Ferrari Sand Concept Fights Back at Sterrato and Dakar

Desert Dominator - In a world where the boundaries between luxury, speed, and off-road capability are getting blurrier by the year, carmakers are constantly pushing the envelope to surprise and inspire. From electric hypercars that whisper instead of roar, to rugged luxury SUVs that climb mountains in designer trim, there seems to be no limit to what can be done when creativity meets performance. And speaking of bold ideas, imagine a Ferrari—not just ripping up a track—but kicking up sand, bouncing over dunes, and doing it all with unmistakable Italian flair.

The Ferrari Sand is an unofficial virtual concept that could be the Prancing Horse’s most adventurous design yet, built to rival the Sterrato and Dakar with more than just rugged looks. (Picture from: Autoevolution)

While Lamborghini has made waves with models like the Huracán Sterrato and Porsche with the 911 Dakar, Ferrari has largely stayed in its lane—until now, at least in the realm of imagination. Step into the world of Luca Serafini, a visionary digital car designer from Modena, Italy, who goes by the name lsdesignsrl on social media. He’s well known for reimagining icons, and this time, he’s turned his gaze to the one place Ferrari hasn’t dared to tread: the off-road frontier.

 

Enter the Ferrari Sand, an unofficial and purely virtual concept that might just be the Prancing Horse’s most adventurous idea yet. Designed to go head-to-head with the Sterrato and Dakar, this creation isn’t just about looking tough. It embodies a seamless fusion of racing DNA, GT comfort, and rugged functionality. Picture a machine sculpted with Ferrari’s signature aggressive lines, yet adapted for dirt, gravel, and sand with higher ground clearance, muscular fender flares, and all-terrain tires that practically beg for a desert sprint.

The Ferrari Sand is an unofficial virtual concept that could be the Prancing Horse’s most adventurous design yet, built to rival the Sterrato and Dakar with more than just rugged looks. (Picture from: Autoevolution)

What sets the Ferrari Sand apart is that it doesn't compromise the brand’s core essence—speed and elegance—for the sake of toughness. The design language stays loyal to Ferrari’s latest cues. You’ll notice a sleek front visor and compact headlights, nods to recent models like the 12Cilindri and the new Amalfi. In the rear, a bold, full-width LED light bar gives it that futuristic edge, while the body’s proportions are optimized with short overhangs to enhance its off-road angles. 

The Ferrari Sand is an unofficial virtual concept that could be the Prancing Horse’s most adventurous design yet, built to rival the Sterrato and Dakar with more than just rugged looks. (Picture from: Autoevolution)

Functionality hasn’t taken a back seat either. Serafini imagined this vehicle with detachable bumpers, higher ride height, and a more practical approach to rugged driving—all wrapped in a package that still turns heads at Monte Carlo’s waterfront just as much as it carves paths through the Sahara.

 

This isn't Serafini’s first venture into the alternate reality of automotive design. He previously penned a fictional Ferrari 333 SP revival in the vein of the brand’s exclusive Icona SP line, and even took a shot at a grand touring Lamborghini aimed directly at Ferrari’s 12Cilindri. But the Ferrari Sand stands out as the most grounded of his works—not just because it feels real, but because the world it’s designed for actually exists. A world where the elite don’t just want to go fast; they want to go anywhere.

The Ferrari Sand is an unofficial virtual concept that could be the Prancing Horse’s most adventurous design yet, built to rival the Sterrato and Dakar with more than just rugged looks. (Picture from: Autoevolution)

And as we look around the current automotive landscape—where sales numbers and innovation are equally vital—it’s worth noting that Ferrari has kept busy. With models like the SF90 XX, the hybrid 296 GTB, the luxury-laden Purosangue SUV, and the anticipated F80 hypercar, the brand shows no sign of slowing down. Still, while Lamborghini boasts higher delivery figures and Porsche continues to tap into niche segments, something like the Ferrari Sand could be the perfect wildcard to shake things up.

