Lot 145: Citroen DS 21

After eighteen years of development in secret as the successor to the venerable Traction Avant, the DS 19 was introduced on October 5th 1955 at the Paris Motor Show. The car's appearance and innovative engineering captured the imagination of the public and the automobile industry almost overnight; 743 orders were taken in the first 15 minutes of the show and orders for the first day amounted to 12,000. Far from being just a fascinating technology in search of a purpose, contemporary journalists were effusive in noting how the DS dramatically pushed the envelope in the ride versus handling compromise possible in a motor vehicle. A fibreglass roof reduced weight while inboard front brakes (allied to independent suspension) also reduced un-sprung weight. Different front and rear track widths and tyre sizes minimised the understeer typical of front-engined and front-wheel drive cars. Despite the rather leisurely acceleration afforded by its small four cylinder engine, the DS was successful in rallying where sustained speeds on poor surfaces are paramount. Notably, the Citroen was placed third in the 1999 Car of the Century competition, recognising the world's most influential automotive designs; first and second places went to the Ford Model T and the Mini, respectively. Notably, the DS also netted fifth place in Automobile Magazine's '100 Coolest Cars' list of 2005. The rare 'decapotable' or decapitated version was the rarest and most collectible of all DS variants, and was available from 1958 until 1973. These convertibles were built in small series by French carrossier Henri Chapron for the Citroën factory. In addition, Chapron also produced a few coupés, non-works convertibles and special sedans. This beautifully finished DS 21 in metallic blue with a black leather interior and matching black hood was subject to a no expense spared restoration some 10 years ago by Italian DS specialist Spaggiari, after which it was only sparingly used for a year. The work done comprised the restoration of the bodywork as well as the mechanical parts, the interior and hood. With only a small service necessary before it can be enjoyed again, it is still being described by the vendor as in excellent condition throughout. Restauro totale eseguito nell'officina meccanica SPAGGIARI specializzata Citroen DS. Tutto è nuovo , carrozzeria , meccanica , interno , capotte e gomme. Restaurata da oltre dieci anni ed usata solo il primo anno e per pochissimi chilometri , l'auto necessita di un piccolo controllo prima dell'uso pur funzionando perfettamente.