This black beauty is the Citroen DS at its best. Citroen expert Phil Caron had information for Neirad Enilno about this model: "This front appears in 1968. Looking at the dash and the steering wheel, it is after ’72. I think I recall that this car was a ’73. After that, they all look the same." Phil is a Hamden resident who definitely understands the automotive intricacies of this idiosyncratic machine. He knows a person must either have deep pockets for the inevitable repair bills or be mechanically inclined. Check out Phil's site to learn more about his Citroen restoration efforts in Connecticut. www.philcaron.com/cars/cars.htm

A trio of Citroen 2 CV6 models from the late 1980s. The red one in the middle drove all the way from Ontario. The CV6 is not built for velocity: it can only cruise at a top speed of about 72 MPH. These 1980s models are replicas of the original 1960s vehicle. A cool feature is the roll-top roof.

This 1973 Citroen SM is a high-end Gran Turismo coupe (GT) that was created to compete with other European luxury car manufacturers. The swanky interior resembles a first-class airplane seat with lush leather bucket seats. Some even had rotary dial phones in the front and back seats to give it that certain je ne sais quoi. The model pictured here is an American version with lights modified to meet United States specs. The SM’s automotive excellence sends Citroen fans gushing when they describe mechanical features such as the variable assist power steering and super-tight stopping distance. The V-6 engine was manufactured by Maserati from 1970-75. The relatively short production run makes it a rare find today.

The DS is not just about exterior. The coolest feature by far is the hydro-pneumatic suspension, which allows the driver to adjust the car to three height positions. The technical wizardry is worth checking out if you ever see a DS pull up - the entire body will lift up when it is in operation then the body will drop down when the engine is turned off.

The dramatic hood ornament captures the elegance of the Citroen automotive experience. The ornament features Hermes, the messenger of the Gods from Greek mythology. Like Hermes, the Citroen travels vast distances, but Hermes is probably far more reliable!

“What year is your Citroen?” This question is often answered with a quizzical look from the car’s owner. These vehicles are so rare that mechanics must often cobble together parts from several years to fix their Gallic ride. The actual year often falls into an indiscriminate category. However, the 1972 DS 21 station wagon pictured here has a clear year of origin.

Yes, Citroen is still in existence. This car pictured above is part of Citroen’s strategy to reposition itself as a leading manufacturer of ecological cars. (Although not sure how environmentally friendly it is to have six (!) cigarette lighters in one vehicle as the current models do) Citroen merged with Peugeot in 1975 to form PSA Peugeot Citroen. The automaker's key market is obviously still France but the company has focused its efforts on priority regions of Russia and China. There is not a dealer in North America. Probably not helping the planet, but for our money we would rather have 1970s-era DS. The Citroen of 2008 is devoid of the unique style: the new cars quite frankly are real snoozers. The current-day Citroen lacks the élan and beauty of its more stylish predecessors.

Automotive Assistant Stacey Wilkins is reaching out to touch the holy grail of Citroens: the DS 20. A DS in excellent condition sells for about $20,000-$30,000. The car was manufactured for 20 years from 1955-1975. Also known as the Déesse, (English translation: “ Goddess”) the futuristic spaceship-style auto body is one many auto enthusiasts covet. Italian sculptor Flaminio Bertoni designed the beautiful aerodynamic shape making it a work of art not just a means of transportation.

Check out the circular orange turn indicators mounted on the upper corners of the rear window. Stylish touches like this help explain why a whopping 12,000 orders were taken for the DS in just one day when it was first unveiled at the Paris Auto Show in 1955.

In homage to the motherland, baguettes are placed in the rear carrier. Should this car's owner be fined for perpetuating a stereotype?! But having fun with French stereotypes is one element of the Citroen Rendezvous, which celebrates European joie de vivre in all its automotive and cultural glory.