 

Sure, it’s a digital concept born from a designer’s wild vision, but sometimes, the best ideas begin where reality ends. And with off-road luxury sports cars no longer being just a novelty, maybe it’s time for Ferrari to kick up some sand of its own. Whether or not the Ferrari Sand ever leaves the realm of pixels, one thing’s clear—it’s a powerful reminder that imagination still drives innovation. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AUTOEVOLUTION | ]

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Italdesign Reimagines the Honda NSX for a New Era

Heritage Reborn - Every now and then, a legend finds its way back into the spotlight — not as a replica of the past, but as a bold reinterpretation shaped by modern artistry. Italdesign, one of Italy’s most revered automotive studios, has once again captured global attention with a mysterious new project: a reimagined Honda NSX. A brief teaser showing the words “NSX Tribute” was all it took to reignite excitement among car enthusiasts worldwide. Known for shaping icons like the Volkswagen Golf Mk1 and the DeLorean DMC-12, Italdesign’s creative legacy continues under the Volkswagen Group, where innovation and emotion blend seamlessly into design.

Italdesign announces mysterious NSX Tribute Project. (Picture from: Carrozzieri-Italiani)

The original Honda NSX holds a sacred place in automotive history. When it debuted in 1990, it wasn’t just another sports car — it was Japan’s audacious challenge to Europe’s elite. Co-developed with Pininfarina, the NSX combined futuristic aesthetics with Honda’s engineering precision, offering Ferrari-like performance wrapped in everyday reliability. It was the world’s first supercar that didn’t demand compromise, a perfect balance between beauty, speed, and practicality. The NSX became a symbol of confidence for Japanese automakers and an inspiration for the performance cars that followed.

Italdesign has unveiled a mysterious teaser video titled “NSX Tribute,” revealing a faint silhouette and rear view that hint at a modern reinterpretation of Honda’s iconic supercar. (Picture from: DailyRevs)

Now, Italdesign’s decision to reinterpret the NSX feels like a meeting of minds across generations and continents — Italian passion intertwining with Japanese discipline. The teaser image reveals a sleek silhouette reminiscent of the first-generation NSX, yet infused with a modern edge that hints at aerodynamic mastery. Rumors suggest that Italdesign’s creation may use the final NSX Type S as its foundation, featuring a 2.5-liter twin-turbo V6 paired with dual electric motors producing a combined 600 horsepower. This hybrid system, powered by a compact lithium-ion battery, ensures all-wheel drive performance that’s both precise and exhilarating.

Estimated rendered image of the Italdesign Honda NSX Tribute. (Picture from: DailyRevs)

While much about the NSX Tribute remains veiled in secrecy, expectations are already soaring. Some believe it will be a one-off collector’s piece, while others anticipate a small production run similar to Italdesign’s exclusive Nissan GT-R50 project. Either way, it’s destined to be more than just a car — it’s a celebration of craftsmanship and legacy. The rumored partnership and potential official nod from Honda further amplify its authenticity, transforming the project from a design exercise into a true homage to one of the world’s greatest automotive icons. | 5zWJOVQtMng |

In a rapidly evolving industry where electrification and automation dominate the conversation, Italdesign’s NSX Tribute stands as a reminder of what makes cars emotional, not just technical. It captures the essence of motion as art — where engineering meets soul, and innovation remembers its roots. The original NSX once proved that a supercar could be practical; Italdesign’s reinterpretation now shows that heritage can evolve without losing its heart. This is more than design revival — it’s Heritage Reborn. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARSCOOPS | CARVAGANZA | CARROZZIERI-ITALIANI | DAILYREVS | CARBUZZ ]

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Citroën DS GT 19 Bossaert Coupe: A Rare Masterpiece of Design and Performance

Sculpted Performance - Sometimes, a car is more than just a machine—it’s a statement, a piece of art on wheels. In the golden age of European coachbuilding, a handful of visionaries took already beautiful vehicles and transformed them into something truly extraordinary. Among those rare gems stands one of the most intriguing reinterpretations of a French classic: the Citroën DS GT 19 Bossaert Coupe. Even today, decades after it first appeared, this car feels like a whisper from a time when elegance, experimentation, and engineering brilliance walked hand in hand.

