1969 CITROEN DS 20 DECAPOTABLE REGISTRATION NO: ABW 186G

Hammer

£33,500

1969 CITROEN DS 20 DECAPOTABLE
REGISTRATION NO: ABW 186G

More Information

Manufacturer: Citroen
Model: DS 20 Decapotable
First Registered: 1998
Registration No: ABW 186G
Mileometer:
Chassis No: 4335241
MOT: Exempt
Colour: Gris Palladium

A mere 10 years after the end of World War Two, Citroen leapt onto the world stage in a storm of publicity surrounding the launch of their ground-breaking new DS, a car which boasted more technological innovations in a single model than has ever been seen since.

Not only did it look completely different, it used a brilliant high-pressure hydraulic circuit to power almost all of its functions, including brakes, power steering, suspension and even a power-assisted gear shift. From 1967 the headlights swivelled with the front wheels, lighting the way as the car was hurled into corners. Undoubtedly one of the greatest industrial designs of all time, as late as 2009 it was voted ‘most beautiful car of all time’ by a panel of 20 world famous designers. So right was the initial concept that it remained in production substantially unaltered for two decades.

In 1958 French coachbuilder Henri Chapron produced a fully convertible version of the DS, public reception being so enthusiastic that Citroen soon brought him on board to design a production model, the Decapotable Usine, which was available through the dealer network. Considerably more expensive than the saloon, the two-door convertible sold in small numbers, only 1,365 in total between 1960 and 1971, and a good one will set you back at least £150k today.

This 1969 DS20 was imported to the UK in 1998 where it was converted into a Decapotable by the Oxford French Car Company and used as their demonstrator. Believed to be one of only three such conversions they made, the work has been carried out to a very high standard and only the most ardent Citroen buff would be able to distinguish it from a genuine one, it even has a Chapron plate under the bonnet.

The vendor is only the third UK owner of the car and has had it for just over a year, with the previous keeper owning the car since 2006. The vendor purchased it at auction last year so he could tour Europe during an extended trip from New Zealand. He states that it offered delightful trouble free motoring, and it was the centre of attention wherever it went be it The Goodwood Revival, Paris or Dublin. By no means a trailer queen, it is a fantastic fun classic. It has been very well maintained, and has been used by the vendor for touring throughout the UK, Ireland and France. While in France, the vendor spent 10,000 Euros on the car with a Citroen specialist, with work including a replacement steering rack, a new HP pump, new rocker cover gasket, new hydraulic pipe seals, wheel refurbishment, 4 new tyres, new stainless steel cabrio roof frame poles, and much more.

In 2014 it was treated to a bare metal repaint in Gris Palladium which cost £11,400 and in 2015/16 it went back to the Citroen Conservatoire in Aulnay-sous-Bois where it was given a thorough mechanical overhaul by AD Loisirs at a cost of over £10,000. This included a full engine rebuild with new pistons etc, an overhaul of the brakes and suspension and a new wiring loom. Other servicing work has been carried out by Citroen Classics of Staines and marque-specialists BL Autos of Welwyn Garden City in August 2017. A semi-automatic model, it also has a wonderful Jaeger Sports dash, a full leather interior, swivelling headlights and a stainless steel exhaust.

In 2016 it was loaned to Practical Classics magazine for a trip to Paris and back, which it completed without any issues.

Having returned to New Zealand, and with the Global effects of Covid, the vendor has regretfully decided to let the car pass to someone else. This car is being offered at a fraction of the price of a genuine factory-built Decapotable, and is ready for a new owner to enjoy.

A walkaround video of the car: https://youtu.be/c4JDpnpg4Xc

Note: This description is provided by the vendor and unless otherwise stated is 'Not Verified' by Barons or any person employed by Barons. Prospective purchasers are advised to satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of any statements made, whether they be statements of fact or opinion.