Paul Gaucher
Head of Sale, Switzerland
Lot 144Ω
1969 Citroën DS 21 'Majesty' Saloon
3 July 2022, 14:00 CEST
Gstaad, Palace HotelSold for CHF120,750 inc. premium
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Paul Darvill
Head of Department, Bonhams Collector Cars Europe
Philip Kantor
International Chairman for Motoring
Gregory Tuytens
Head of Sale, Belgium
Loic Maschi
Specialist
1969 Citroën DS 21 'Majesty' Saloon
Coachwork by Henri Chapron
Chassis no. 4637101
Coachwork by Henri Chapron
Chassis no. 4637101
• Incredibly rare coachbuilt Citroen
• One of only 27 examples made
• One of only three with directional headlights
• An older restoration by a Citroën specialist
• Offered without reserve
• One of only 27 examples made
• One of only three with directional headlights
• An older restoration by a Citroën specialist
• Offered without reserve
Footnotes
Henri Chapron's interpretations of the Citroën DS and ID were quite different from the regular production versions. Chapron added fins to the rear wing tops of Citroëns as early as 1965 and launched his own version of an upmarket DS at the Porte de Versailles Salon de l'Auto in October 1964 using the name 'Majesty'. Its purpose was to satisfy the few customers who considered the upmarket DS Prestige insufficiently exclusive, although that too was built by Chapron for Citroën.
The Majesty featured a higher and more angular roofline compared to the factory DS, similar to the 'Concorde' coach, affording increased headroom for the rear passengers and greater interior space. This limited edition model was produced up to 1969 with just 27 examples being built in total. Only the last three were equipped with the new-for-1969 front end that incorporated directional headlights, the car offered here being one of this exclusive trio.
This particular Majesty was purchased by the current owner from Bonhams' sale at Rétromobile, Paris in 2009 (Lot 124). The car is finished in 'Midnight Blue' and like most of Chapron's creations features additional exterior trim, such as the chromed sill shields and polished aluminium wheel covers. Equipped with the hydraulically actuated gearbox with lever on the dashboard, this car also boasts Jaeger circular gauges and an air conditioning system. The lower dash is hand-painted to original specification in a faux burl wood finish and varnished, while the seats and door panels are trimmed in Havana beige leather in a Pullman finish, which is complemented by a thick brown woollen carpeting.
At time of cataloguing in 2009 we stated that the Majesty was "totally restored – body, interior and mechanicals – by a Citroën specialist... and ready for driving or show". Stored since acquisition, the car will require re-commissioning before future use. Offered with old Belgian registration papers.
Please note that if this vehicle is to be imported into Switzerland, Swiss Customs charges (Duty, Car Tax and VAT) will apply at roughly 12.5% of the Purchase Price. Included in this is the Swiss Duty which is calculated on the weight of the vehicle and shall be CHF 15 per 100 kg. Also included is Swiss Car Tax at 4% and this is calculated on the total Purchase Price (Hammer + Buyers Premium). Swiss VAT will then be applicable on the aggregated amount of the Hammer Price, Buyer's Premium, Swiss Duty and Swiss Car Tax at a rate of 7.7%.
Please note that customs rates to other countries shall vary. This vehicle will not be available for immediate collection after the sale and will only be released on completion of customs clearance. If you have any questions regarding customs clearance, please contact the Bonhams Motorcar Department or our recommended shippers.