The Citroën DS GT 19 Bossaert Coupe embodied Belgian racer and designer Hector Bossaert’s vision of a sleeker, more dynamic coupe that preserved the DS’s spirit while expressing a bold new character. (Picture from: OtoBlitz)

The original Citroën DS was already a sensation when it debuted in 1955. With its futuristic shape, innovative hydropneumatic suspension, and unmatched ride comfort, it instantly became an icon. But for Belgian racing driver and designer Hector Bossaert, the DS was not the end of the conversation—it was the beginning of a daring new one. He envisioned a sleeker, more performance-oriented coupe version that retained the DS’s character but spoke with an entirely different accent.

The Citroën DS GT 19 Bossaert Coupe was crafted by Italy’s renowned coachbuilder Frua before production moved to Gete di Meteren in France near Lille, retaining its original front mechanical setup while adopting a sharper windshield rake and elongated doors for easier cabin access. (Picture from: OtoBlitz)

To bring his vision to life, Bossaert partnered with two of Europe’s most respected names in automotive artistry. The Italian coachbuilder Frua, famed for its fluid, stylish lines, crafted the first examples. Later, production shifted to Gete di Meteren in France, near Lille. The year was 1960, and the result was nothing short of breathtaking—a DS with the heart of a grand tourer and the soul of a sculpture.

The Citroën DS GT 19 Bossaert Coupe had a chassis shortened by 42 centimeters and lowered by 7, creating a taut, athletic stance with a roofline that swept into a plastic rear window and flowed down to a gently sloped trunk and notchback-style bumper. (Picture from: OtoBlitz)

Bossaert’s approach wasn’t just about looks. The chassis of the original DS sedan was shortened by 42 centimeters and lowered by 7 centimeters, giving the car a taut, athletic stance. The front end, complete with its original mechanical setup, was kept intact, but the windshield was given a sharper rake, and the doors were elongated to ease access to the plush cabin. The roofline swept gracefully into a plastic rear window, flowing down to a subtly sloped trunk and notchback-style bumper—a profile that seemed to be in motion even while standing still.

The Citroën DS GT 19 Bossaert Coupe featured a meticulously hand-finished interior, combining luxurious upholstery with four practical seats, offering both elegance and comfort for its passengers. (Picture from: OtoBlitz)

Under the hood, the DS GT 19 was far from ordinary. Its 1.9-liter four-cylinder engine was given a sharper camshaft, a reworked cylinder head, and a higher compression ratio of 9.5:1. Twin 38 mm Zenith carburetors, a redesigned exhaust manifold, and a sportier exhaust system completed the transformation. The power climbed from 83 to 97 horsepower, nudging the top speed to 171 km/h—a respectable figure for a stylish coupe of its era.

The Citroën DS GT 19 Bossaert Coupe featured a sharply edged rear wing in true Italian style, tapering to a point with lights reminiscent of the Pininfarina-styled Peugeot 404 Coupé or various coachbuilt Fiats, while its Carello tail-lights matched those of the Fiat 1500 Cabriolet. (Picture from: OtoBlitz)

Exclusivity was part of its charm. Only about 13 examples were ever made—two by Frua, the rest by Gete. Owning one in 1960 required both deep pockets and impeccable taste. At 29,000 francs, the Bossaert DS GT 19 was pricier than even a Jaguar or a Facel Vega, positioning it as a rarefied indulgence for the few who valued artistry as much as performance. | EMI_YwulyM4 |

