DS 21 Decapotable by Chapron (France, 1966)

Amongst the most desirable versions was the factory-authorised Decapotable, or Cabriolet, produced by Parisian coachbuilder Henri Chapron. At first, Citroën refused to sell Chapron separate chassis, so the coachbuilder was reduced to purchasing complete cars and dismantling them. Eventually, the factory relented, and for 10 years, from 1961 to 1971, Chapron produced 1,365 Decapotables to individual customer order. After official production ended, a handful of cars continued to be produced on a custom basis until 1978. Each was hand built to the highest of standards, with handmade doors that were four inches longer than the saloon’s and on double latches; a tail that had been crafted as one long, sweeping panel, with a fibreglass boot lid; and decorative brightwork along the flanks. There were 15 paint choices, 13 shades of leather upholstery, and 3 carpet colours available, allowing for 585 possible combinations.