Eric Minoff
Vice President, Head of Department - US
LOT 149 ¤Ω
1961 Citroën DS 19 Décapotable Coachwork by Henri Chapron Chassis no. 4200422
Sold for US$101,920 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 149¤,Ω
1961 Citroën DS 19 Décapotable
1961 Citroën DS 19 Décapotable
Coachwork by Henri Chapron
Chassis no. 4200422
Coachwork by Henri Chapron
Chassis no. 4200422
1,900cc Citroën Inline 4-Cylinder Engine
Electronic Fuel Injection
Est.180bhp at 5,800rpm
5-Speed Manual Transmission
4-Wheel Independent Hydraulic Suspension
4-Wheel Disc Brakes
*Rare Citroen DS Cabriolet from the renowned Gotz collection in Germany.
*Chrome air intakes on the front fenders make this 1961 model unique.
*Striking Citroen yellow color with a black leather interior and a black canvas "sonnedecke" convertible top.
*Equipped with a semi-automatic transmission, considered the most luxurious edition in that year.
THE CITROËN DS
Just as it had done 21 years previously with the revolutionary 'Traction Avant', Citroën stunned the world again in 1955 with the launch of the strikingly styled 'DS'. Beneath the shark-like newcomer's aerodynamically efficient, low-drag bodyshell there was all-independent, self-levelling, hydro-pneumatic suspension; plus power-operated brakes, clutch and steering. 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 present-day top-of-the-range models. 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). Despite a much-reduced demand for bespoke coachwork after WWII, Chapron survived thanks to his exemplary creations for Delahaye, Talbot and Salmson, switching to offering bespoke versions of unitary construction models when motor manufacturers began to abandon the traditional separate chassis frame. 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 model.
THE MOTORCAR OFFERED
This rare and stunning Citroen DS Cabriolet, chassis number 4200422, has a unique history and numerous beautiful features. Produced between chassis numbers 4200290–4200466, this Cabriolet model is a testament to the exquisite design of Citroen DS vehicles.
This particular 1961 model comes from the renowned Gotz collection in Germany, owned by Mr. Andreas Gotz, a passionate Citroen and Renault dealer. Mr. Gotz dedicated his life to collecting rare Citroen DS models, including all Chapron models, convertibles, Dandy coupes, and more. He restored most of these vehicles to an exceptional standard in his Citroen dealership.
This Citroen DS Cabriolet, with its chrome air intakes on the front fenders, is a one-of-a-kind vehicle, making it a must-have for any car collection. This car has recently been imported from Europe to the US and has undergone a thorough technical inspection and service before being shipped.
The car is finished in a striking, original Citroen yellow, with a correct black leather interior and a black canvas "sonnedecke" convertible top. It also features a semi-automatic transmission, which was considered the most luxurious edition in that year.
This French classic car is ultra-rare and a sight to behold. It would make an excellent addition to any classic car collection. Don't miss the chance to own this unique and stunning Citroen DS Cabriolet.
Electronic Fuel Injection
Est.180bhp at 5,800rpm
5-Speed Manual Transmission
4-Wheel Independent Hydraulic Suspension
4-Wheel Disc Brakes
*Rare Citroen DS Cabriolet from the renowned Gotz collection in Germany.
*Chrome air intakes on the front fenders make this 1961 model unique.
*Striking Citroen yellow color with a black leather interior and a black canvas "sonnedecke" convertible top.
*Equipped with a semi-automatic transmission, considered the most luxurious edition in that year.
THE CITROËN DS
Just as it had done 21 years previously with the revolutionary 'Traction Avant', Citroën stunned the world again in 1955 with the launch of the strikingly styled 'DS'. Beneath the shark-like newcomer's aerodynamically efficient, low-drag bodyshell there was all-independent, self-levelling, hydro-pneumatic suspension; plus power-operated brakes, clutch and steering. 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 present-day top-of-the-range models. 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). Despite a much-reduced demand for bespoke coachwork after WWII, Chapron survived thanks to his exemplary creations for Delahaye, Talbot and Salmson, switching to offering bespoke versions of unitary construction models when motor manufacturers began to abandon the traditional separate chassis frame. 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 model.
THE MOTORCAR OFFERED
This rare and stunning Citroen DS Cabriolet, chassis number 4200422, has a unique history and numerous beautiful features. Produced between chassis numbers 4200290–4200466, this Cabriolet model is a testament to the exquisite design of Citroen DS vehicles.
This particular 1961 model comes from the renowned Gotz collection in Germany, owned by Mr. Andreas Gotz, a passionate Citroen and Renault dealer. Mr. Gotz dedicated his life to collecting rare Citroen DS models, including all Chapron models, convertibles, Dandy coupes, and more. He restored most of these vehicles to an exceptional standard in his Citroen dealership.
This Citroen DS Cabriolet, with its chrome air intakes on the front fenders, is a one-of-a-kind vehicle, making it a must-have for any car collection. This car has recently been imported from Europe to the US and has undergone a thorough technical inspection and service before being shipped.
The car is finished in a striking, original Citroen yellow, with a correct black leather interior and a black canvas "sonnedecke" convertible top. It also features a semi-automatic transmission, which was considered the most luxurious edition in that year.
This French classic car is ultra-rare and a sight to behold. It would make an excellent addition to any classic car collection. Don't miss the chance to own this unique and stunning Citroen DS Cabriolet.
Saleroom notices
Please note, that this lot is a model year 1962 with 1,911cc 80bhp engine equipped with a single Weber carburetor, and 4-speed semi-automatic. There is no visible chassis stamp and Bonhams is unable to verify that this a Chapron-built Décapotable. The estimate has been revised to $70,000-90,000. Title in transit.
Additional information
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Lot symbols
| ¤ | No Reserve |
| Unless indicated by the ¤ symbol next to the lot number (or bearing an explicit statement such as "No Reserve" or "Without Reserve"), which denotes no reserve, all lots in the catalog are subject to a reserve. The reserve is the minimum hammer price that the seller is willing to accept for a lot. This amount is confidential and does not exceed the low estimate value. | |
| Ω | Import Duty |
| Lot is subject to US Customs duty or tariff and/or related import fees payable by the buyer as part of the purchase price. Please refer to the Specialist Department managing the auction for details. |
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