View allAll Photos Tagged Bodyshell
Brush's Hudswell Clarke 0-4-0DH works shunter D1341 (11079) "Sprite" shunts 92044 "Couperin" into position to be hooked up to the tow loco.
The demic shell of withdrawn Class 73, 73134 "Woking Homes 1885-1995" can be seen in the background.
A series of photographs documenting the release of GB Railfreight's Class 92, 92 044 "Couperin" from the Wabtec Brush works at Loughborough. 044 had spent exactly 14 months there for overhaul, reliability mods and new wheelsets. The assisting locomotive was a fellow Brush Traction machine, Class 60, 60 002 "Graham Farish 50th Anniversary 1970-2020".
The 60 had also been out of traffic for more than a year after a turbo fire. The Covid-19 pandemic had delayed repairs and then some additional mods were done as well as its immaculate repaint - the first GBRf loco repainted at DB Cargo's Toton depot.
This was the 60's first working for GBRf after its long spell in Toton and also its first run on the main line sporting its recently received new name commemorating the 50th Anniversary of Graham Farish.
This was also the first time two of GB Railfreight's Brush "cousins" - the Class 60 and Class 92 - had been together. The locos share a common bodyshell design, built by Procor in Wakefield, and have other similar components.
Potentially most historically of all, though - with the subsequent announcement the Brush Traction works are due to close by the end of the year - there's a good chance this was the last time a Class 60 will visit the place where the 100-strong class were built in 1989-1993.
GB's sole active grey 92 had lost its tunnel rings and Crewe Electric depot plaques whilst in Brush, but there are rumours of a new livery to come in due course. However, that won't be before it gets back to earning some coin for its owners (and DB!) with a brief visit to Crewe for a test run, before heading to Dollands Moor to resume tunnel duties.
60 002 ran from Toton as 0Z60 08:45 Toton TMD to Loughborough Brush, then moved 92 044 to Crewe ETD on 0Z61 09:58 Loughborough Brush to Crewe ETD, before the 60 then ran on solo to resume biomass duties on 0Z62 13:09 Crewe ETD to Tuebrook Sidings.
This Stingray was built for this years Bordeaux Vintage slot meeting. The theme was 1966 +67 Le Mans. This was my build using a Revell bodyshell which I modified like the real car.
1/32 resn slot car Ford Cortina mk3 2.5 litre V6 in BTCC Motorcraft livery c.1975. Modified PSR resin bodyshell with PCS32 chassis & resin inserts.
Here's a couple pictures of my original 1970 Meyers Manx fiberglass Dune Buggy. The kit car was built using the Manx bodyshell coupled with the VW Volkswagen Beetle bug frame and 1500 engine.
This track assessment unit was built in 1987 using the same bodyshell as the Class 150/1 "Sprinter" units that were built from 1985-1986. It was originally classified as a Class 180 test unit, but it has been reclassified into the departmental series.
It is based in Derby and is operating as 262A 08.18 Derby R.T.C.(Network Rail) to Laira T.& R.S.M.D , passing through Yatton at 12.26.
Back in the mid 1980s I built a Domino Pimlico, 1275cc Austin Mini based kit-car for my then girlfriend. After we split up I sold the car to a lovely girl from Fulbourn, Cambridge who ran it for some time.
The reg number was DOE401C and it had a grey soft top.
I found a colour negative dating back to the time of build and scanned it.
It was a magnificent car to drive in the summer months with a serious turn of speed. I quite regretted selling it.
I believe it is no longer on the road, but if anyone recognises the number plate or the description please let me know.
This pic is the bodyshell being fitted out in the tiny garage I had in my old house near Nottingham.
As you will see from the next two pics, I now have another Pimlico to restore in my old age!
