The classic car owned by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul is this French "frog face" Citroen DS 21 from 1972 in gold (or bronze-brown with a white roof). However, Anutin said this car actually belongs to his son (Pek Seranee Charnvirakul). The DS is a vintage French brand car known for its hydropneumatic suspension. In Thailand, classic DS cars cost around 2 million baht or slightly less, which is not very expensive compared to some vintage cars collected by wealthy enthusiasts. The DS is considered a simple classic car but with outstanding design beauty. Vintage car lovers often favor this model since it can be collected without exorbitant prices. Unlike some classic cars that showcase wealth with their high value, the DS is more modest. As for Anutin's blue BMW 2002, the prospective 33rd prime minister’s car, which will be discussed later, its current market price ranges from 300,000 to 600,000 baht—about the same price as the Jaecoo 5EV. If one calls that expensive, it's hard to know what else to say.
In fact, Anutin previously told the media in 2023 that this was his son's favorite car. That year, Professor Dr. Jesada Denduangboripant, a biology professor at Chulalongkorn University, posted on Facebook questioning why the classic 1972 Citroen DS 21 and the BMW shown by Anutin Charnvirakul, then Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Health, did not appear in the asset declaration submitted to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC). Anutin responded in the comments: “Dear Professor Jesada, my son owns the Citroen. The BMW is mine; I bought it recently, so it was not included in the asset declaration when I resigned as MP in March, but it will be included in the upcoming declaration after I resumed my MP position in early July 2023. Please kindly correct the report to avoid misunderstanding by the public. I welcome scrutiny but urge that it be based on accurate information before publication. Thank you very much.”
At one time, the Citroen DS model was the greatest motor vehicle ever created by mankind. This vintage mechanical marvel was unmatched in its forward-thinking design. Despite being over 35 years old, it had features resembling modern cars. The Citroen DS was like a spaceship in the automotive world, equipped with every convenience imaginable. It featured power steering, an advanced Hydropneumatic Suspension system that provided a ride as smooth as a magic carpet, a unique single-spoke steering wheel, active headlights that turned with the steering, rear fender engineering secured by a single bolt, and a sleek shark-like body (some say resembling a frog) that was agile and revolutionary compared to other cars of its era.
The Citroen DS, nicknamed Deesse—which means "goddess" in French—was developed by Citroen engineers over 18 years before its official launch. Italian designer Flaminio Bertoni carefully crafted its elegant lines on the body frame. The harmonious angles and cutting-edge technology amazed the automotive world. On its launch day, 5 October 1955, the DS received overwhelming orders totaling 12,000 units. One standout technology was the Hydropneumatic Suspension system, which used a high-pressure hydraulic pump to power subsystems such as the ultra-smooth hydraulic oil damper suspension, adjustable ride height for comfort, and precise steering control.
The Citroen DS debuted in October 1955 at the Paris Motor Show, stunning the audience with its futuristic technology. Its body was aerodynamically refined through wind tunnel testing. The Hydropneumatic Suspension could raise the car over rough terrain and lower it at high speeds on highways. This advanced suspension included hydraulic power steering, a semi-automatic clutchless transmission, and braking systems comparable to modern cars. The DS was the true pioneer as the first car to use four-wheel disc brakes, a feature now standard in BMWs and Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
Later DS models were equipped with headlights that turned with the steering wheel, using a mechanism linked to the steering rack to improve night-time cornering safety. Citroen DS engineers elevated the standard and modernity of interior equipment, offering great comfort and easy handling despite its large size. The DS exemplifies automotive design artistry and engineering genius like never before. From 1955 to 1975, Citroen produced 1,456,115 DS cars, reflecting worldwide popularity of this model.
Citroen was the first automaker to use four-wheel disc brakes on the DS model, supported by hydraulic pressure from the Hydropneumatic system, resulting in smoother and more effective braking compared to older drum brakes. Early DS transmissions featured clutchless gearboxes for driver convenience. These innovations made the DS a highly efficient vehicle. Over its 20-year production run, the DS offered various engines and options. Later models had larger engines (2175 cc) for enhanced performance. Despite its age, its iconic body shape remained unchanged. This classic car is hard to find for sale in good condition because owners cherish its beauty and driving capabilities. Once considered the automotive deity of its time, the DS is truly unforgettable.