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 Andre Lefebvre styled and engineered the car. Paul Mages developed the hydropneumatic 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. The Citroën DS is an icon and the Decapotable ranks among its most sought-after variants. Designer Flaminio Bertoni planned a convertible when the DS19 was launched in 1955, but teething troubles put the brakes on the idea. Many of the 80,000 buyers who placed orders at the show were still waiting two years later. The DS19 relied on a complex, integrated hydraulic system to control the suspension, steering, gearshift, and brakes. The DS' rigid box chassis and unstressed skin meant a convertible was an attractive possibility, and coachbuilder Chapron stepped forward. Ultimately, Citroën turned Henri Chapron to create the 'Decapotable Usine,' or 'factory convertible,' to meet demand.

Our vendor's late father purchased this car sometime in the late 1980's/early 1990's, shortly after its professional conversion had been carried out. The workmanship is very good and to the untrained eye, this could very easily pass as an original Decapotable, but for around 15% of the price! The overall condition of the car is good, it was always used as a special occasion car and kept in professional storage, so it wears its years well and is said to turn heads everywhere it goes and is a guaranteed conversation starter. Supplied to auction with old MoT's, information on the conversion and receipts for works carried out over the years, this example looks like excellent value. Consigned by Fraser Smith

Lot details
Year: 1967
Make: Citroën
Model: ID19 Convertible
Registration: RMX 328F
Chassis No: 3762280
Odometer: 73,060

* In current family ownership for circa 30 years
* Professionally drop top conversion in the early 1990's