A classic Citroën is unquestionably one of the least conventional cars. Certainly the models with the hydropneumatic suspension were way ahead of their competitors and still look like they were from another planet. The DS remains an iconic design, and has inspired many coachbuilders to make something even more special out of it. The Chapron "décapotable" was one of these, and with only 1365 examples ever made a rare find today.

Every DS Chapron Décapotable started as a new DS saloon, which was then turned into a convertible by Chapron. This was possible because the DS had a sturdy chassis with all the body panels removable as these were in fact just aesthetic covers rather than integral structural components.

That is exactly what happened with this gorgeous looking DS. It started life as a standard DS21 Saloon, and is converted by a Dutch DS specialist into a Chapron Décapotable. This is all done as it should be, and it is hardly impossible to find differences with one of the 1365 real examples. It is based on the chassis of the DS Break, which is reinforced and the perfect base for building a convertible. The car is finished in beautiful Gris Palladium in combination with a gorgeous dark red interior. It has all the desirable options : factory headrests, semi-automatic gearbox (or "boîte hydraulique" like the French say) and a very rare Jaeger dashboard. Fit and finish of this car is excellent, and it is definitely one of the best recreations money can buy.

It is the ultimate four seats cruiser, beautifully made and in one of the nicest colour combinations one can imagine. Driving this Goddess is quite an experience, wafting around in silence and getting lots of thumbs-up from onlookers.

As an original Chapron Decapotable has become quite an investment these days, this recreation in concours condition may be the closest you can come to the real thing, at almost half the price. An opportunity not to be missed in my opinion.