Descrizione
Dutch title
Chassis n° 4350003
Chapron number 7540
- Richard Reinders collection
- Exceptional original condition
- Just four owners
- Less than 25 000 km from new
- Superb craftsmanship, less than 50 examples
- Ex Salon de Paris 1965
In the aftermath of the Second World War, the activity at coachbuilders Henri Chapron slowed, in line with the inevitable decline of marques such as Delahaye and Delage who commissioned special bodies from them. So, the arrival of the Citroën DS was seen as a salutary opportunity. Technically sophisticated and highly comfortable, the car also had the prestige and status required for the input of a craftsman coachbuilder. Thus, from 1958, Henri Chapron offered different coupé and cabriolet versions that were given the evocative names Croisette, Concorde, Caddy, Palm Beach and Le Dandy. These cars were individually styled with a lower windscreen, and a higher level of finish than the standard DS. This included extensive chrome trim and fancier hubcaps, with an interior featuring Pullman seats in Connolly hide. At the time, the cost of a Chapron version was twice that of a standard DS.
Having been exhibited at the Paris Motor Show in October 1965, this Chapron DS 21 Le Dandy coupé was sold as a demonstration car for the sum of 23 000 francs to the "société Bergère de Lorraine", through Grands Garages Nancy Thermal. According to information in the Chapron archives that will be supplied with the car, it appears that the initial order was made in July 1965 by the Garage Ardon in Reims, who didn't take delivery of the car after the Motor Show. In 1970 it was bought by a certain Henri Boucher, from Issy-les-Moulineaux, who registered the car 8552 AW 92 and kept it for ten years. On 15 February 1980, it was bought by Rob Stam, a Dutch company lawyer, who sold it to the current owner in 1982.
This car has very low mileage (27 840 km), and has never been restored. Consequently, it is presented today in outstanding original condition. The unrestored paintwork, dark blue (blue sera) with a white roof, is in impeccable condition. The interior is upholstered in the finest beige " English leather ", and the patinated seats reflect careful use. The car has the desirable Jaeger dashboard featuring multiple dials, including an oil pressure dial that adds a sporty touch to this highly comfortable coupé.
With its low windscreen (it is reported that getting the right fit involved breaking several windscreens), this coupé looks stunning and the highly luxurious finish of a coachbuilt car adds genuine distinction. In addition, this is the first example of the DS21 version Dandy, more powerful than the DS 19, before the newer, more modern, but less elegant lights were fitted. Less than 50 examples of the Le Dandy were produced, between 1960 and 1968.
This car is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful Le Dandy coupés in existence. Interesting and rare, it will be greatly appreciated by enthusiasts and collectors.
Photos © Dirk de Jager
For sale in our upcoming auction on February 9th in Paris.
250 000 - 350 000 €
More photos of the car can be viewed at the following link: - details above
