• Ex-1962 Geneva Motorshow
• One of only 38 units built
• Chapron no 7473
• Delivered new in France
• Restored with no expense spared
• French registration document & Japan customs document

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'. The newcomer's startling appearance had been determined by the requirements of aerodynamic efficiency while beneath the shark-like, 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. Other models offered alongside the original DS were the ID (a simplified, cheaper version), the cavernous Safari estate and the two-door décapotable (convertible). One of the most stylish cars of the 1960s, the latter was the creation of Parisian coachbuilder, Henri Chapron, who called his first such model 'La Croisette'. At first the conversion was not approved by Citroën, forcing Chapron to buy complete cars rather than rolling chassis, but eventually the factory relented and went on to produce its own works version on the longer chassis of the ID Break (estate) model. Chapron continued to build his own Le Caddy and Palm Beach cabriolets together with various limousines and coupés, the most numerous of the latter being Le Dandy, approximately 50 of which were completed between 1960 and 1968. Introduced in 1960 at the same time as Le Caddy and Le Dandy was another variation on the coupé theme, the Concorde, which featured a more generously proportioned cabin with greater headroom for the rear passengers. Only 38 were built over the next five years.

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.

This exceptionally rare Concorde is accompanied by a cancelled French registration document dated 19 July 1974, which records changes of ownership in 1972, 1984, and 2017, as well as a Japanese customs document.

Please note that if this vehicle is sold to a French private buyer or an EU private individual the reduced rate of Import VAT at 5.5% will be charged on the hammer price. The Import VAT will be invoiced to you by our custom broker who will also charge a clearance fee. If you buy as a Trader or Company however, the Finances Publiques will charge you directly (based on our customs broker clearance) and the French VAT Import Charges will not appear on your Bonhams invoice. Please note that if you purchase as an EU Company, you are required to pay the VAT in your registered country at the relevant rate. Import rates to other EU Countries may vary and an administration fee will be charged to prepare the necessary customs clearance. If you have any questions regarding customs clearance, please contact the Bonhams Motorcar Department or our recommended shippers.