1969 Citroën DS 21 IE Cabriolet

1969 Citroën DS 21 IE Cabriolet - Displayed on Citroën’s stand at the 1969 Paris Motor Show - Prototype for the new dashboard with three dials - One of 23 DS 21 IE Cabriolets built from 1969–1971 - Original colours and engine - Fitted with air-conditioning - Outstanding appearance 1969 Citroën DS 21 IE Cabriolet A true symbol of French know-how, with the DS 21 model with fuel-injection the DS Cabriolet attained a particularly rare level of technical sophistication. This example has above all an exceptional history, as it was used as the prototype for the new dashboard with three dials, introduced in 1969. It left Henri Chapron’s workshops in Levallois on 25 July 1969 and was delivered to Citroën to take part in various tests, notably at the circuit at Montlhéry. It was then presented to the public on Citroën’s stand at the Paris Motor Show in October 1969, as a 1970 model, only a few weeks after it had left Chapron’s workshops. Finished in metallic ‘Sable’ brown, with a natural leather interior, a black hood and semi-automatic transmission, it represents a particularly well documented testimony to the evolution of the DS Cabriolet. During the 1990s, the car went to Italy, where it had a succession of owners: Umberto Gandolfo in 1995, Antonio Valente in 1998, Maria Vincenzo Angelini in 2002, who had a complete restoration carried out, then Alessandro Miglioli in 2009 and Luigi Boninsegna in 2010. In 2012, it was exported to Germany and became part of the collection of the DS specialist Kai Desinger, the owner of the Garage du Pont in Berlin. It was there that it came to the attention of Thierry Dehaeck, who had gone to Berlin to see another DS Cabriolet. The unique character of this example, its history and rarity finally persuaded him to add it to his collection. With only 23 examples of the DS 21 Injection Électronique Cabriolet built from 1969–1971, this car is one of the rarest versions of the DS Cabriolet. In addition, it is fitted with air-conditioning, a particularly sought-after feature which can be recognised from the air intakes incorporated into the front bumper. Still in its colour when new and with its original engine, it comes with a remarkable set of documents, including the complete file prepared by Nöelle Chapron, with the certificate from Chapron and Citroën, a FIVA ID card, catalogues from Citroën and Chapron and an owner's manual, as well as a certificate and badge from the ASI. Its status as the first DS Cabriolet fitted with the new dashboard and as the car displayed at the Paris Motor Show in 1969, its mechanical specification and very limited production mean that this example goes far beyond a simple ‘works convertible’. It is an exceptional collector’s item on account of its rarity, history and importance in the development of the DS.

Estimation:€180,000

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