Citroen DS Convertible for Sale: History, Value & Buying Guide

The Citroen DS, consistently lauded as one of the most stylish and innovative cars of the 20th century, holds a special place in automotive history. While the value of the iconic 4-door D sedans is rising, it’s the Citroen DS convertible – also known as the Décapotable – that truly captures the imagination of classic car connoisseurs and collectors. The allure and rarity of these open-top beauties have driven their values sky-high compared to their sedan counterparts, making any Citroen Ds Convertible For Sale a significant event in the classic car market. This article delves into the history, rarity, market trends, and essential considerations for anyone interested in acquiring one of these French masterpieces.

The Enduring Appeal of the Citroen DS Convertible

While the DS sedan broke ground with its innovative technology and futuristic design by Flaminio Bertoni, the convertible version possesses a unique charm and exclusivity. Bertoni himself had envisioned a drop-top DS, but Citroën’s resources were heavily invested in perfecting the sedan’s complex systems. This focus created an opportunity for independent craftsmanship to step in and fulfill the desire for an open-air DS experience, cementing the convertible’s status as a highly sought-after vehicle today. Their limited production numbers and elegant lines make them a highlight at auctions and prestigious collections worldwide.

The Birth of an Icon: Henri Chapron’s Vision

With Citroën initially occupied, independent coachbuilder Henri Chapron took the initiative. In 1958, three years after the DS sedan’s debut, Chapron designed and produced the first Citroën DS Décapotable. Initially, Citroën was unenthusiastic about Chapron’s venture, refusing to grant official approval or supply bare chassis. Undeterred, Chapron purchased complete cars from dealerships and meticulously converted them.

His early creations were christened ‘La Croisette’, named after the famous boulevard in Cannes. By 1959, Chapron had built 25 of these unofficial DS convertibles. He then developed the ‘Le Caddy’ version, featuring neater one-piece rear wings, alongside the Le Dandy coupe. The growing demand for these elegant conversions eventually persuaded Citroën.

Factory-Approved “Usine” Cabriolets

Recognizing the quality and appeal of Chapron’s work, Citroën wisely brought him into the fold, making Chapron an official sub-contractor. Chapron redesigned the convertible based on Citroën’s proposals, leading to the creation of the official ‘Usine’ (factory) Cabriolets. For these models, Citroën supplied a specially reinforced frame, similar but not identical to the Break (station wagon) frame, featuring strengthened sidemembers and rear suspension swingarm bearing boxes. Production of these factory-sanctioned cabriolets began in February 1961, priced at nearly double that of an ID19 sedan.

(A detailed account of Henri Chapron’s construction methods and a comprehensive model listing can be found in John Pressnell’s book “Citroën DS The Complete Story”, particularly page 115 and Chapter 11).

Citroën showcased a Chapron-bodied convertible (essentially a modified La Croisette) at the 1960 Paris Salon, signalling their official embrace of the design. Between 1960 and 1971, a total of 1,365 official Décapotables were built. Production numbers break down as follows: 112 ID19s, 770 DS19s, and 483 DS21s. A few additional cars (believed to be three) were built later as special commissions, with the last delivered in 1978. Their rarity ensures that most surviving examples trade at premium prices today.

Navigating the Market: Original vs. Replica DS Convertibles

Beyond the official Chapron Usine models and his earlier independent conversions, various companies and individuals have created their own DS convertibles over the years. Some, like Ivanoff in France, produce reproductions that closely mimic the originals. However, many others fall short, failing to follow Chapron’s meticulous procedures, resulting in cars with noticeable flaws. Common giveaways of lesser conversions include standard-length doors (Chapron extended them for better proportions) and awkwardly cut windshield frames behind the A-pillars. Discerning originality is crucial when evaluating a Citroen Ds Convertible For Sale.

Citroen DS Convertible for Sale: Recent Market Trends & Prices

The market for genuine DS Cabriolets is dynamic, with prices often set at major international auctions. Retromobile in Paris is a key bellwether. In 2019, several examples went under the hammer:

• Artcurial offered a 1963 DS 19 Convertible estimated at $170,000 – $230,000 US, which did not sell.

A classic 1963 Citroen DS 19 Convertible in white with red interior, parked outdoors

• Bonhams featured a 1963 Citroën ID 19 ‘Palm Beach’ cabriolet by Chapron (an earlier, non-Usine model), estimated at €230,000 – €330,000, selling for €226,480.

Elegant 1963 Citroen ID 19 Palm Beach cabriolet by Chapron in dark blue at auction

• RM Sotheby’s sold a 1967 Citroën DS21 Cabriolet for €244,360, exceeding its €160,000 – €180,000 estimate.

Side profile of a stunning red 1967 Citroen DS21 Cabriolet at Retromobile auction

In the US, early 2019 saw notable sales:

• At Gooding & Company’s Scottsdale auction, a unique 1964 DS19 Décapotable fitted with a modern, turbocharged Citroën engine sold for $212,800 US. While the engine swap was well-executed, the modified front end with a large air intake drew criticism for altering the DS’s classic lines. This car was later listed by Hyman Ltd. for $325,000 US and subsequently marked as sold, though the final price wasn’t disclosed.

Front three-quarter view of a modified 1964 Citroen DS19 Decapotable in silver at Scottsdale auction

Interior view of the 1964 DS 19 Decapotable showing custom leather seats and dashboard

Engine bay of the modified 1964 DS 19 Decapotable featuring a modern turbocharged Citroen engine

• At the Amelia Island auction, Gooding & Company sold a 1970 Citroën DS21 Décapotable for $235,000 USD (plus 12% buyer’s premium, totaling $263,200 USD). This price, below the $300K-$400K estimate, likely reflected its non-original paint color and interior refurbishment.

