Vendor supplied images
Highlights
- Henry Chapron convertible - 1 of only 200 for 1963
- Has always remained registered in France
- Beautiful Bleu Nuage colour scheme
- Comprehensively restored
- Recently extensively serviced by Citroën specialist
- Ready to be enjoyed
The Appeal
Often voted as one of the most beautiful cars in automotive history, the DS’s intoxicating retro-futurism have made it a legend. Such an innovative, stylish car didn’t come cheap, of course, but the true attention grabber was the Chapron Décapotable Cabriolet d'Usine.
Built by French Corrossier Henri Chapron for the Citroën dealer network, these cars were reinforced with a special frame, allowing the creation of a convertible that was sketched out in partnership with Flaminio Bertoni. Only 1,200 of these were ever built of these soft-top saucers, and they’ve become something of a unicorn for the dedicated enthusiast.
This 1963 example has been based in France for all of its life, and is still registered on its authentic French plates. It’s been restored with a 1964 Pallas acting as a donor car for parts, to ensure the car is as original as possible - and what a result it is. Fully serviced, gleaming in Bleu Nuage and carrying plenty of authentic period character, this car is reportedly running perfectly and ready and waiting for its new keeper.
With its beguiling red leather interior, black fabric roof and the red-accented disc wheels, this characterful classic is bound to turn heads and get plenty of well-deserved attention.
The History and Paperwork
- Built in 1962 at the Vaugirard plant, Paris
- Registered and shipped to Chapron for finishing in 1963
- One of only 207 built for 1963
- One of only 1,200 total Decapotables built
- The car appears to have spent its life in France until 2022
- The previous keeper kept the vehicle for around 14 years
- Restored in late 2022, completed by January 2023
- Restoration was completed with a DS Pallas from 1964 used for a donor car
- Exhibited at Interclassics in January 2023
- The car currently indicates 89 miles on a five-figure odometer
- This is post-restoration mileage
- Paperwork file includes:
- Registration paperwork
- Original handbooks and manuals
- Paperwork from the Citroën ID/DS Club Nederland
- Invoices for the restoration work and servicing
Carrying chassis number 4,247,041, this car is part of the second iteration of Bertoni’s legendary design. From first registration in November 1962, it was finished by Chapron’s factory in 1963. Since then, it’s lived a comfortable life, all the way up to current ownership and restoration in 2022/2023.
Finished in Blau Nauge and red accent livery giving this remarkable example a very unique character.
The Condition
- Freshly restored with elements from a DS Pallas of 1964
- Repainted from white to Blau Nauge in 2022
- Bodywork in excellent order with no unseemingly dents or dings
- Highly original Chapron bodywork throughout
- Panel gaps are tight and consistent
- Chromework carries light areas of patina
- We note some wear to the original licence plates
- The disc wheels are new, bright and have a lovely red accent
- New tyres throughout
- Black soft top is in very good order with no rips or tears in the fabric
- Underside in good order with no meaningful corrosion
Beautifully finished in an unusual Blau Nauge tone, this car is still gleaming with all of that unique character intact. The space-age lines are smooth and well-kept, with no unusual gaps, dents or dings, and the car’s chrome accents are all bright and nicely presented. We understand the soft top to be the original one the car was built with.
- Rich red interior with a fabulous patina
- Some cracking and texture to the front seats
- These were donated from the 1964 Pallas
- Authentic leather upholstery carries light wear but is very complete
- All instruments are clean and nicely kept
- Horizontal speedometer, clock and optional radio
- The radio is original to the car and still working well
- Single-spoke steering wheel in good order
- Dashboard is in good order throughout
- Original sun visors in very good order
- Rear seat is original to the car with no rips or tears
The classic lines of the DS are continued with the characterful cabin. With its horizontal instrument cluster, colour-matched dashboard and gently patina’d leather, this car feels amicably retro while carrying plenty of glamour. The radio is the original that the car was built with - a rarity - and is still working with no faults to report.
The Mechanics
- 1.9-litre 4-cylinder engine
- 4-speed manual transmission
- Engine bay is in excellent order
- The car has seen extensive work including:
- New spark plugs
- New track rods
- Engine tuning
- Retensioning of the V-belts
- Renewal of the hydraulic system
- Parts donated from a ‘64 Pallas include:
- Gearbox components
- Some engine parts
- Brake drums
- Some driveshaft components
The vendor informs us that this renewed, restored car is driving very nicely, with a recent service by a Citroen specialist and plenty of restoration work leaving it in fine fettle. They note that the car is driving very comfortable, with a smooth shift to the transmission and good braking.
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies.
✓ A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for details.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is highly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes. On request, Car & Classic may refer you to a third-party shipping company. For more details, email [email protected]. Prices start at €150+VAT within the same country or €400+VAT for moves across borders.
