1967 Citroën DS19 Prestige Saloon
Coachwork by Henri Chapron
Registration no. RWF 51E
Chassis no. 4316264
Engine no. 0358004269

As well as the more well-known two-door Décapotable (convertible), Parisian coachbuilder Henri Chapron, offered luxurious 'Prestige' models on the DS chassis, customers being able to choose their own specification from an extensive range of options, including an internal division.

This extremely rare right-hand drive 'frog eye' DS19 Prestige 'Administration' comes with the all-important Chapron certification stating that it was built in their factory in April 1967 and exported new to Johannesburg, South Africa, bound for the French embassy in that country where it was registered with the French diplomatic number 'CC37345' (Corps Consulaire).

Noëlle Chapron has confirmed that many of the right-hand drive Prestiges – not that there were many – were sold to countries of the British Commonwealth, very often for the use of the French diplomatic service. According to marque specialist Jacky de Lister, there may be only a handful of right-hand drive DS Prestige models left in the world.

This particular car is an 'Administration' version as opposed to the Prestige 'Pallas' variant which were carpeted throughout and had matching leather front and rear. Finished as an Administration it was originally delivered in black, with matching black leather upholstery to the front compartment and grey cloth to the rear. Trimmed in natural leather, the central division features an ashtray, light switches, clock, glove box, and manually operated sliding window. This car is fitted with hydraulically operated semi-automatic gearbox and retains a correct type DS19 engine from the correct year of manufacture, it is therefore very possibly matching numbers.

Since this DS was used by the French diplomatic core it is fitted with a rare and original purpose-built flagpole holder in the centre of the bonnet, with the addition of a French blue/white/red 'cocarde' (badge) that would be illuminated when the car was on diplomatic duty. Other notable features include an internal telephone, lockable rear doors, and 'Prestige' rear ceiling light.

In 2017 this Prestige was discovered, still in South Africa, and shipped to Italy where the initial restoration took place. It was then purchased in 2021 by French Classics (Citroën DS specialists since 1999) where the final restoration and details were completed. The car was then registered in the UK as 'RWF 515E'. With many mechanical components replaced or refurbished, this exclusive DS is said to drive well, with a very smooth gear change thanks to its semi-automatic gearbox. Everything works apart from telephone. An original 1967 English language handbook is included in the sale together with a letter of authentication and copies of Chapron build sheets.