Lot 151 - 1962 Citroën DS19 Décapotable
| Lot Number | 151 |
| Registration | tbc |
| Chassis Number | DS19 Décapotable |
| Odometer reading | 80,241 km |
| Estimate | £110,000 - £145,000 |
- A genuine convertible Chapron
- Restored and in good order throughout
The Citroën DS is a four-door, front-engine, front-wheel-drive mid-size car manufactured from 1955 to 1975 in saloon, estate and convertible body configurations. Italian sculptor and industrial designer Flaminio Bertoni and the French aeronautical engineer André Lefèbvre styled and engineered the car. Paul Magès developed the hydro-pneumatic self-levelling suspension. Noted for its aerodynamic, futuristic body design and innovative technology, the DS set new standards in ride quality, handling and braking. Citroën sold 1,455,746 cars, including 1,330,755 built at the manufacturer's original mass-production plant in Paris. The DS came third in the 1999 Car of the Century poll recognising the world's most influential auto designs and was named the most beautiful car of all time by Classic & Sports Car magazine. Henri Chapron was a prominent French automobile coachbuilder and turned his hand to the successful Citroën DS with its revolutionary aerodynamic design and radical hydraulic suspension. At first Chapron purchased these vehicles and customised them as one-off conversions. Many of these became unique convertible variants of the DS known as the ‘Décapotable’. All told, Chapron created 389 hand-built DS convertibles.
This delightfully handsome Citroën DS19 has been restored and our inspection confirmed this to be a ‘Décapotable’ of rare quality. The engine runs well and suspension, brakes and steering all operated as they should. Finished in metallic Bordeaux Red with black leather trim, this iconic Citroën epitomises everything about the 1960’s, style and grace mixed in with a hint of quirkiness. Currently still registered on French plates, she comes with a NOVA certificate to enable registration in the UK should the new owner choose to do so. Whether driving to the shops or the French Riviera, this DS19 is a genuine Chapron example and is a sure to be a great conversation piece; truly an amazing piece of French motoring history.
Interested parties should satisfy themselves as to the description and condition of each Lot prior to the sale. Accordingly, buyers are on notice that each vehicle is offered ‘as is/as seen’ subject to the Terms and Conditions for the auction. All registration numbers, engine and chassis details are sourced from registration documents provided to Historics by the client or representative or HPI checks and buyers are to satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of these details. Buyers are advised to inspect the vehicle in person or use a professional to carry out this service. Historics will not entertain disputes over descriptions.