To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION at RM Sothebys' Shift Online: Europe and Middle East event, 23 - 28 April 2025.

• A rare and desirable “L’Usine” (factory) variant of the Chapron cabriolet
• One of approximately 1,400 examples built by Henri Chapron for Citroën
• Powered by a 1.9-litre four-cylinder engine mated to a four-speed manual gearbox
• Restored in Italy from 2015 to 2019 at a cost of around €85,000, with invoices on file
• Complemented by a Citroën certificate confirming this chassis was constructed as a cabriolet, spare wheel, and jack

The Citroën DS 19 was launched on 6 October 1955 at the Paris Motor Show, as the long-awaited post-war replacement for the ageing Traction Avant. An instant success, the Citroën stand took a staggering 12,000 orders on the first day alone. The DS range featured innovative suspension, power steering, and a host of technical advancements—cementing France’s reputation for well-engineered quirky cars. A more affordable ‘ID’ range was offered, still with the clever suspension, but without power steering and a simplified braking system.

While saloons and station wagons were available, the DS/ID range was devoid of open-top motoring until renowned French coachbuilder Henri Chapron—who was already modifying saloons for celebrities and heads of state—started to build cabriolets in 1958, better known as Décapotable. In 1960, working with DS designer Flaminio Bertoni and Citroën, Chapron began producing the factory- (L’Usine) sanctioned Décapotable, which could be ordered direct via the Citroën dealer network. Some 1,400 examples are thought to have been built from 1960 to 1971, and they are now highly sought after by collectors.

This car, a 1963 Citroën ID 19 Décapotable, is one of these factory cabriolets, as documented by a Citroën certificate on file. While the early history of the car is unknown, it was registered in Switzerland from 1998 until 2003, when the car was exported to Italy. Acquired as a restoration project by the consignor in 2015, the car was a barn find requiring a complete restoration of the body, interior, and running gear. Over the next four years, the ID was stripped back to its bare chassis, with some new panels fabricated, the engine restored, and the car was finished in Carrara White over a a deep red leather interior and black convertible roof. Invoices on file total around €80,000, while there are photographs of the restoration work carried out.

Enjoyed by the consigning owner for the past five years, this ID 19 Décapotable awaits new adventures with its next custodian.To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/auctions/0125/.