The Orange Collection
The Zoute Sale - Bonhams
Estimated : € 60.000 - 90.000
Sold for € 94.300
Zoute Grand Prix 2023
Knokke - Zoute
België - Belgium
October 2023
"The Aston Martin DB9 is a thoroughbred sports car with GT levels of comfort and refinement. Combining Aston Martin's unique character with an uncompromising design philosophy, the DB9 was borne out of a synthesis of traditional craftsmanship, high-tech manufacturing, modern components and use of the finest materials." - Aston Martin.
Launched in 2003 as successor to the DB7, the DB9 was the first model to be built at Aston Martin's new factory at Gaydon, Warwickshire. Like its predecessor, the DB9 was styled by Ian Callum, with finishing touches applied by Henrik Fisker. State-of-the-art manufacturing techniques were employed in making the aluminium/composite body, which was robotically assembled using a combination of self-piercing rivets and adhesive. Although some 25% lighter than that of the DB7, this advanced bodyshell possesses double the structural stiffness.
The DB9 was powered by a development of the 5.9-litre, 48-valve, V12 engine found in the DB7 Vantage producing 470bhp, an output sufficient to propel the aerodynamic coupé to a top speed of 306km/h (190mph) with 60mph attainable from a standing start in a neck-snapping 4.8 seconds. The aluminium engine was mounted as far back as possible in the chassis, while the transmission/final drive was positioned ahead of the rear axle, resulting in 85% of the car's mass being sited between the axles and a perfect 50/50 front/rear weight distribution. Transmission options were a six-speed manual or six-speed 'Touchtronic 2' semi-automatic.
Inside the DB9 one finds the typically elegant, luxurious and supremely comfortable hand crafted interior traditionally associated with Aston Martin, featuring primarily wood and leather trim as well as the latest in modern technology, subtly deployed. Although scheduled for a slightly higher production level than previous Aston Martins, the DB9 remained an exclusive product affordable only by a privileged few. Its price at launch was £111,000, with the Volante convertible some £14,000 more. Production ceased in 2016.
Commissioned from Aston Martin by our vendor, the DB9 Volante offered here is one of eight different models forming the Orange Special Limited Edition Collection, all of which are finished in unique Orange No.1 paintwork. Built to Swiss specifications, the car comes with a certificate of authenticity from Aston Martin; a copy of the sales invoice; a (photocopy) Swiss Carte Grise; photocopy EC Certificate of Conformity; and a detailed list of its money-no-object specification. The DB9 has recently benefited from recommissioning by noted marque specialists Stratton Motor Company.
1/32 slot car Mini Cooper 1965 Monte Carlo rally. Driven by Harry Kallstrom & Ragnvald Haakansson to 60th. MRRC bodyshell with Scalextric chassis and slimline motor.
1/32 slot car Bugatti Type 59-50B c.1939, car #3 Prescott International meeting, driver J.P. Wimille. PP resin bodyshell and nickel chassis.
Alfa Romeo Junior Z
The Junior Z was created by Zagato using the short-wheelbase Type 105 chassis from the Spider, and the five-speed gearbox from the Giulietta. It was an arresting-looking coupé that added real variety to the Alfa Romeo line-up, but unlike earlier Alfa-Zagatos, it was not conceived for racing, nor was it particularly lightweight - it featured a steel bodyshell with an aluminium bonnet and aluminium door-skins (on the earlier 1300 JZs).
The sloping front and Kamm tail were certainly a world apart from the well-crafted classicism of the rest of the Giulia-derived cars, but no less appealing for it. The Junior Zagato was a little lighter and more aerodynamic than the standard cars so it was a bit quicker too. Considering its coachbuilt status, values are surprisingly low.
2014 "Chevrolet Camaro" in the paddocks of the 2014 CRAA classic race in Aarhus.
Driver: Henrik Kristensen (DK)
Racing class: Auto-G DTC
Race number: 60
Race results in 2014 event:
Training (fri.): 15 (of 18)
Qualifying (sat.): 18 (of 19)
Heat 1 (sat): 10 (of 19)
Heat 2 (sun.): 10 (of 18)
Heat 3, final (sun.): 17, RET (of 18)
Photo taken after heat 1.
