Citroen ID/DS Break Safari Estate

Citroen ID/DS Break Safari Estate

The Citroen DS Break, known as the Safari in British markets, is one of the most remarkable estate cars ever produced. Taking the already revolutionary DS platform and extending it into a full-size wagon, Citroen created a vehicle that combined extraordinary technological sophistication with genuine everyday practicality. Produced from 1958 through the end of DS production in 1975, the Break became an icon in its own right.

The DS Break utilized the same hydropneumatic suspension system as the DS saloon, providing a ride quality that remained essentially unmatched for decades. This system automatically maintained ride height regardless of load, meaning the car rode and handled identically whether carrying one person or a full complement of passengers and luggage. For an estate car, this was an extraordinary advantage, as conventional steel-sprung wagons would sag noticeably under heavy loads.

Powered by a 2,175cc fuel-injected inline-four in its final DS 23 specification, producing 109 horsepower, the Break offered adequate if not thrilling performance. The front-wheel-drive layout meant excellent traction in all conditions, and the long wheelbase of 3,125mm ensured superb high-speed stability. The semi-automatic gearbox, operated by a hydraulic system controlled by a button on the end of the steering column stalk, was typically Citroen in its unconventional brilliance.

The cargo area was vast. With the rear seats folded, the DS Break offered a flat load floor of nearly two meters in length, making it one of the most capacious estate cars available. The tailgate was a single piece that opened upward, and the low load lip made loading heavy items straightforward. French ambulance services, governmental agencies, and families all appreciated this extraordinary versatility.

Styling was a natural extension of the DS saloon's space-age design. The elongated roofline and extended rear overhang were integrated beautifully, with the rear pillar treatment maintaining the DS's distinctive character. The third side window and the slightly raised rear roofline gave the Break its own visual identity while clearly belonging to the DS family.

The DS Break found particular favor with the French emergency services, surfing community, and country dwellers who needed a car that could carry enormous loads while maintaining the DS's legendary ride quality. In the UK, where it was marketed as the Safari, it became the practical Citroen of choice for those who valued capability alongside technological sophistication.

Today, the DS Break commands strong prices among collectors who appreciate its unique combination of practicality and Citroen innovation. Fuel-injected DS 23 versions are the most sought after, while well-preserved Safari models with UK-specification details have their own devoted following.