1963 Citroën DS 19 Décapotable (Henri Chapron)

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

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