Lot 426: 1963 Citroen DS19 Decapotable by Chapron

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 (for decapitated) Cabriolet version was the rarest and most collectible of all DS variants, offered from 1958 until 1973. These were built in limited numbers by French coachbuilder Henri Chapron on behalf of the Citron factory. In addition, Chapron also produced a few coupés, non-works cabriolets and special saloons. Presented here is a wonderful example of the rare factory Cabriolet originally imported from Naples, Italy, by specialist Classics and Cabriolets in 2004. Believed to have had only two Italian owners from new, the last of whom owned it for over 30 years, the car has always been exceptionally well maintained as well as being upgraded throughout. Amongst the remedial work undertaken was a fitment of replacement radiator, a suspension rebuild and new brakes and tyres. In addition a brand new mohair hood was fitted a few years ago along with period spotlights and an original Chapron wireless; invoices totaling approximately £10,000 detail the work done in recent years. A most elegant and useable open tourer.