Now, more than sixty years later, the Citroën DS GT 19 Bossaert Coupe remains an object of fascination—not because it was produced in great numbers or won famous races, but because it dared to exist at all. It’s a testament to a period when coachbuilders could take a production car and, with skill and imagination, turn it into something utterly unique. In a world where mass production often leaves little room for individuality, this elegant coupe stands as a timeless reminder of what happens when passion, design, and mechanical craft collide in perfect harmony. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | OTOBLITZ | CLASSICANDSPORTSCAR ]

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Mazda Reimagines Driving Joy at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show

Sustainable Thrill - There’s something magical about watching a carmaker refuse to give in to the predictable. In a world rushing headlong toward fully electric vehicles, Mazda has chosen a more thoughtful, more soulful route — one that doesn’t just aim to reduce emissions but to reignite the very feeling that makes people fall in love with driving in the first place. That spirit took center stage at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show, where Mazda unveiled its bold new vision for the New Energy Vehicle era through two concept models: the Vision X-Coupe and the Vision X-Compact. Both represent not only the company’s technological ambitions but also its unshakable belief that driving joy and sustainability can coexist beautifully. 

The Mazda Vision X-Coupe, the undeniable star of the company’s 2025 Japan Mobility Show presentation, stands as a true homage to performance and environmental innovation. (Picture from: Mazda)

The Vision X-Coupe, arguably the star of Mazda’s presentation, looks every bit like a love letter to performance and environmental innovation. Its form radiates power — a muscular evolution of Mazda’s “Kodo: Soul of Motion” design philosophy. Cloaked in a sharp silver hue with a sculpted front fascia, the car embodies tension and grace in equal measure. But its beauty isn’t just skin-deep. Beneath that sleek exterior lies a fascinating hybrid heart: a plug-in system powered by a twin-rotor turbo rotary engine paired with an electric motor and battery. Together, they deliver an astonishing 510 horsepower, enough to make any driving enthusiast’s pulse quicken. 

The Mazda Vision X-Coupe radiates power through a muscular evolution of Mazda’s “Kodo: Soul of Motion” design, its sharp silver body and sculpted front exuding both tension and grace. (Picture from: Carvaganza)

What truly sets this machine apart, however, is its environmental ingenuity. The X-Coupe doesn’t merely aim to be carbon-neutral; it dares to be carbon-negative. It runs on fuel derived from microalgae — a resource that not only produces energy but also absorbs CO₂ during its cultivation. As Mazda describes it, the more this car is driven, the more it contributes to offsetting atmospheric carbon. It’s a radical inversion of what we’ve come to expect from performance vehicles, and perhaps a glimpse into how sustainability could feel thrilling rather than restrictive. Adding to this is Mazda’s new “Mobile Carbon Capture” technology, a system capable of extracting CO₂ directly from a car’s exhaust. The company plans to put this system to the test in endurance races using its Mazda 55 racer, merging environmental science with motorsport passion. 

The Mazda Vision X-Coupe continues the RX-7’s rotary legacy with a twin-rotor hybrid engine and advanced CO₂ Capture technology that turns performance into sustainability. (Picture from: Carvaganza)

While the Vision X-Coupe redefines performance through sustainability, the Vision X-Compact explores a different frontier — that of emotional intelligence. This concept car, which echoes the proportions of a sporty Mazda2, is designed around a philosophy Mazda calls “Radically Human.” It’s compact, athletic, and minimalistic, but behind its simplicity lies an ambitious attempt to make cars feel more like companions than machines. The X-Compact integrates digital human sensory modeling and an empathetic AI system — a combination that allows the car to sense driver emotions, respond in natural conversation, and even suggest routes or destinations based on mood or behavior. 

The Mazda X-Compact explores a new frontier of emotional intelligence, embodying Mazda’s “Radically Human” philosophy within a design that echoes the sporty proportions of the Mazda2. (Picture from: Carvaganza)

Step inside, and the interior tells a story of restraint and purpose. There’s no oversized infotainment screen demanding attention, just a three-spoke steering wheel, a discreet phone mount, and an environment that encourages focus and connection. It’s a quiet rebellion against the hyper-digital chaos of modern cars, reminding us that human touch still matters. In many ways, the X-Compact represents the emotional counterpart to the X-Coupe’s technical bravado — together, they embody Mazda’s dual pursuit of soulful driving and smart sustainability. 