DTC stands for Danish Thundersport Championship. The cars follow the CCR MkI and MkII regulations. They consist of a chassis built by Performance AutoMotive Scandinavian AB (PASAB) fitted with a clip-on bodyshell. The engines are 5,7 litre V8s, delivering 445 hp. The available bodyshells change a little from year to year, but in 2014 there were 3 options: Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro and Dodge Challenger.
Each race weekend consists of a free practice, qualifying and 3 heats, of which the last one is considered the "final"
After heat one, the top 8 will normally get reversed for the heat 2 starting grid, which often causes interesting results and is a guarantee for highly entertaining racing.
Races take place mostly in Denmark, but with occasional visits abroad. 2 races per year take place on street circuits: this one in Aarhus at the CRAA and one in Copenhagen during the Historic Grand Prix there.
Most drivers are danish, but there's always a few norwegians in the pack as well.
The driver line-up is incredibly mixed and features star drivers (past and present) like Jan Magnussen, "Super John" Nielsen, Ronnie Bremer and Casper Elgaard alongside some of Denmark's finest young racing talents with full backing from big teams, as well as a bunch of privateers, who primarily take part for the fun of racing.
At the end of each season, a driver's 3 worst results get discarded to get the final overall result.
The DTC class is widely regarded as the pinnacle of racing on danish soil and is followed intensely by media as well as spectators.
There have been some voices against the DTC being included in the CRAA, saying that this class is anything but "classic racing", which is, of course, true, but no class causes the stands to be as packed as DTC, so it certainly helps attract people (and media interest)
DTC may not be "classic racing", but it plays a major part in making the annual CRAA event so successful.
In 1990 Greater Manchester PTE exhibited a prototype bodyshell of one half of a Metrolink light rail vehicle beneath Manchester Piccadilly station. The bodyshell was built by Officine Casertane in Caserta, Italy (part of the Firema Consortium) and was originally painted in Greater Manchester PTE's orange and white livery. It was photographed on 13 May 1990.
The prototype bodyshell was subsequently repainted in Metrolink light grey, dark grey and aquamarine livery, numbered 1000 and named The Larry Sullivan. It joined the collection of vehicles at the Museum of Transport, Greater Manchester in 1992.
From Bonham's Catalogue:
Estimate:£7,000 - 9,000
€8,700 - 11,000
US$ 11,000 - 14,000
Footnotes
Outstandingly successful despite, or perhaps because of, its relative simplicity, the perennially popular MGB remained in production for 18 years while rivals came and went. Conceived in the late 1950s and launched in 1962, the MGB was mechanically similar to the preceding MGA, though with unitary construction bodyshell instead of its forebear's separate chassis. To compensate for the newcomer's increased weight, the existing four-cylinder B-Series engine was stretched to 1,798cc, while the MGB's aerodynamically efficient lines made the most of the 95bhp available to achieve a top speed which just bested the magic 'ton'. A 'right first time' design that changed little over the years, the MGB had enjoyed sales totalling in excess of 500,000 cars by the time production ceased in 1980.
This MGB roadster benefits from some £15,000 spent on its renovation for his own use by the professional, garage-owning vendor. Completely rebuilt with all new panels and interior, 'LSM 503P' has just completed a 640-mile tour of the South of France and is described as in generally good condition; it is only being sold because of the owner's advancing years. Finished in Tartan Red with black interior, the car is offered with current road fund licence, MoT to June 2013 and Swansea V5 registration document. The substitution of chromed bumpers for the impact-resistant originals is the only notified deviation from factory specification.
Lot heading
1975 MGB Roadster
Registration no. JSM 503P
Chassis no. GHN5-378144G
Engine no. 5627
1/32 resin slot car Morris Oxford MkIII 1955 Monte Carlo rally driven by Edwin Lambert & Norman Millican to 263rd place. PSR modified resin bodyshell, PCS32 chassis and aluminium rims with resin inserts.
