From the moment it was unveiled in October 1955, the Citroën DS captured the motoring world’s imagination.

Beneath its refined yet avant garde styling by Flaminio Bertoni was a host of cutting-edge technologies.

One feature initially unavailable to DS buyers, however, was a convertible top.

Ultimately, Citroën would turn to coachbuilder Henri Chapron to create the Décapotable Usine, or “factory convertible.” While he continued to produce the factory convertibles, Chapron experimented with more exclusive, custom designs.

More labor intensive to build and exhibiting a bevy of bespoke features, these special editions were offered directly to his most-preferred clientele.

Considered among the most impressive of these was the Le Caddy, which bore a lowered windshield and sweeping rear deck, resulting in an elegantly streamlined appearance.

Fewer than 40 were ultimately produced, making them rare in period and eagerly sought today.

Based in Brensbach, Germany, DS Manufaktur is the onl...