The Mazda X-Compact features an interior defined by restraint and purpose, replacing oversized screens with a three-spoke steering wheel, a subtle phone mount, and a cabin that inspires focus and connection. (Picture from: Carvaganza)

Mazda’s presentation didn’t end with these two futuristic concepts. The company also showcased the latest European-spec Mazda CX-5 — a refined evolution of one of its global bestsellers. With over 4.5 million units sold, the CX-5 now features more spacious interiors, improved Jinba-Ittai handling dynamics, and the new “E/E Architecture+” electronic platform that promises a more responsive driving experience. It’s a subtle reminder that Mazda’s innovation isn’t just confined to its prototypes; it continues to reshape the models people already know and love.

The European-spec Mazda CX-5 was also showcased at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show alongside the company’s two concept cars. (Picture from: Carz.com.my)

At the heart of all this is Mazda’s enduring mantra: “The joy of driving fuels a sustainable tomorrow.” These aren’t just words for the brand’s president and CEO, Masahiro Moro — they form the backbone of Mazda’s philosophy for the coming decades. In an age when many automakers are abandoning emotional connection in favor of pure automation, Mazda stands out by insisting that driving joy itself can be a force for good.  | RfiiozlaikY |

What unfolded at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show was more than a showcase of new technology — it was a declaration of identity. Mazda isn’t chasing trends; it’s redefining them. With its rotary heritage reborn in electrified form and AI reshaped to feel human rather than cold, Mazda is crafting a future where cars are not only efficient but alive with spirit. The road ahead might be uncertain, but if the Vision X-Coupe and X-Compact are any indication, it’s one that promises both sustainability and soul — two things that, in Mazda’s hands, were never meant to be separate. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MAZDA | MOTOR1 | MOTORTREND | FORBES | CARVAGANZA | CARZ.COM.MY ]

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RHapsody – The Forgotten Supercar That Once Touched 220mph

Fleeting Glory - Every so often, someone in the automotive world decides that having influence and success isn’t enough—they want a legacy on four wheels. Not just a machine, but a rolling sculpture that reflects their vision, ambition, and maybe even a bit of ego. That’s exactly what happened in the early 1990s, when Rüdiger Höffken, the man behind RH-Alurad—well known for his stylish alloy wheels—set out to build his dream car. What came of it wasn’t just another sports car. It was a bold, custom-built supercar called the RHapsody. And like the name suggests, it was a wild, passionate composition with only one verse.

The RHapsody, built on a Chevrolet Corvette C4 ZR1, emerged as a dramatic one-off fully approved for road use. (Picture from: Kues-Magazin)

The RHapsody was never intended to be a quiet player in the background. Commissioned in 1994, it was created to leave a mark. Built by Scala Design—typically known for crafting car interiors rather than full-scale prototypes—the car emerged as a dramatic one-off with full road legality. Based on a Chevrolet Corvette C4 ZR1, the RHapsody received a complete visual and mechanical makeover. 

The RHapsody, commissioned in 1994 and built by Scala Design—best known for crafting car interiors rather than full-scale prototypes—stood as a true original. (Picture from: Kues-Magazin)

The new body, made from glass-fiber reinforced plastic, was more fluid, with elegant curves and a stretched silhouette that looked like something plucked from a sci-fi film. The most distinctive feature? A double-bubble roof that nodded to classic Zagato designs, sculpted not just for flair but for aerodynamic efficiency. And that design wasn’t just for show—wind tunnel tests in Stuttgart confirmed it cut through the air impressively well.

