & white] and contextual breadth inclusive of social mores. My Edition published in 2006. As a Citroen buff rather than historian I probably will seek a separate reference that addresses in greater detail the period beyond 1975 even if my little GS Pallas scores a mention in Reynold's book.



4. I have enjoyed reading the book,it has substantially increased my knowledge of the marque.IT has been well researched and includes some hitherto unpublished information .It is marred however by numerous technical errors.



5. Is this the definitive English language book on our Classic Citroëns that we all have been waiting for? Well, John Reynolds does his best. This is perhaps his finest work detailing the design, development and production of our favorite models; Traction, 2CV, H Van, DS, Ami-6, SM, GS and CX. These are the cars that Monsieur Bibendum built, for it was in 1934 that André Citroën was forced, by bankruptcy, to cede control of his eponymous firm to the Société Michelin. Of course it can be argued that the Traction was the engine that drove the firm out of debt, but it was on Michelin tires. The Michelin Tire Company embraced this takeover like no other and Mr. Reynolds makes the argument that they had been itching to get into the automobile business for quite awhile. When the opportunity presented itself they did not hesitate.
   While Bertoni, the designer, and Lefébvre, the engineer, were held over from the Citroën regime it was Michelin management that gave them the creative freedom to build on the success of the Traction. Mr. Reynolds makes a good argument that it was Michelin and their interest in tires that led to the amazing road holding of the 2CV and the hydraulic suspension of the DS, because after all isn't it the tires that connect the vehicle to the ground and any thing that can be done to improve this, the inertia dampers of the 2CV or the hydraulics of the D, makes the tires job easier.
   The publisher has made the curious choice of printing this excellent text on off white matte pages which helps neither the text nor the black and white images stand out. Glossy white pages, sharp photographs, and a few more pivotal images would have made this book a classic. It is well written and informative and does deserve a spot on your bookshelf but not on your coffee table.
   Citroën Quarterly
   [...]

No comments about Citroen DS: Twenty Years of Innovation.

No comments about Citroen - Seiner Zeit voraus..

1 comments about Citroen 19, 20, 21, 23 AB Workshop Manual (Owners' Workshop Manuals).

1. Overall, I found the *Original Citroen DS : Restorer's Guide to All DS and ID Models 1955-75* more congenial to my tastes and focus, but I'd buy this one too. The overlap between the two is considerable, but they are complementary and both of high utility to those who love, as I do, the Deesse.

No comments about SM: Citroen's Maserati-engined Supercar.

1 comments about Citroen 2 Cylinder, 2CV Ami and Dyane 1967-90 Owner's Workshop Manual (Service & Repair Manuals).

1. Great compliment to the Haynes manual. Excellent expensive photography, drawings, and printing. Only downside: vast majority is for a semi-professional mechanic with all the tools, doing a detailed restoration. Of course, that what the title says!

5 comments about How to Restore Citroen 2CV (Enthusiast's Restoration Manuals).

1. An excellent step by step guide to maintaining and restoring your 2CV. The book is very well illustrated and covers all 2 CVs from 1949-1990, including the Dyane and the Truckette. The excellent photographs and illustrations provide a detailed hands on guide to each aspect of 2CV maintenance.
   The book starts with some great safety tips, general information and routine maintenance guidelines, that can sometimes be overlooked when one starts a project, but which should not be ignored.
   The dismantling and rebuilding of all the mechanical features of the 2CV are dealt with as well as modifications such as updating to an electronic ignition or adding a fuse box to an early 2CV.
   The bodywork is not overlooked with excellent chapters on restoration of the interior, top replacement and chassis and body repair.
   Citroën 2CV is filled with good tips and the abundant illustrations make it easy to visualize the job before you. This book is a must have for your garage shelf and will offer assistance with every 2CV project or repair.
   Review appeared in Citroën Quarterly Spring 2005 issue



2. This book is a great overview for restoring and repairing a Citroen 2cv. The photos and step-by-step instructions woul dbe very helpful for any 2cv owner.



