Beschreibung:

Just as it had done 21 years previously with the revolutionary Traction Avant, Citroën stunned the world in 1955 with the launch of the strikingly styled DS. Beneath the newcomer's aerodynamically efficient, low-drag bodyshell there was all-independent, self-levelling, hydropneumatic suspension; plus power-operated brakes, clutch and steering. No European car would match the DS's ride quality for several years, the fundamental soundness of Citroën's ahead-of-its-time hydropneumatic suspension being demonstrated by its survival in improved, computer-controlled form in present-day models. From 1956 a simplified ID19 version lacking the power-assists became available, though these were restored as the ID's specification improved over the years. The original DS/ID 1,911cc, overhead-valve, long-stroke engine was replaced in 1966 by a short stroke 1985cc unit, also available in 2,175cc and 2,347cc versions, while other developments included swivelling headlights, fuel injection and a five-speed gearbox. Throughout the 1960s, coachbuilder Henri Chapron offered an officially sanctioned Decapotable (Convertible) conversion of the DS/ID, this being one of the most charismatic French cars of its era and today one of the most desirable. This genuine Chapron converted ID19 was acquired in France in 1997 directly from its first owner on behalf of the Japanese vendor. The car was restored in the UK in 1998, the bodywork undergoing renovation and re-paint, the interior and hood being renewed and the mechanicals checked over and serviced prior to shipment to Japan. A very rare car presented in very good cosmetic condition.