1973 Citroen D Super

Citroen shocked the motoring world when it unveiled the revolutionary DS at the Paris Auto Salon in 1955. Looking like it arrived from outer space, Citroens new DS defied convention in virtually every aspect of its design and construction. At time when the typical family car was based on a separate chassis with leaf springs and a live axle, Citroen adopted front-wheel drive, four-wheel independent hydro-pneumatic suspension controlled via a central hydraulic system, and powerful hydraulically boosted four-wheel disc brakes. It also had semi-automatic shifting, unibody construction, a fiberglass roof to lower the center of gravity, and was clothed in space-age bodywork that was like nothing seen before or since. So incredible was the design that the famed aesthete Roland Barthes described it as having fallen from the sky.

Along with the factory DS variants, a handful of independent coachbuilders created their own interpretations of the DS, with none more prolific than the great Parisian firm Henri Chapron. Limousines, coupes, and convertibles based on the DS emerged from Chaprons workshops. Citroen was so impressed with the quality that they contracted with Chapron to produce an officially sanctioned cabriolet, or Decapotable. To turn a four-door sedan into a two-door cabriolet, Chapron substantially reworked each car by reinforcing the floor pan to improve rigidity, stretching the doors, and building new panels from the A-pillars back. Hand-built in small numbers, the Chapron Decapotable is among the most exclusive and collectible variants of the DS, with exceptional examples coveted by collectors for their achingly beautiful lines as much as for their rarity.

As Chapron-built examples have become increasingly collectible and valuable, the argument for non-official conversions makes ample sense. Resplendent in warm gold, this Decapotable began life as a 1973 D Super 5 sedan a desirable mid-range model equipped with the larger 2.1-liter engine and 5-speed manual gearbox. It was subsequently converted to this 2-door cabriolet configuration, a faithful and artfully executed project reportedly completed in France around 1989.

The work may have been done by someone familiar with Chapron cars, as it features many authentic parts unique to Chapron models including exterior trim, bumpers, and rear lamps, and it is finished to high standards inside and out. Throughout the 1990s, it was used sparingly as the owner was a diplomat serving overseas. It was discovered in Eastern France in 2003 by a North American collector, who purchased it, had it serviced in France, and shipped it to his home in Florida. After changing hands again in the States, it was refinished to its current shade of gold, and the interior retrimmed in a distinctive mocha brown leather with a complementing brown soft top. Panel fit, paint quality, upholstery and detailing are excellent.

Most recently in the care of a seasoned Citroen enthusiast and collector, the D Super 5 was serviced by a noted St. Louis-based specialist to keep it operating in top form. Along with the preferred 5-speed manual gearbox, this car is equipped with Koolaire air conditioning, with the requisite air scoops in the front bumper and lower apron correct for A/C equipped cars. It rides on steel wheels fitted with Vredestein tires and full stainless-steel wheel covers to complete the space-age looks.

There hasnt been another car quite like the Citroen DS. After more than 50 years since the last one rolled off the line, Citroens goddess remains as futuristic as ever, and this well-appointed, beautifully presented D Super 5 brings even more joy with its open-air coachwork. For casual weekend drives or organized touring events, this glimmering gold convertible encapsulates the essence of French joie de vivre on four wheels.

Offers welcome and trades considered.