1/32 resin slot car Rover P6 2000TC 1965 Monte Carlo Rally. Driven by Roger Clark. Resin bodyshell (by Steve Francis), PCS chassis and front steering unit ( by Gareth Jones at www.chase-cars.com ).
68153 is a Sentinel CE shunting engine built for the LNER, who classed it as Class Y1/2, in the late 1920s. It has spent the past few years being overhauled; these photos are of its bodyshell.
The sign on the side of the cab lists some instructions for the crew. It says:
IMPORTANT
WATER LEVEL should never be more than half glass
WHEN STARTING always open steam valve and blow through well before removing reversing lever from drain position
WHEN COASTING always bring reversing lever to "drain" immediately after closing stop valve and partly open steam valve again before moving lever to running position
Now looking a bit more like the picture I had in my mind. An old Llego Guy 'Big J' which I am usign for another project surrendered its resin coal load for recycling here. The tipper looked too empty. The resin plug needed shortened in width and length; doubtless all the airborne particles will affect my respiratory functions in later life. The give in the resin bodyshell has meant that there is an ever so slight outward bow in the tipper body - probably pretty prototypical. The postioning of the HGV 'L' board covers a little rip in the grille decal. In hindsight I should have painted the area behind that black too.
Gaydon, British Motor Museum
The Metro was launched just before the 1980 Motor Show. It was intended to be the 'new Mini', except BL kept the ever green Mini in production and made the Metro a rather bigger car or 'supermini'.
In engineering terms, the Metro was similar to previous small Austins. The three door hatchback bodyshell, however, was all new with styling developed in the Longbridge design studio.
This then top-line Metro 1.3 HLS was one of 300 pre-production models built in May 1980 and formed the centrepiece of Austin Rover’s stand at the 1980 Motor Show. Not long after it was formally presented to the Trust's collection.
2014 "Chevrolet Camaro" returning to the paddocks of the 2014 CRAA classic race in Aarhus after crashing out in heat 2. The damages turned out to be too extensive to repair in time for the final a few hours later.
Driver: Elling Sebastian Aarvik (N)
Racing class: Auto-G DTC
Race number: 27
Race results in 2014 event:
Training (fri.): 17 (of 18)
Qualifying (sat.): 10 (of 19)
Heat 1 (sat): 18, RET (of 19)
Heat 2 (sun.): 18, RET (of 18)
Heat 3, final (sun.): DNS
Photo taken after heat 2.
One of the norwegian drivers, having a weekend to forget. After doing quite well in qualifying, he crashed instantly in heat one, retired early in heat two and did not make the start of heat three.
DTC stands for Danish Thundersport Championship. The cars follow the CCR MkI and MkII regulations. They consist of a chassis built by Performance AutoMotive Scandinavian AB (PASAB) fitted with a clip-on bodyshell. The engines are 5,7 litre V8s, delivering 445 hp. The available bodyshells change a little from year to year, but in 2014 there were 3 options: Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro and Dodge Challenger.
Each race weekend consists of a free practice, qualifying and 3 heats, of which the last one is considered the "final"
After heat one, the top 8 will normally get reversed for the heat 2 starting grid, which often causes interesting results and is a guarantee for highly entertaining racing.
Races take place mostly in Denmark, but with occasional visits abroad. 2 races per year take place on street circuits: this one in Aarhus at the CRAA and one in Copenhagen during the Historic Grand Prix there.
Most drivers are danish, but there's always a few norwegians in the pack as well.
The driver line-up is incredibly mixed and features star drivers (past and present) like Jan Magnussen, "Super John" Nielsen, Ronnie Bremer and Casper Elgaard alongside some of Denmark's finest young racing talents with full backing from big teams, as well as a bunch of privateers, who primarily take part for the fun of racing.
At the end of each season, a driver's 3 worst results get discarded to get the final overall result.