3. I think this an insightful book with great photos. It is a must for all 2cv owners along with the Chiltons.



4. Brilliant printing and photos. But it's for the hard core restoration person. It won't help you solve ususual starting problems, or the like. But it's a "must" if you have a fine - or fragile - or robust 2CV.



5. It is a great book. A lot of tricks and pictures to help you restore your 2cv. I have rated only 4 stars just for the fact that the book's layout is a little messy and some info are missing, but if I could have given 4.9 stars, I would have. I do not regret a bit buying this book.
   Enjoy your 2cv!
   Phil.

3 comments about Original Citroen DS: The Restorer's Guide (Original Series).

1. As this is the soft cover reprint of the hardcover original, the quality of colour and paper is the same as the original - without the marked up price.
   If it is first class colour photos and information your require then this is the must have book on the D Series Citroën.



2. This book is the most complete guide on the DS that I have seen. It gives excellent detail on the various models and years.
   If I was asked to provide an area for improvement then it would be to recommend a greater range of Slough produced vehicles.
   The soft cover does not downgrade the quality of the book.
   Excellent reference book and one that I am proud to own.



3. j hope it is the best publication on citroen ds history and the most complete...nice photo

3 comments about Citroen DS: The Complete Story (Crowood AutoClassic).

1. This is my choice over the similar book by John Reynolds, owing to its better writing. The other book definitely has better pictures, and probably more details like fabric swatches for the various years, but this one delves deeper into the story behind the car, telling tales of the people responsible. And uncovers some interesting facts from deep within the Citroen archives and interviews with the principals. It also benefits from the long professional automotive journalist career of its author, as the writing is very polished.

   Americans won't find much on our tiny market, but may enjoy deciphering the British colloquialisms scattered throughout. Like "If Hotchkiss had not bottled out, the ...could have not only anticipated the DS but beaten it hollow."




2. It is almost impossible to believe that 50 years have passed since Citroen shocked the establishment by introducing the DS.
   
   Although Pressnell's history of this fascinating car is far from new, it is worth looking at because of the car's half-centenary. He starts by giving a short history of Citroen, and also includes a table of events which runs until the publication date of the book. This serves as a guide to the part the DS played in Citroen's history. The first chapter also tells the story of Citroen before the DS. However, if you want the full account of those days, it is better to wait for his soon-to-be-released book of the Traction Avant, which should be essential reading for any Citroen enthusiast.
   
   The history of the DS is described in detail, and he even explains the origin of the DS name. Unusually, he also gives a full account of the DS models that were available for the British market. Moreover, he also discusses the models that were available in other markets, ableit in less detail. Thankfully, his information about the South African market is correct.
   
   Special-bodied versions are also discussed, but one wonders if these are fondly remembered, because they look far worse than the original models. However, they were produced, and they had to be featured.
   
   If you are going to restore a DS, you need detailed guidelines on how to go about it, because it is such a complex car. Therefore, not everybody is capable of completing such a project successfully. Fortunately, a lot of detail is given on purchasing and restoration, and there is no doubt that this information is indispensable.
   
   It has been said a hundred times before, but it needs to be repeated: the DS is an acquired taste that soon becomes a passion. If you have acquired the taste for this stunning piece of automotive genius, you had better get this book while it is still available, or else hope that it will be reprinted.



3. Hello,
   I can recommend this book for people who want to learn more about the story of the DS, people behind it and the evolution of the project. You can find a lot of facts concerning the mechanics and the styling. Lots of stories about the launch of production and all versions. It's not a book dedicated to the technical side, it just tells a story of the most astonishing car in the history. Good print, interesting photographs. Hope you enjoy it.
   Regards
   Slawek

1 comments about Citroen DS & ID: All models (except SM) 1966 to 1975 (Essential Buyer's Guide).

1. Guide gives good commonsense, concise pointers of what to look for and what to provide in purchasing one of these complex cars. Not a fun read, but a practical one.