The RHapsody featured a body made from glass-fiber reinforced plastic, shaped with fluid lines, elegant curves, and a stretched sci-fi-like silhouette. (Picture from: ObscureSupercar in X)

Underneath all that style, the original plan was brute force. The Corvette’s 5.7-liter V8 was upgraded with twin turbos, pushing power to a claimed 550 horsepower—more than enough to touch 355 km/h (220 mph) during tests on the high-speed Nardò circuit in Italy. Behind the wheel for that run was seasoned race driver Michael Bartels, adding even more credibility to the car’s speed story. Sadly, the engine couldn’t hold up for long. It was eventually replaced with a naturally aspirated unit producing 408 horsepower—still potent, but no longer the same fire-breather that originally stunned everyone.

The RHapsody’s cabin featured two carbon Recaro seats paired with a custom blue leather interior. (Picture from: Kues-Magazin)

While most concept cars are nothing more than showpieces, the RHapsody was truly drivable. A 6-speed manual transmission gave the driver direct control, while the carbon Recaro seats, custom blue leather interior, and a tachometer reading up to 400 km/h hinted at its ambitions. Weighing just 1,400 kg, it had a raw, visceral feel. The exhaust roared with the kind of presence you’d expect from a purpose-built track machine. It vibrated windows. It made pedestrians turn heads and ask questions. It smelled of high-octane dreams and ambition—because that’s exactly what it was. 

The RHapsody, powered by a Corvette 5.7-liter V8 upgraded with twin turbos, produced a claimed 550 horsepower—enough to reach 355 km/h (220 mph) at Nardò. (Picture from: ObscureSupercar in X)

But like many bold creations tied too closely to their makers, the RHapsody’s story didn’t end with thunderous applause. By 2008, Höffken’s business empire came crashing down under the weight of tax issues and bankruptcy. His time with the RHapsody ended just as abruptly. The car, once a million-euro creation, found itself in an auction, fetching a mere €49,000—less than a tenth of what it cost to build. From center stage to collector’s garage, its journey echoed the rise and fall of the man who dreamed it into existence. | UIEyK1QxNcA |

Today, the RHapsody remains a curious artifact of 1990s ambition. It wasn’t meant to be mass-produced or even copied. It was meant to be a signature—a full-throttle expression of personal taste and engineering daring. And while its maker’s legacy may have veered off course, the car he left behind still turns heads and sparks conversation. Because no matter how fleeting the spotlight may be, some creations are just too bold to be forgotten. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | KUES-MAGAZIN.DE | OBSCURESUPERCAR IN X ]

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Ferrari F76 Concept Redefines Driving with Dual Steering Innovation

Shared Velocity - The world of automotive design is entering a new era — one where imagination meets digital innovation and the boundaries of what a car can be are redrawn. Ferrari, a brand long celebrated for turning passion into performance, has stepped boldly into this space with the unveiling of the F76 Concept. More than just a design experiment, the F76 is a vision of what driving might look like in the decades ahead, when emotion, technology, and artistry merge seamlessly into one experience. 

The Ferrari F76 Concept is a vision of what driving might look like in the decades ahead, when emotion, technology, and artistry merge seamlessly into one experience. (Picture from: Autocar)

Created under the direction of Flavio Manzoni, Ferrari’s chief designer, the F76 exists entirely in the digital realm. It’s a “design manifesto,” as Manzoni describes it — not meant for production, but to explore and define the future forms of Ferrari vehicles. Its name, F76, honors Ferrari’s first victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1949, tying the company’s proud racing legacy to a bold, forward-looking concept. In doing so, the F76 becomes a bridge between Ferrari’s glorious past and its technological future. 

The Ferrari F76 Concept created under the direction of Flavio Manzoni, Ferrari’s chief designer, and exists entirely in the digital realm. (Picture from: Autocar)

At first glance, the F76 feels unmistakably Ferrari — muscular, elegant, and aerodynamic — yet its design is far from traditional. The car’s body features squared wheel arches and a floating front splitter, details that recall the spirit of the F80 hypercar while pushing its lines toward something almost sculptural. The structure consists of two separate fuselages, one for each driver, shaped to optimize airflow and redefine interior space. Ferrari calls this a “form-follows-function” philosophy, proving that every design decision serves both purpose and beauty. 