The DTC class is widely regarded as the pinnacle of racing on danish soil and is followed intensely by media as well as spectators.
There have been some voices against the DTC being included in the CRAA, saying that this class is anything but "classic racing", which is, of course, true, but no class causes the stands to be as packed as DTC, so it certainly helps attract people (and media interest)
DTC may not be "classic racing", but it plays a major part in making the annual CRAA event so successful.
The obligatory Default outfit photoset with Aqua.
I actually dont like her as a character, and mainly got the doll because the faceup was the first tolerable from volks in a while, and as a minor surprise bonus the new DD F3 V2.0 body.
All poses are done without supports, and none of the poses are anything new that I havent done before, even with a DD2.
The V2.0 is still mostly the same style F3 frame underneath, with its irritations in a tweaked bodyshell, and the only real improvement has come from the neck notch, which has been a known retrofit for previous bodies since the DD2.
1/32 slot car Ferrari Dino 246GT Le Mans c.1972 driven by J.Laffeach and G.Doncieux. Resin bodyshell and GOM chassis, MRRC wheels & tyres.
W.C.R. New Katni Jn. (NKJ) Conventional bodyshelled WAG-7 27922 Hauling Colorful Container Rakes Exits ROR Bridge at kopar Railway Station Which Might be Picked up From J.N.P.T. Container Depot and Heading Towards Vasai Road.
Alfa Romeo Junior Z
Around 1400 Produced
The Junior Z was created by Zagato using the short-wheelbase Type 105 chassis from the Spider, and the five-speed gearbox from the Giulietta. It was an arresting-looking coupé that added real variety to the Alfa Romeo line-up, but unlike earlier Alfa-Zagatos, it was not conceived for racing, nor was it particularly lightweight - it featured a steel bodyshell with an aluminium bonnet and aluminium door-skins (on the earlier 1300 JZs).
The sloping front and Kamm tail were certainly a world apart from the well-crafted classicism of the rest of the Giulia-derived cars, but no less appealing for it. The Junior Zagato was a little lighter and more aerodynamic than the standard cars so it was a bit quicker too. Considering its coachbuilt status, values are surprisingly low.
A Polistil bodyshell on a Team Slot chassis with Ninco NC5 motor . This is the Walter Rohl/ Christian Geistdorfer version from the 1978 RAC Rally. Co-driver is positioned in the rear seat , the idea was to re distribute weight to thr rear of the car. It was banned after just one event.
TECHNICAL DATA PEUGEOT 207 SUPER 2000
MOTOR
Engine: EW 10 J4S
Location: Front – transverse
Capacity: 1998 cc
Number of cylinders: 4
Power (hp.DIN): 280
Torque (Nm): 250
Maximum engine speed: 8500
Injection: Magneti Marelli
Throttle: Single butterfly
Number of valves: 16
TRANSMISSION
Type: 4-wheel drive
Clutch: Twin disc
Gearbox: Sequential – 6 speed
Differential: 3 Autolocking
CHASSIS
Structure: Bodyshell + Tubular Roll Cage
Front suspension: Pseudo MacPherson Strut with Peugeot Dampers
Rear suspension: Pseudo MacPherson Strut with Peugeot Dampers
BRAKES / STEERING
Front brakes: Brembo 4 pistons
Diameter: 300mm (loose surface) 355mm (tarmac)
Rear brakes: Brembo 4 pistons
Diameter: 300mm (loose surface and tarmac)
Steering: Hydraulic assistance
Wheels loose surface: 18 inches
Wheels tarmac: 15 inches
DIMENSIONS
Length: 4.03 m
Width: 1.80m
Wheelbase: 2.56 m
Minimum weight: 1100 kg loose surface / 1150 kg tarmac
Fuel tank capacity:80 litres
1/32 slot car Riley 1.5 c.1964. Resin bodyshell & GOM chassis with mabuchi motor. MRRC driver and full interior.
