Citroën DS21 Decapotable by Chapron 1968 - World Of Classic Cars -

Citroën DS21 Decapotable by Chapron 1968

Used by everyone from the humble taxi driver to Charles deGaulle, the Citroën DS is an icon of French motoring. Amongst the most desirable versions was the factory-authorised Decapotable, or Cabriolet, produced by Parisian coachbuilder Henri Chapron. Chapron took up what the factory had not had the time or resources to do, and he produced his first two-door convertible version of the “Goddess” in 1958.
At first, Citroën refused to sell Chapron separate chassis, so the coachbuilder was reduced to purchasing complete cars and dismantling them. Eventually, the factory relented, and for 10 years, from 1961 to 1971, Chapron produced 1,365 Decapotables to individual customer order. After official production ended, a handful of cars continued to be produced on a custom basis until 1978. Each was hand built to the highest of standards, with handmade doors that were four inches longer than the saloon’s and on double latches; a tail that had been crafted as one long, sweeping panel, with a fibreglass boot lid; and decorative brightwork along the flanks. There were 15 paint choices, 13 shades of leather upholstery, and 3 carpet colours available, allowing for 585 possible combinations.

Citroën DS21 Decapotable by Chapron 1968

The Decapotable presented here, equipped with the famous DS semi-automatic transmission and a Continental Edison radio, is believed to have been originally delivered to Canada and then imported to Holland in 1993. Between 2008 and 2010, it was restored from the ground up by well-known DS specialist Keyzer, including 500 hours spent on bodywork in the original Arctic Blue and a new interior, chrome, electrical wiring, suspension, wheels, tyres, a convertible top, and a stainless steel exhaust.
The owner reports that the car runs and drives very well, and he should know what he speaks of, as he has taken this car, after the completion of its restoration in 2011, on a continental European tour to Italy, which included travelling to the sun-drenched islands of Sicily and Sardegna and then back to Florence.

Citroën DS21 Decapotable by Chapron 1968

For swift motoring across long distances in total comfort, the enthusiast simply cannot do better than a chic and avant-garde Chapron Decapotable.