The Ferrari F76 Concept’s body features squared wheel arches and a floating front splitter, details that recall the spirit of the F80 hypercar while pushing its lines toward something almost sculptural. (Picture from: Autocar)

Perhaps the most radical aspect of the F76 is its two steering wheels, enabled by advanced drive-by-wire technology that replaces mechanical linkages with electronic control systems. This innovation allows both drivers to steer, accelerate, and brake in perfect synchronization, sharing the sensations of speed and precision in real time. Ferrari describes it as a new way to experience driving — not as a solo act, but as a shared emotion. It’s a futuristic idea that challenges the traditional bond between car and driver, opening the door to new interpretations of performance and connection. 

The Ferrari F76 Concept structure consists of two separate fuselages, one for each driver, shaped to optimize airflow and redefine interior space. (Picture from: Autocar)

Despite being a purely digital creation, the F76 includes details that hint at real-world possibilities. Retractable headlights, reminiscent of the legendary F40, make a nostalgic return, while tail-lights integrated into the massive rear wing demonstrate how design and aerodynamics can work as one. These touches suggest that while the F76 may never hit the road, elements of its design language could inspire Ferrari’s upcoming generation of vehicles — including its much-anticipated first electric model. | kHMAIrCHAeM |

In the grand narrative of Ferrari’s evolution, the F76 is more than a concept; it’s a statement. It reminds the world that innovation doesn’t mean losing touch with identity, but rather deepening it. Through its blend of digital artistry, aerodynamic ingenuity, and emotional storytelling, the F76 shows that the spirit of Ferrari — that timeless mix of performance, beauty, and passion — can thrive even in a future defined by electrons and imagination. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | FERRARI | AUTOCAR | AUTOCAR IN X | TOPGEAR | CARSCOOPS ]

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Rare Citroën DS ‘Le Caddy’ Cabriolet by Chapron – From DS 19 Origins to DS 21 Elegance

Coachbuilt Royalty - Seventy years have passed since Citroën stunned the world at the 1955 Paris Motor Show with a car that seemed to have rolled straight out of the future. That car was the Citroën DS, a design and engineering milestone that redefined comfort, style, and innovation in motoring. It didn’t just transport people — it made them feel as if they were gliding on air, thanks to groundbreaking technology wrapped in a body that was as daring as it was elegant. 

The Citroën ‘Le Caddy’ Cabriolet, shown here in a 1965 model based on the DS 21 platform, is regarded as one of Henri Chapron’s most elegant creations. (Picture from: ClassicDriver)

The DS’s creation was the result of a collaboration between some of France’s greatest talents. Pierre Boulanger initiated the project as a successor to the legendary Traction Avant. Aeronautical engineer André Lefèbvre shaped the car’s sleek, aerodynamic form to reduce drag and improve handling. Paul Magès revolutionized ride comfort with his hydropneumatic suspension system — a self-leveling, fluid-based setup that absorbed road imperfections like no other — and added hydraulic assistance for steering, brakes, and clutch. Finally, Italian-born designer and sculptor Flaminio Bertoni gave the DS its unmistakable lines, a body that looked both futuristic and graceful, setting a new design language for decades to come.

The Citroën ‘Le Caddy’ Cabriolet, shown here as a 1965 model based on the DS 21 platform, features a hand-finished interior with luxurious upholstery. (Picture from: ClassicDriver)

And while the DS appeared in many forms over its production life, perhaps its most captivating incarnation came from outside Citroën’s own factory: the rare and exquisite “Le Caddy” Cabriolet by Henri Chapron, first based on the DS/ID 19 and later elevated further on the DS 21 platform. 