Rear three-quarter view of a 1970 Citroen DS21 Decapotable in metallic green sold at Amelia Island

A standout sale occurred in October 2019 at Bonhams’ “The Zoute Sale” in Belgium. A 1973 Citroën DS23 IE Décapotable (one of the very late, potentially special commission cars) achieved a world record price, selling for €425,500 (approximately $487,945 US) including premium. This result underscored the peak values achievable for exceptional examples.

Front view of a pristine 1973 Citroen DS23 IE Decapotable in dark red, a record-breaking sale

Rear view of the record-breaking 1973 Citroen DS23 IE Decapotable showcasing its elegant lines

Front right side profile of the exceptional 1973 Citroen DS23 IE Decapotable by Chapron

Luxurious interior of the 1973 Citroen DS23 IE Decapotable featuring leather seats and classic dashboard

The online auction platform Bring a Trailer (BaT) also saw significant activity:

• A 1966 Citroën DS21 Chapron Cabriolet Usine, described as a “project” car with significant issues (incorrect front end/dashboard, flood damage from Hurricane Sandy), initially appeared to sell for $100,000 US in November 2019. This price was surprising given its condition and the estimated $150K+ restoration cost. However, the sale reportedly fell through when the buyer learned the body had been transferred to a different chassis in 1987 due to extensive rust on the original. The car was later listed on Facebook for $95,000 US. This case highlights the importance of verifying a car’s history and structural integrity.

A 1966 Citroen DS21 Chapron Cabriolet Usine project car with later US-spec front end

Interior of the 1966 DS21 Chapron Cabriolet project car requiring full restoration

Close-up of the incorrect late-series dashboard fitted to the 1966 DS21 Chapron Cabriolet project

Screenshot of a Facebook Marketplace listing for the 1966 DS21 Chapron Cabriolet project car

• Another BaT listing featured a highly original, unrestored 1967 Citroën DS21 Chapron Decapotable with a 4-speed manual transmission. Delivered new to San Francisco, it spent most of its life in California before being acquired from storage. This genuine Chapron, noted for its originality and driving pleasure, sold for $205,000 US in December 2019, considered a good value for the buyer.

Unrestored 1967 Citroen DS21 Chapron Decapotable with 4-speed transmission listed on Bring a Trailer

Side profile view of the highly original 1967 Citroen DS21 Chapron Decapotable

Rear view of Greg Long's 1967 DS21 Chapron Decapotable showcasing its patina

Interior view of the original 1967 DS21 Chapron Decapotable with 4-speed manual gearbox

Understanding Value: Originals, Replicas, and Projects

These auction results demonstrate a wide range, but generally, nice original Usine cabriolets command prices well above $200,000 US, with exceptional examples potentially exceeding $300,000 or even $400,000.

In contrast, well-made reproductions offer a similar aesthetic experience for significantly less. A high-quality DS reproduction cabriolet spotted at Classic Remise in Berlin was priced at €98,000 (around $109,000 US at the time).

Well-executed Citroen DS reproduction cabriolet in silver displayed at Classic Remise, Berlin

Rear view of the silver DS reproduction cabriolet showing its convertible top and lines

Interior detail of the DS reproduction cabriolet at Classic Remise

Front detail of the silver DS reproduction cabriolet for sale in Berlin

However, quality varies. At Citroën’s 100th-anniversary event in La Ferté-Vidame, France, a DS21 convertible was offered for €119,000. While appearing well-presented, certain details like incorrect door panel clasps suggested it might be a replica, reflecting its lower-than-expected price for a genuine model.

A white Citroen DS21 convertible for sale at the La Ferte-Vidame Citroen centenary event

Close-up of the 'For Sale' sign on the DS21 convertible at La Ferte-Vidame, possibly a replica

Poorly executed conversions, often referred to as “hacked” cabrios, should be valued much lower. An example listed on eBay in 2018 from Valencia, California, showed obviously incorrect proportions, particularly the rear end and standard-length doors. Its ambitious starting bid of over $120,000 US attracted no bidders.

Example of a poorly proportioned fake DS cabriolet conversion listed on eBay

Even replicas can vary. A Vietnamese-made replica seen on eBay in 2015 demonstrated that some reproductions can appear quite convincing externally, further emphasizing the need for expert inspection.

A Vietnamese-made replica Citroen DS Cabriolet, illustrating varying quality of reproductions

Conclusion: Investing in a Legend

The market for Citroen DS convertibles has shown considerable fluctuation, yet the fundamental rarity and desirability of genuine Chapron-built cars ensure strong demand. Prices for well-preserved or expertly restored original examples are firmly in the territory of exotic classics, generally starting above $200,000 US and reaching much higher for top-tier cars. Investing in an authentic Henri Chapron cabriolet with verified provenance and excellent condition represents a potentially sound financial decision within the classic car market, alongside the immense pleasure of ownership.

For those seeking the DS Décapotable experience at a more accessible price point, a well-executed reproduction can offer significant enjoyment for potentially less than half the cost of an original, often without the same preservation anxieties. The key lies in balancing ownership enjoyment with investment potential.

Regardless of whether you are seeking an original Usine model or a replica, thorough investigation before purchase is paramount when considering a Citroen DS convertible for sale. Pay close attention to potential rust in areas specific to the convertible structure – the reinforced windshield posts, lower sills, and the area beneath the folding top mechanism were often poorly rust-proofed from the factory. Factor in the costs of potential repairs, sourcing special trim, interior restoration, and convertible top replacement. Above all, verify the car’s history and authenticity to ensure you know exactly what you are buying and what future investment it may require.