Golden times
Of course, the Citroën DS in its original form, designed by Flaminio Bertoni, is divine. Forever and ever. And perhaps that is precisely why other interpretations were also possible, and even desired by Henri Chapron of Citroën. This applies, of course, especially to the cabriolet, which was then also offered and distributed by the factory. What was also missing from the DS programme was a two-door coupé. Chapron’s first attempt at this was called ‘Le Paris’, was presented in 1958 and sold nine times by 1960. Then came the successor, the Concorde, three series, by 1968 probably 38 copies had been produced. And they were definitely very extraordinary with their eternally long rear. Nevertheless, Chapron managed to offer the rear passengers more headroom. Yes, as always: beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
VIN: 4200344
Auction: Bonhams, Paris 2025, estimate 100’000 to 150’000 Euro, with these informations: «Originally entrusted to the Chapron workshops on 6 February 1962 as a Citroën DS Cabriolet, chassis #4200344, this Concorde was delivered in April of that year to its first owner in La Varenne-Saint-Hilaire, an elegant suburb of Paris. Prior to delivery, it made its public debut on Chapron’s stand at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1962. The car’s current owner acquired it at auction in 2017, where it was offered by a German Citroën dealer and DS aficionado. Renowned for his expertise, the dealer undertook an uncompromising restoration to return the car to its original splendour. Staying true to the craftsmanship and exclusivity that define the Chapron Ateliers, several body panels were meticulously fabricated and reassembled, the interior was entirely refurbished, including the upholstery, and the mechanical components were comprehensively overhauled.»
But other special versions of the DS by Chapron are also quite impressive – a nice overview of these can be found: here. We have more exciting vehicles in our archive.
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