1965 Citroën DS 19 Cabriolet
The Citroën DS, often referred to as the “Goddess,” was a revolutionary vehicle at its time of introduction in 1955, due to its aerodynamic, futuristic body design and innovative technology.
The DS featured a hydro-pneumatic suspension system that allowed for a smooth ride and automatic leveling, power steering, semi-automatic transmission, and disc brakes, which were a novelty at the time.
Henri Chapron, a master coachbuilder, began modifying the original DS from Citroën without official endorsement from the automaker. His first creation was the “La Croisette” cabriolet, which he introduced in 1958. Recognizing the quality and appeal of Chapron’s work, Citroën eventually gave him the official commission to produce the DS cabriolet.
The 1965 Citroën DS 19 Cabriolet by Chapron was based on the DS 19 sedan. It featured the same 1,911 cc, four-cylinder engine with advanced technical features, such as an overhead camshaft and hemispherical combustion chambers.
The engine was capable of producing 83 hp, which allowed for respectable performance combined with the car’s four-speed manual transmission.
Chapron’s modifications included not only converting the sedan into a convertible but also reinforcing the chassis to compensate for the lack of a fixed roof.
The craftsmanship of Chapron’s work was evident in the luxurious finishes, with leather upholstery and a high level of attention to detail. The soft-top roof was meticulously engineered to fold down behind the rear seats, giving the car a sleek profile when opened.
The collaboration resulted in a few variations of the DS cabriolet, including the “Palm Beach,” “Le Caddy,” and “Le Dandy” models, each with unique styling cues and features.
The official DS 19 Cabriolet by Chapron, however, is the most recognized and celebrated among these. Approximately 120 DS 19 Cabriolets were built for 1965.
Today, the 1965 Citroën DS 19 Cabriolet by Chapron is a rare collector’s item. Its combination of Citroën’s advanced technology and Chapron’s elegant, handcrafted bodywork make it a standout example of French automotive design and engineering from the 1960s.
Credit: RM Sotheby’s
