1966 Citroën DS21 Décapotable
Coachwork by Henri Chapron
Registration no. KSA 381F
Chassis no. 4371577

Offered here is a very rare example of Citroën's iconic DS21 Décapotable, only some six or seven of which were built with the 2,175cc engine and in right-hand drive configuration like this one. Ordered by the UK importer, this car is a Décapotable Usine (factory convertible) built by Henri Chapron after Citroën bought the rights to his design; although made by Chapron, the Usine could only be sold via the Citroën dealer network. Chapron continued to build his own range of bespoke designs on the DS platform, which were always different from the Usine.

It is estimated that around 1,700 Usine convertibles were sold between 1960 and 1971; most were built prior to 1966 and so were delivered with the antiquated 1,911cc engine used since the DS's introduction in 1955. The 1966 model-year cars with the more modern 2,175cc engine are relatively rare, with only 170 completed (published figures vary, but this is the number recorded in the Citroën Heritage-authorised 'Coffret Legend' publication on file). The scarcity of right-hand drive examples is accounted for by the fact that from 1st January 1966 they no longer conformed to the UK's new seat belt regulations. The latter stated that all cars had to be sold with fixings in place for a 3-point harness in the front, even though the harness did not have to be fitted. It is believe that this is the reason this particular car went to Malta in 1968, because from 1969 the regulations required all cars made after 1st January 1966 to be fitted with a 3-point harness for the MoT, which this car would have failed. It is believed that only one other right-hand drive Décapotable was sold in the UK after this one. While in Malta the DS was used sparingly and in dry weather only.

This car remains exceptionally original, retaining its matching engine and numerous 'impossible to falsify' details: for example, the brackets for the rear brake pipes are period-correct (changed on 1969 model-year cars). It also has the early type of front and rear suspension pushrod ball cups, which are integral with the rear arms and front sub-frames (this design was changed in 1966). Furthermore, there is no evidence of repair to the chassis anywhere (very important for a DS) and it is believed that it is as it left the factory.
Brought back to the UK eight years ago, 'KSA 381F' was treated to a major service by renowned marque specialists Andrew Brodie Engineering in June 2018 (bill on file). Works carried out included fitting a new clutch, new front brake discs, new timing chain, electronic ignition, up-rated alternator, electric fuel pump, and four new Michelin tyres. Plus, in the interests of reliability, the hydraulic system was converted to accept green LHM fluid while retaining the appearance of the original clear LHS2 fluid system (the two are incompatible). Following the completion of these works, the DS successfully completed a trip to the South of France.

Mr de Savary purchased the DS at Bonhams' Bond Street sale in December 2018. Since when it has been fitted with a new Burgundy canvas roof with black lining and matching Burgundy carpets. The car also benefits from a recent service by Andrew Brodie Engineering. Accompanying documentation consists of a Maltese registration document; a quantity of expired MoTs; sundry invoices from Andrew Brodie Engineering Ltd; and documentation from Citroën Heritage. Offered with its original owner's handbook and repair manual, this rare and ultra-desirable soft-top DS is ready for the next owner to use and enjoy.