The Citroën ‘Le Caddy’ Cabriolet, shown here as a 1965 model based on the DS 21 platform, is powered by a 2.1-liter engine with greater power and torque, paired with refined hydraulics and improved braking. (Picture from: ClassicDriver)

The earliest ‘Le Caddy’ cabriolets emerged from Chapron’s workshop in the late 1950s, based initially on the simpler ID 19, itself derived from the DS 19. The DS 19 was powered by a 1.9-liter four-cylinder engine, adequate for its time but tuned for refinement rather than outright speed. Chapron’s conversions transformed these sedans into elegant open-top cruisers, reshaping body panels, shortening overhangs, and adding bespoke chrome trim. Each car was hand-finished with luxurious upholstery, unique paint choices, and detailing that reflected Chapron’s background as the “Car Couturier” of France. Between 1959 and 1968, only 34 units of Le Caddy based on the ID/DS 19 were produced, making them exceptionally rare even among coachbuilt classics. | 0hr7z__vQYk |

By 1965, Citroën had introduced the DS 21, featuring a 2.1-liter engine with greater power and torque, paired with refined hydraulics and improved braking. This made it a far more capable base for Chapron’s creations. The DS 21 ‘Le Caddy’ offered the same flowing lines and artisanal craftsmanship as the earlier ID/DS 19 versions but with stronger performance, more effortless cruising, and better high-speed stability — a perfect match for the long, scenic drives such cars were destined for. While production numbers for the DS 21-based Le Caddy remain undocumented, it is believed they were made in far fewer quantities than the already-scarce ID/DS 19 versions.

The earliest Citroën ‘Le Caddy’ Cabriolets — such as this 1962 example — emerged from Chapron’s workshop in the late 1950s, originally based on the simpler ID 19, itself derived from the DS 19. (Picture from: ClassicDriver)

The ‘Le Caddy’ was never meant to be a mass-produced car. Between 1959 and 1968, only 34 examples were built, making each one a singular piece of automotive artistry. When new, its price was nearly double that of Citroën’s top-of-the-line DS Pallas sedan. The cost reflected Chapron’s meticulous, time-intensive process: custom-shaped panels, hand-applied paint, individually tailored interiors, and finishing touches like specific badges, chrome accents, and even period-correct accessories.

The Citroën ‘Le Caddy’ Cabriolet, shown here as a 1961 model based on the DS 19 platform, was powered by a 1.9-liter four-cylinder engine and transformed by Chapron into an elegant open-top cruiser with reshaped body panels, shortened overhangs, and bespoke chrome trim. (Picture from: Auta5p.eu)

Henri Chapron’s relationship with the DS went beyond a business venture — it became an obsession. From his first DS convertible, the ‘La Croisette’ in 1958, to the peak of refinement in the DS 21 ‘Le Caddy’, his designs balanced aerodynamic purity with French luxury, producing cars that felt as much like sculpture as transportation. The DS 19-based versions carry the charm of the model’s earliest years, light and understated, while the DS 21 ‘Le Caddy’ adds the maturity of stronger performance and mechanical polish without sacrificing elegance.|

The Citroën ‘La Croisette’ Cabriolet known as Henry Chapron's first DS convertible crafted in 1958, is distinguished by its elongated door. (Picture from: Citroenvie)

Today, whether it’s an early DS 19 ‘Le Caddy’ or the later, more powerful DS 21 version, these cabriolets remain among the most coveted classics in the world. They are rare sightings even at top-tier concours events, where they command attention not through ostentation, but through an effortless blend of innovation, beauty, and craftsmanship. Seeing one in motion — its long lines catching the light, the soft-top folded neatly behind — is a reminder that some cars transcend their era. They are not just made; they are created, each one a piece of rolling French art destined to be cherished for generations. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CITROEN DS MANUFAKTUR | CITROENVIE | CLASSICDRIVER | AUTA5P.EU ]

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