1964 Citroën DS19M Décapotable
Coachwork by Henri Chapron
Chassis no. 4407046
Engine no. 0163004542

Body no. 00.13.000.550
Chapron no. 8617

No European car would match the DS's ride quality for several years, the fundamental soundness of Citroën's ahead-of-its-time hydro-pneumatic suspension being demonstrated by its survival in top-of-the-range models until earlier this year. The DS's original 1,911cc, overhead-valve, long-stroke engine was replaced in 1966 by a short-stroke 1,985cc unit, also available in 2,175cc and 2,347cc versions, while other DS developments included swivelling headlights, fuel injection and a five-speed gearbox.

Other models offered alongside the original DS were the ID (a simplified, cheaper version), the cavernous Safari estate and the two-door Décapotable (convertible), the latter boasting coachwork by Henri Chapron. (Chapron's first convertibles had been produced independently of Citroën, but the factory eventually gave the project its blessing). Citroën's sanctioned Décapotables were built on the longer, stronger chassis of the ID Break (Estate) before being despatched to Chapron for completion.

Henri Chapron had started his career in the motor industry as an upholsterer's apprentice, working for various coachbuilders in the Paris area. Chapron moved to larger premises in Levallois-Perret in 1923 and became the official builder of coach and convertible models for Delage and Delahaye, going on to body many of the most elegant French and European automobiles of the inter-war period.
The arrival of the Citroën DS in 1955 presented Chapron with a fresh opportunity that would result in his name being forever linked with this remarkable car. In total, 1,365 usine (factory) convertibles were made with either the DS19 or DS21 engine between 1960 and 1971, while Chapron built a further 389 of his own, the last in the mid-1970s.

This DS19M is presented in lovely Blanc Carrare with Burgundy leather interior, exactly how it was delivered new in France that year. According to the Dutch Citroën ID/DS Club Archivist (and previous owner of the car) it was the first 'Cabriolet Usine' built for the year 1964, arriving late in 1963 in the Chapron atelier. Moreover, it is one of only 122 Citroen DS19M Décapotable's built. #8617 left Chapron in February 1964 to be delivered to Citroen for commercialization. Notable special accessories (not from new) include additional fog lights; a Continental Edison FM radio; and Robergel enjoliveurs diamant (diamond hubcaps) said to have been fitted by the first owner. The latter is believed to be the wife of a Berliet concessionaire in the Dijon region.

Between 1978 and 1997 the DS belonged to a Mr Dusapin in Bougival, and was known to have had a number of other owners in the Bourgogne region subsequently. Since 2000 the car has resided in the Netherlands and in 2002 was bought by the Dutch Citroën ID/DS Club Archivist, Mr. Coenen, who has attended many Club events with this lovely original DS Cabriolet. He kept the car for some 17 years before passing it on to the current owner, another Dutch Citroën enthusiast and specialist mechanic.
This car is highly original and in correspondence is referred to as 'un-restored', although it should more accurately be regarded as sympathetically restored with regard to the interior, body, and paintwork. The engine, of course, has always been maintained and the hydraulic system changed from the less reliable red LHS to the green LHM fluid. Being a Citroën specialist, the current owner has looked after his car's mechanical maintenance and confirms it is in excellent running condition.
Registered in the Netherlands, this beautiful DS Décapotable comes with assorted correspondence; some period photographs; and the all-important Chapron file confirming its original specification.