1/32 slot car resin Ferrari Dino 246GT c.1972. PSR resin bodyshell and GOM chassis with Slot It wheels and inserts.
50007, 08220, 66048 (Bodyshell) EMD, Longport 25/05/16
Copyright Neil Altyfan 2016 - No Unauthorised Use Please.
Monday 11th June 2012.
950001 at Wakefield Kirkgate with test train working 2Q08, the 05:12 Derby R.T.C. - Doncaster West Yard.
The Class 950 (950001 - 999600 + 999601) is a purpose-built diesel multiple unit for departmental use as a track assessment unit. Built in 1987 using the same bodyshell as the Class 150/1 "Sprinter" units that were built between 1985 and 1986.
1/32 slot car Mini Cooper 1965 Monte Carlo rally. Driven by Harry Kallstrom & Ragnvald Haakansson to 60th. MRRC bodyshell with Scalextric chassis and slimline motor.
Old all-terrain truck for transporting tourists around the periphery of Lac Retba-Lac Rose-Pink Lake as sort of roller coaster up and down the dunes. Final stop on the beach for a swim. Dakar-Senegal.
After being the driver from Healey Mills-Preston Docks and return i had time to nip round to get a shot of my train leaving HM for Lindsey...the class 60 nears its bodyshells birthplace Procor works Horbury which is behind me!
... and .. considered for re-purchase I can now add. It is living proof that pre- 1994/5 ish Mini bodyshells age much, much better than later ones. It still does have its points of interest obviously: a 1991 old car is well, very well past it's point of no return in today's automotive world ..
1/32 slot car Mazda MX-5 in bespoke BRSCC livery. Resin PP bodyshell, Scalextric chassis with Mabuchi motor.
1/32 resin slot car Lancia Stratos HF turbo Le Mans 1976. Driven to 20th place by Lella Lombardi & Christine Dacremont. Ghost Models ( www.proto-slot-kit.com/ghostmodels.html ) resin bodyshell and Slot Classic chassis.
Apparently this is scrap...I thought it would look good as an Objet d'Art in the garden :-)
Spotted on visit to Bridport Porsche Specialists Marque 21. www.marque21.co.uk/
Many thanks to Kieron & Samie for organising the visit :-))
1/32 resin slot car Lancia LC1 Le Mans 1982. Driven by Piercarlo Ghinzani, Riccardo Patrese & Hans Heyer (DNF). Resin body kit from Hunaudieres Models with PCS32 chassis and Slot It wheels/inserts.
With future sales forecasts likely to remain low, Chrysler had planned on discontinuing the Imperial at the end of the 1973 model year. While image and appearance were an important part of luxury car appeal, without sales Chrysler could not afford to build an Imperial with a unique bodyshell.
A front-end design envisioned for the next Imperial penned by Chrysler/Imperial exterior studio senior stylist Chet Limbaugh came to the attention of Elwood Engel. It featured a "waterfall" grille with thin vertical chrome bars separated by a body-colored band running through the center, which started on top of the nose and flowed down.
To save money the 1974 model would use the same body panels as the Chrysler New Yorker except for the front end clip and trunk lid. This meant that for the first time as a separate marque, the Imperial would share the same wheelbase as a production Chrysler.
With the full effects of the 1973 oil crisis being solidly felt, a bad year for both the U.S. economy and its auto industry was in store for 1974 - cruel timing for Chrysler's 50th anniversary year. The "by Chrysler" script was removed from the car for 1974. The Imperial's electronic ignition system was a U.S. market first, as was the optional car alarm.
While total sales were down from 1973, Chrysler was pleased with the 14,483 Imperials produced, given the poor economy in 1974 and a retail price of $7,230 for the sedan.
