Photos provided by the vendor
** We are informed by the seller that there is no difference of shade between the dashboard and the bodywork**

Highlights

Rare and incredibly special Henri Chapron ‘Cabriolet Usine’
Manual gearbox
Recent bodywork restoration, respray and new soft top
Engine rebuilt in 2016 and has now received its 1,000Km service

The Appeal

The name Henri Chapron is rightly revered by Citroën enthusiasts, as his ability to make the already magnificent DS even more exquisite was quite remarkable. Chapron are perhaps best known for their coachbuilt cabriolets and we’re delighted to present this fabulous 1967 example.

Originally supplied to the United States of America, this ‘Cabriolet Usine’ has since returned to France where a great deal of attention has been lavished upon it in recent years. As an eminently desirable 1967 model utilising the superior green LHM hydraulic fluid but retaining the earlier headlights, this Décapotable is about as special as a DS can be.

The History and Paperwork

Acquired by the current owner in 2015
We’re informed that this example was originally sold to America and it was brought back to France in the early 2000s
Upon returning to France, a major restoration was undertaken
The engine was rebuilt in 2016 and has since had its first service
Recently subject to some extensive bodywork restoration and a paint job
The vendor informs us that all the invoices for work and servicing carried out since the DS returned to France are present
5,460Km indicated (five figure odometer)
Currently stored in an air-conditioned garage
Now ready for the next owner to cherish and enjoy
We're informed that the chassis numbers have been checked against factory build records, confirming it to be a factory Chapron conversion

Facture ATELIERS MAXIME COMPAGNON 2574.jpeg 174.26 KB

The Interior

Sporting the desirable Jaeger instrument cluster
Equipped with a period correct Edison radio
Upholstered in sumptuous beige leather

Evidently this DS has been subject to some retrimming work in the past and the beige leather presents exceedingly well. The upholstery has now weathered in a little with use and looks fabulous as a result, with a few light creases to the seats.

With a flash of body colour running across the width of the car, the dashboard of the DS is very attractive and, with that iconic single spoke steering wheel, is quite different to almost anything else on the road. Enthusiasts will have noticed this car sports the eminently desirable Jaeger instrumentation as well as Continental Edison radio. All of the switchgear looks to be in nice shape and we’re informed everything works as it should.

The carpets exhibit a little wear and discoloration in places, but nothing untoward, and there’s no damage we could discern. Most recently, the seat reclining system has been overhauled and we’re informed that everything inside the cabin now functions as it should.

The Exterior

Recent bodywork restoration and respray
New soft top fitted, complete with tonneau
Excellent condition, with no corrosion anywhere to be seen

Having been subject to some extensive bodywork restoration in August 2022, this DS is now in very fine order both structurally and cosmetically.

We’re informed that the doors had been incorrectly repaired in the past and have now been restored with new strengthening bars replicating Chapron’s original design. In standard form, the DS is of course a four door car, so you can imagine the skill that went into fitting these cars with just two doors, which were elongated to allow rear access.

The paintwork is immensely smart having been recently applied and we couldn’t see any notable imperfections. The body too is really straight, while the aforementioned doors shut nicely. Underneath, all appears in good order and we couldn’t see any corrosion.

A new soft top has also been made for this car, so the fabric is in really good condition. The vendor informs us that it operates smoothly, with no faults to report. A bespoke upper seal for the windscreen has also been made to replace the original, so the roof seals well, keeping the weather out.

As the photographic record and invoices from the recent work detail, a number of body panels have been replaced with fresh steel and the indicators are new, as is the wiring for them. We noted a few marks around the front indicators but this is hardly noticeable. There’s plenty of trim on this car, which all presents really well. We couldn’t see any pitting to the chrome and all the separate trim pieces line up as they ought to.

In all, it's a fabulous thing.

The Mechanics

2,175cc inline four
Four-speed manual gearbox
Engine rebuild in 2016

All looks to be in really fine condition under the bonnet. The engine compartment is clean and we couldn’t see any evidence of significant leaks. The engine was rebuilt in 2016 and has since received its 1,000Km service which entailed re-torquing the cylinder head and re-adjusting all the rocker clearances.

A new front-end height regulator has also been fitted, along with new front spheres, and we’re informed that hydropneumatic suspension operates exactly as it should, resulting in that silky smooth ‘magic carpet ride’ the DS is known for. Repairs have also been carried out to the windscreen washer system which now works well.

New steering ball joints were swapped in where necessary and a new speedometer cable was fitted. Any leaks to the engine, gearbox or suspension system were also rectified and now this Citroën is ready to be enjoyed.

The vendor informs us that the car drives almost effortlessly. The revs rise gradually as they should and the gear changes remain very smooth.

Summary

If the Citroën DS somehow wasn’t special enough for you in standard form, then Chapron’s coachbuilt creations make the so-called ‘Goddess’ even more graceful.

These are rare machines, making this the perfect opportunity to become the envy of the Citroën community.

Notice to bidders

This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*

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