The history

The Citroën DS has made history. Only a few automobiles are allowed to be immortalized as style icons in the automotive world. The then head of state Charles De Gaulle was also a fan of the Citroën DS and ID and had the entire state fleet equipped with them. At the parade in Paris, De Gaulle also appeared in a semi-convertible, like the example for sale here.  

The company AEAT (Anciens Etablissements Ansare & Teisseire) equipped some of the ID and DS between 1957 and 1973 with the roll-top roof, which lent the style icon an additional charm. In order to maintain stability, a robust frame was built to which the high-quality fabric roof was attached. 

This Series 2 ID19 spent many years in a German collection before it was imported to Switzerland in 2012 and taken over and restored by Goodtimer in 2020. In addition to the mechanical overhaul, the restoration, which cost well over 50,000 Swiss francs, included a complete conservation (ice blasting and hot wax) of the basic structure of the vehicle and the complete restoration of the interior.

Bodywork and paintwork

The body attachments were removed from a healthy substance and the hidden structures and sheet metal were freshly built up and preserved. The few welding sins from the past were undone and new sheet metal was welded in where necessary. Apart from an imperfect gap on the right-hand side wall, the entire body is in perfect condition.

After the paintwork was renewed in Germany at the turn of the century, the entire paintwork was sanded and fully restored. Thanks to the excellent substance of the paint, the body now looks as if it has been freshly painted.

The chrome parts have been refreshed, the rims freshly painted and fitted with new chrome caps. The window panes and glass are as good as new and in good working order.

The trunk is dry and covered with a sensible, but not original, protective mat. All seals are in good condition and undamaged.

The soft top has been completely restored and impregnated.

Interior

The typical DS velour seats have been reupholstered and freshly covered. The seat frames have been overhauled, as have the soft top catch and the power windows. The interior paneling was completely renewed during the restoration. The carpeting in elegant and calming gray is new and corresponds to the original.

The instruments, switches and displays are easy to operate and read and all functions are flawless. The heating system was replaced during the restoration work.

Engine and mechanics

The smooth 1.9 liter engine purrs quietly and delivers its almost 70 hp very well and sufficiently to the road. Both the engine and the gearbox are healthy and noise-free. Compression is perfect and an inspection has already been carried out for the first year of operation.

The steering wheel gearshift is hard to beat in terms of comfort, and the synchronized gearbox shifts with ease.

Chassis

The famous hydraulic suspension had to be overhauled after a long service life; the pump and regulator are new. The brakes and wheel bearings have also been renewed. The disk wheels are freshly painted and adorned with new, original chrome caps.

The underbody was exposed at great expense, ice-blasted at high pressure and freshly preserved.

Driving experience

A DS is not only divine to look at, it is also divine to drive. The uniqueness of the large retractable roof gives the driver a draught-free, open ride and the rear passengers an unforgettable open-air feeling. 

The Goodtimer owner has worked for the Citroën brand for many years and cannot hide his old love for the French brand. Therefore, any judgment is subjective and should be discovered and judged by enthusiasts of such automobiles themselves.

Recommendation

In addition to its unique driving comfort and wonderful presentation, this example also proves its worth as a collector's car. According to DAT statistics, seven of these semi-convertibles are still registered, which is why the preservation of such an example must be a high priority.

The rarity of the AEAT Semi Cabriolets makes it difficult to find a market price. The equivalent of CHF 72,435 was achieved at an auction in Germany. The insurance value amounts to CHF 65,000, the price at which this DS is on offer.