Description
Dutch title
Chassis n° 00FB7220
Chapron number 7627
- Richard Reinders collection
- Exceptional and prestigious history
- The only Palm Beach 21 injection
- Superb presentation
- Ex Salon de Paris 1970
According to the build sheet for Chapron body n°7627, the cabriolet Palm Beach on offer was originally intended for the 1970 Paris Motor Show. This was probably where it came to the attention of French Government officials, as on 27 November 1970, the Société d'Achat et de Commission confirmed with Chapron the order for this Palm Beach cabriolet, which was " destined for the Presidency of the Ivory Coast Republic, where it would be used by President Pompidou during his stay on 7 and 8 February. "
An advance of 14 000 Francs was made, and the total price on the purchase order was 38 475 francs ex VAT, plus a few extras : two exterior mirrors, two chrome handles on the back of the front seats, front seat belts and 2kg of black paint for " possible bumps ".
The coachbuilder's final bill came to 44 021 francs ex VAT. The car was given a 'maritime preparation' suggesting that it was shipped immediately after being delivered. We can also assume it was intended as a gift from the French State to the president of the Ivory Coast, Félix Houphouët-Boigny. The car remained in the president's fleet of cars until 1974, after which it was registered R8540 CI 1. In July 1982, the car was imported into France by Jean-Pierre Driencourt, from Breteuil. It was later bought by the Citroën Chapron enthusiast Henri Rateau, who sold it in 2002 to Richard Reinders. Despite its low mileage, the car was in mediocre condition, having been exposed to sea air and the detrimental effects of a humid equatorial climate.
Our collector therefore decided to restore it and sent the car to the workshop of a Dutch specialist to be completely restored. The car stayed there for some 11 years and benefitted from a meticulous attention to detail. Original elements were kept and restored where possible. The car has retained its original chassis and engine, and the original interior remains as it was when purchased. The car finally emerged from the workshop in 2013 and was registered for the first time in Holland. Since then, it has covered just 1 500 km and is presented in impeccable condition. The black coachwork and special Chapron hubcaps look fabulous with the olive green mats and trim, and black leather seats.
This was the only Palm Beach cabriolet built by Chapron on the base of a DS21 injection. With its exclusive coachwork, unusual history and wonderful presentation, this is a car of historical significance that will be of great interest to enthusiasts.
Photos © Dirk de Jager
For sale in our upcoming auction on February 9th in Paris.
400 000 - 600 000 €
More photos of the car can be viewed at the following link: - details above