Coachwork by Henri Chapron
One of the last examples built
The Zoute Sale - Bonhams
Estimated : € 275.000 - 325.000
Unsold
Zoute Grand Prix 2023
Knokke - Zoute
België - Belgium
October 2023
Just as it had done 21 years previously with the revolutionary 'Traction Avant', Citroën stunned the world again in 1955 with the launch of the strikingly styled 'DS'. Beneath the shark-like newcomer's aerodynamically efficient, low-drag bodyshell there was all-independent, self-levelling, hydro-pneumatic suspension plus power-operated brakes, clutch, and steering.
The project had been initiated in the 1930s by the company's managing director, Pierre-Jules Boulanger, and would be brought to fruition by designers Andre Lefebvre, previously with Voisin and Renault, and Flaminio Bertoni, who had worked on the styling of the pre-war Traction Avant. Part of Boulanger's brief had been that the proposed 'VGD' (Voiture de Grand Diffusion or Mass Market Car) should be capable of affording a comfortable ride over sub-standard rural roads while remaining stable at sustained high speeds on the Autoroutes. The solution to these seemingly incompatible requirements was the famous hydro-pneumatic suspension, suggested by Citroën engineer Paul Mages. No European car would match the DS's ride quality for several years, the fundamental soundness of Citroën's ahead-of-its-time hydro-pneumatic suspension being demonstrated by its survival until relatively recently on top-of-the-range models.
In September 1965 the DS's original 1,911cc, overhead-valve, long-stroke engine – inherited from the Traction Avant - was replaced by a short-stroke 1,985cc unit, also available in 2,175cc and 2,347cc versions, while other DS developments included swivelling headlights, fuel injection and a five-speed gearbox. Other models offered alongside the original DS were the ID (a simplified, cheaper version), the cavernous Safari estate and the two-door Décapotable (convertible), the latter boasting coachwork by Henri Chapron.
Chapron's first convertibles had been produced independently of Citroën but the factory eventually gave the project its blessing. Citroën's own cabriolet were built on the longer, stronger chassis of the ID Break (Estate) but the model was never produced in England, where Citroën's right-hand drive cars were assembled at its Slough factory up to 1966. Technical developments proceeded in step with those of the saloon; thus in 1966 the convertible gained the DS21 engine and in 1969 the faired-in directional headlamps. DS convertible sales progressively declined as the years passed, and production finally ceased in 1971. In total, 1,365 usine (factory) convertibles were made with either the DS19 or DS21 engine between 1960 and 1971.
Despite the demise of the factory-built soft-top, Henri Chapron continued to build his version in small numbers, on request, first on the DS21 chassis and then the DS23. These Chapron-built convertibles, coming after the end of the factory-built cars, are easily recognised by their sills with a single jacking point, production saloon taillights and the coachbuilder's chromium-plated signature on the lower side of the front wings.
The five-speed example offered here is one of the last convertibles built by Henri Chapron. Its basis is the DS21 with the electronic fuel-injection engine, the final variation of this model, which revived the title 'Queen of the Road' enjoyed by the former 15/6 Traction. This exclusive car is one of only four convertibles constructed on the DS21 platform and equipped with electronic fuel injection. The lower part of the dashboard is trompe l'oeil painted, imitating varnished walnut. The coachbuilder's logo is on the boot and the name is on the front wings. There are two rear fog lights. The vendor advises us that the tyres are new.
The beautiful Citroën convertible offered here was purchased by the current owner in 2003 from a coachbuilder in the Champagne area; it was completely original and ripe for restoration. The restoration began in 2008 and was finished in 2015 when the car was issued with a Contrôle Technique. In the course of the rebuild the mechanicals and hydropneumatic suspension were overhauled using many new-old-stock parts; the interior re-trimmed; and the body repainted (in 2015). The car has covered only some 7,500 kilometres since the restoration's completion eight years ago. The accompanying file contains copies of Chapron's documents dating from 1973; a French Carte Grise; and numerous invoices relating to its restoration.
This extremely rare Chapron convertible - comprehensively restored including coachwork, engine and interior - is worthy of the closest inspection.