1965 Citroën DS 21 Concorde Coupe (by Chapron)
France’s most celebrated postwar coachbuilder transformed Citroën’s revolutionary DS into exclusive limited-production variants for discerning clients. Henri Chapron’s four-seat Concorde coupe represented his most elegant interpretation, with approximately 35 examples constructed between 1960 and 1965.
Second-series cars featured a distinctive squared-off rear fender treatment, with only six produced in this final configuration.
Chapron’s crisp bodywork retained the DS platform’s advanced hydropneumatic suspension and centralized high-pressure hydraulic system controlling steering assist, braking, gear selection, and self-leveling ride height. This combined with independent suspension at all four corners delivered exceptional ride quality.
Four-wheel disc brakes provided stopping power unmatched by contemporary European sedans.
The 2,175 cc overhead-valve four-cylinder engine produced 100 bhp in European trim and drove the front wheels through a four-speed hydraulically actuated semi-automatic transmission.
Power windows, leather upholstery, Jaeger instrumentation, and Robergel wire wheels distinguished Concorde specification from standard DS models.
Production cost approached twice the price of factory DS sedans, making Chapron creations accessible only to affluent clientele.
The workshop initially purchased complete vehicles through Citroën dealers before the manufacturer later supplied rolling chassis directly, acknowledging Chapron’s coachbuilding expertise.
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