Henri Chapron
Introduce
Henri Chapron (December 30, 1886 – May 14, 1978) was a renowned French entrepreneur and designer, celebrated as one of the most prominent figures in 20th-century automotive coachbuilding.
In 1919, Chapron established his atelier in Neuilly-sur-Seine, later relocating it to Levallois-Perret, a Parisian suburb that became a hub for the French automotive industry, home to marques like Delage and Hispano-Suiza. Initially, Chapron’s designs were characterized by classical and elegant lines, evident in models such as the Delahaye 135 Cabriolet “Mylord” and a grand Hispano-Suiza H6B. However, his style evolved in the mid-1930s, ushering in a period of bold and innovative designs. Notable works from this era include the Delahaye Type 145 and the Delage D8. Chapron also undertook projects on foreign models, such as the stunning Packard 120 CD of 1937, along with collaborations on Fiat chassis.
The outbreak of World War II disrupted many automotive businesses, including Chapron’s atelier, which struggled with economic hardships and limited access to chassis. Despite these challenges, Chapron resumed operations post-war, producing notable designs like a cabriolet based on the Citroën Traction Avant 15CV. In the late 1950s, Chapron forged a strong partnership with Citroën, producing iconic reinterpretations of the Citroën DS. Among these, the Croisette Cabriolet and Concorde Coupé became timeless masterpieces.
During the 1960s and 1970s, Chapron continued his collaboration with Citroën, designing custom vehicles such as a DS for Charles De Gaulle in 1968 and reimagining the Citroën SM into luxurious models like the Mylord and Opera. In 1972, he created an extended-wheelbase SM cabriolet, used for transporting high-profile political figures.
Henri Chapron passed away in 1978 at the age of 91. His atelier operated until 1985, producing unique vehicles on Citroën CX, Peugeot 104, and 604 platforms, as well as armored cars, before closing permanently. Chapron’s creations remain a testament to his extraordinary artistry and influence in automotive design history.
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