Citroën DS 21 Cabriolet Usine

There are classy cars, timeless beauties, legendary classics and then there’s the Citroën DS. This unique DS 21 Cabriolet Usine however, is next level in terms of style, exclusivity and charisma! So it was kind of surrealistic when a loyal Prins customer and fanatic collector showed us his extremely rare designer object on ‘Robergel’ wheels. The DS Cabriolet Usine is the type of car you cannot compare to any other vehicle. Its super chic dark blue lacquer is almost like new and the beige leather interior is in good shape too. This goddess (meaning of déesse) among the French icons has been punctually maintained by Citroën specialists and drove several grand tours. Where will you bring it to?

History
A Citroën DS is pure cult. Every single version has the potential to become a collector’s item. Our Cabriolet Usine very much is. Even more than back in the days when it was completely new: in 1968, our DS 21 was a Berline instead of a Cabriolet. The former owner planned a restoration and combined this project with a thorough transformation. The DS was converted to Usine specifications in every tiny detail: this is the Cabriolet of which less than 1,400 units were sold worldwide in 15 years of production. So yes, it’s quite unique. The whole idea of creating an open DS came from Henri Chapron, who initially manufactured custom-made DS convertibles in very small numbers at customer request. After some time, Citroën saw the beauty of a DS with no roof and commissioned Chapron to put the Usine into production. Due to the high (additional) price, the DS Cabriolet Usine remained a very exclusive car and therefore a truly rare appearance. This specific one was in the hands of one single owner from 2002 to 2022 who regularly took it out for an international tour, until a Prins client discovered the French treasure; the person who’s offering the DS for sale now.

Exterior
The Citroën DS is revolutionary in every respect. In terms of technology, but definitely also in terms of design. The model is unlike everything else on 4 wheels. Quite risky for Citroën to create something so special, but it turned out extremely well! In 2024, the déesse hasn’t lost any of its style, charms and elegance. It remains a striking appearance, a true all-time design icon. The DS is mainly characterized by a sloping bodywork, a very long wheelbase and a narrow rear track with wheels partly hidden behind screens – which was a typical Flaminio Bertoni thing, looking at the 2CV he also designed. Despite missing the characteristic roofline, the Cabriolet Usine is at least as exotic as the Berline. The highly tasteful dark blue lacquer was reapplied in 2005, explaining the excellent condition. Rims fitted with so-called ‘Robergel’ decorative caps add a classy touch to the Usine.

Interior
Driving a DS is a unique experience. With the roof down, you enjoy the open dimension to the fullest. But there’s more: compared to the classic Citroën DS, everything else is less comfortable. Especially in case of our convertible: the interior has a beautiful patinated beige leather upholstery and a Jaeger tableau dashboard. All kinds of luxuries such as an air conditioning, tonneau cover, windshield and a periodically correct radio are included. The thick headrests invite you to relax behind the large single-spoke steering wheel; another characteristic design feature!

Technique
We could write a book about the technique behind the DS. The concept, invented by aircraft engineer André Lefèbre, is completely self-contained. His team of several bright inventors was given carte blanche to come up with groundbreaking innovations. Including the extensive hydraulic system and pneumatic suspension for a surreal driving experience and the handling of a floating carpet. The original 21 power unit was replaced in 2005 for a revised 23 engine with injection. So technically it’s a 2347 cc 4-cylinder DS 23 Cabriolet Usine. Ever got a classic French feeling in the Netherlands?

Kind regards,
team Prins.