This 1970 Citroën DS21 IE is one of 1,325 Décapotable Usine cars built in partnership with French coachbuilder Henri Chapron and is one of just 40 examples believed to have been built in 1970. A North American–market example sold new through Carrier Motors of Montreal, Canada, in 1971, carrossier number 9346 was originally finished in Swan White over red leather before undergoing a color change to metallic red over tan leather as part of a six-year rotisserie refurbishment completed under previous ownership in 2017. It was later sold to an American buyer in 2019 before being acquired by the selling dealer in June 2026. The car is powered by a fuel-injected 2.2L inline-four mated to a four-speed, semi-automated manual transaxle and rides on a hydropneumatic self-leveling suspension. It is further equipped with power-assisted steering and brakes as well as directional headlights, a brown soft top, and an Autovox radio. This Chapron Décapotable is now offered by the selling dealer with a binder of records, photocopies of documentation from Citroën and Françoise Chapron, and a California title.
After Henri Chapron began offering coachbuilt variations of the DS in 1958, an agreement was reached in 1961 allowing Citroën to offer a factory-built version of Chapron’s convertible to customer order. Built over a reinforced frame, bodywork featured handmade doors that were 4″ longer than those of the sedan and a revised steel rear body section with a fiberglass trunk lid.
This example was originally finished in Swan White and underwent a color change to its current metallic red finish as part of the aforementioned multi-year refurbishment completed in 2017. The enclosed headlamps incorporate directional high beams, and further details include a brown Haartz soft top, dual side mirrors, and stainless-steel bumpers and trim.
The hydropneumatic system serves the self-leveling, height-adjustable suspension and also provides assistance to the steering and braking systems. Stopping power is provided by brakes actuated by a floor-mounted brake “mushroom” button that proportions stopping power between the inboard-mounted front discs and rear drums. The 15″ steel wheels wear polished covers and are mounted with 180-width Michelin XAS tires. A spare tire is stored under the hood in front of the engine.
The front and rear seats were re-trimmed in tan leather as part of the previously mentioned refurbishment, and matching upholstery extends to the removable center armrest as well as the door and side panels. Interior appointments include an Autovox AM/FM radio as well as a digital clock, a heater, and roll-up windows.
A single-spoke steering wheel sits ahead of Jaeger instrumentation including a 120-mph speedometer, a tachometer, and auxiliary gauges for fuel level and coolant temperature. The five-digit odometer shows 85k miles, and the selling dealer states that total mileage is unknown.
The 2.2L inline-four was factory equipped with Bosch D-Jetronic fuel injection and produced 115 horsepower and 126 lb-ft of torque when new. A replacement battery was installed in 2026.
Power is sent to the front wheels through a four-speed BVH semi-automated manual transaxle.
A copy of an attestation issued by Françoise Chapron lists the factory color scheme as Swan White with red leather interior upholstery as well as build dates and car numbers. A photocopy of a dossier from Citroën detailing additional factory information can be viewed in the gallery.
The provided California registration carries “Title Only” and “Planned Non-Operation (PNO)” notations and expired on September 20, 2026. The California title is in transit, and there may be a delay in transferring it to the new owner.