The DS is a uniquely French car, but it’s interesting to note that alongside aeronautical-engineer-turned-car-designer André Lefèbvre in the development process was Italian sculptural designer Flaminio Bertoni (not to be confused with Bertone) – making this a truly European concept.
And what a concept it was! The product of a solid eighteen years of development to create an appropriate replacement for the innovative Traction Avant, the fresh new DS 19 of 1955 pushed the boundaries of ride quality, aerodynamics, handling, braking, and futuristic design.
Imagine the atmosphere in the room when the covers were drawn away at the ’55 Paris Motor Show – while Ford were touting the 100E and Vauxhall buffed the chrome on their Cresta, Citroën landed a spaceship in the room.
Showgoers understandably went bonkers for it, Citroën taking 743 orders in the first fifteen minutes, with the final order tally by the end of the day totalling over 12,000. And so a legend was born.
A convertible version was added to the model range in 1958, remaining on the books until 1973, although the eye-watering list price meant that it was never a volume seller.
Hand-crafted by Henri Chapron’s revered carrosserie, these two-door drop-tops used a special frame with reinforced side members for rigidity, moving the rear indicators down to the deck (of course, as they couldn’t be mounted to a fabric roof) and creating a whole new profile.
Just 1,365 ‘Décapotable Cabriolet d'Usine’ were sold over that fifteen-year run, along with a number of non-works convertibles built by Chapron to different specifications, and the example we have here is a 1970 car.
Originally supplied by Citroën Deutschland in June 1970 to a Dr. T. Burckhart and has remained in Germany with recorded history until 2005. Subsequently imported to the UK where it has remained attended several car shows and been part of a prestigious collection of classics.
If you’ve never sat inside a DS, you really ought to try it.
The name DS was supposedly chosen as it’s pronounced ‘déesse’, the French word for ‘goddess’, and you really do feel like a celestial being in here: with plump and richly stuffed armchairs and the padding under the carpet, it feels like you’re floating above the clouds.
The cabin of this DS is beautifully trimmed in tan leather, which is in lovely condition throughout, and the front seats tilt correctly to allow access to the rear.
The dash is in good order, with no cracks or signs of sun damage and all the gauges in working order. Inside the boot it’s all dry and tidy with no evidence of moisture.
It’s remarkable how Chapron’s handiwork altered the body style from a four-door saloon to a two-door convertible with such flair and panache – it’s as if it was always meant to be designed this way from the off. And the silhouette really is breath-taking, isn’t it?
The deep blue metallic paint is in good order throughout, with a mystical sparkle that really pops in direct sunlight. Fit and finish is good, with nice even panel gaps and everything closing with a satisfying thunk.
All of the chrome trim is present and in good condition, as is the badging and detail trim, and the light lenses and window glass are good.
The wheels wear the correct chromed hubcaps, which all have a mirror shine and are free from dents, and the car wears a quality set of period-correct Michelin XVS tyres with plenty of tread.
The roof is in super condition inside and out, and lowers, raises and latches just as it should.
There’s also a matching tonneau cover to keep it all tidy, and this fits impeccably.
It’s notable that this DS has the 21-spec fuel-injected engine, as just 483 Décapotables were built in this specification.
Actually closer in displacement to 2.2-litres, this four-cylinder is a smooth and willing companion, firing easily and idling happily, and running sweetly.
The column-shift transmission is appropriately slick in its action, and of course there’s an inherent sense of weirdness shared with all DSs which will take a little learning before you become at one with its character: the brake pedal, for instance, is more of a button than a pedal, there’s the trademark slurping sounds from the self-centring steering, and then then you have the hydropneumatic suspension: we tested it in all of its modes, from fully parked to ‘maintenance’, and it’s all working correctly on the lever.
This is a wonderful machine to drive – the drivetrain in these cars is impressively robust, and the unusual suspension setup has evidently been looked after by people who know what they’re doing as this car drives exactly as a good DS ought to.
There can be no arguing that the DS Décapotable is one of the most beautiful cars ever built.
Taking what was already a sensational saloon and turning it into something so sylph-like and slinky was a masterstroke, and the huge demand for these cars speaks for itself: this would surely take pride of place in any classic car collector’s prized inner circle.
Of course, that’s not to say that this DS is simply a show pony or an ornament; yes, it would undoubtedly win a lot of silverware if you wanted to take it on the show circuit, but the ruggedness of the engineering and the careful manner in which this car has been maintained means that it would easily deal with regular use.
Whichever way, you’ll have something truly beautiful to enjoy; absolutely one of the all-time great designs.
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Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
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1970 Citroën DS Décapotable (Henri Chapron)
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