VENDU

Le dernier exemplaire de cette miniature a ete vendu

Ces autres miniatures pourraient vous interesser

Estimate shipping costs

Citroën DS 21 Coupe Rallye TAP - A French automotive sports legend

This stunning Citroën DS 21 light blue coupe number 77 transports us directly to the world of international rallying in the 1970s. Faithfully reproducing the vehicle that participated in the prestigious Rallye TAP (Portugal) of 1972, this miniature captures all the sporting essence of the legendary DS in its competitive version.

More than just a miniature model, this piece represents a true historical testament to the golden age of French rallying, when national manufacturers shone on the most demanding European roads.

Miniature Features

  • Model: DS 21 Coupe
  • Brand: Citroën
  • Year: 1972
  • Scale: 1/43
  • Color: Light blue
  • Decoration: Rallye TAP Portugal #77 livery
  • Protective case included: Yes

The DS 21 Coupe: where elegance meets performance

Derived from the revolutionary DS sedan launched in 1955, the coupe version was born in the mid-1960s to meet the demands of a clientele seeking more sportiness. The DS 21, with its 2.1-liter engine producing 109 horsepower, offered respectable performance for the time while retaining the legendary comfort of Citroën's hydropneumatic suspension.

In rally configuration, the DS 21 benefited from specific optimizations: engine preparation, lightweight body, chassis reinforcement and regulatory safety equipment. These modifications allowed crews to fully exploit the remarkable road potential of the DS, particularly appreciated on the winding roads of Portugal.

The 1972 Rallye TAP was a benchmark event in the European championship, renowned for its technical specials and spectacular landscapes. The participation of this DS 21 #77 was part of Citroën's strategy to promote the sporty image of its productions.

Citroën in the 1970s: innovation at the service of performance

In the early 1970s, Citroën went through a period of intense technical creativity under the leadership of Pierre Bercot. The chevron brand multiplied technological innovations: perfected hydropneumatic system, DIRAVI power steering, directional headlights. This constant search for technical avant-garde characterizes the Citroën spirit of this golden era.

Founded in 1919 by André Citroën, the brand quickly established itself as a pioneer of the French automotive industry. From its inception, Citroën focused on innovation and mass production, introducing American manufacturing methods to Europe. The 1970s marked the peak of this philosophy with revolutionary models like the DS, GS, and soon the CX.

This period also saw Citroën actively engage in automotive competition, viewing sport as a testing ground for its technologies. Rally successes, especially with Citroën miniature cars, helped forge the brand's reputation for technical excellence.

A DS in the service of the General

The story of the Citroën DS is inseparable from that of General de Gaulle, who made it his official car throughout his presidency. This privileged relationship took on a dramatic dimension on August 22, 1962, during the Petit-Clamart attack. On that day, the presidential DS endured gunfire from the OAS but managed to escape despite two flat tires, dramatically demonstrating the legendary reliability of the model.

The General's driver, Francis Marroux, succeeded in maintaining control of the vehicle thanks to the Citroën hydropneumatic suspension, which automatically compensated for the loss of tire pressure. This technical feat, widely publicized, significantly contributed to the worldwide reputation of the DS as an exceptional vehicle.

This anecdote perfectly illustrates why the DS quickly won over the official services around the world. Its unique combination of comfort, road handling, and reliability made it the natural choice for high-profile individuals demanding safety and prestige. Many heads of state adopted the DS, from Josip Broz Tito in Yugoslavia to several African leaders.

This almost mythical dimension of the DS partly explains its enduring success among collectors, who see it as much more than just a car: a symbol of the French art of living and of the technical excellence radiating from France around the world.

Complete your collection of French sporty miniatures

This Citroën DS 21 coupe Rallye TAP occupies a prominent place in the world of French competition miniatures. It fits perfectly into collections dedicated to rally miniature cars or Citroën DS miniatures, offering a sporty alternative to the more common civil versions.

Passionate collectors of French automobiles will particularly appreciate this piece in addition to other French miniature cars from the 1970s. It harmoniously dialogues with the Alpine-Renault A110, Matra-Simca, or other race car miniatures from this golden period of French motorsport.

This miniature appeals to both specialized collectors and enthusiasts of French automotive history, serving as a reference piece to understand Citroën's sporting commitment and the evolution of French classic cars towards high performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to understand the scales of miniatures?

Scale indicates the reduction ratio between the real car and the miniature. For example, at 1:43 scale, each centimeter on the miniature corresponds to 43 centimeters on the real vehicle.

Concretely, a 1/18 scale Ferrari model is approximately 25-30 cm long, while in 1/43 scale it measures approximately 10 cm.

What scales are available?

Our model cars are mainly offered in 1/43, 1/24, 1/18 and 1/87 (HO) scales. The scale is always indicated in the product sheet.

The smaller the second number, the larger the model car (e.g. 1/18 is larger than 1/43).

Does the model car come with protection?

Yes, each model car is systematically delivered in its protective box. This box preserves the collectible value and protects your model car from dust and shocks.

How is my package protected during transport?

We package each order with the utmost care: bubble wrap, appropriate cushioning, and polystyrene. Your model car is perfectly secure during its journey.

What is the delivery time?

In-stock items are shipped within 24-48 hours. Please allow 2-3 business days for France via Colissimo or 4-5 days via Mondial Relay.

The model car is no longer in stock, when will you have it?

It's impossible for me to know exactly when I'll receive a new stock because I receive arrivals in dribs and drabs. Please contact me so I can keep you informed as soon as it's available.

What our customers say

Customer feedback and testimonials

Michel FALCOTET Vérifié
All the main qualities of a good merchant
- Availability and responsiveness - Sense of service - Seriousness - Listening - Etc ...........
il y a 1 jour
MICHEL DELAPLACE Vérifié
Bernard Miniatures, an incredible choice! …
I am happily touring the Bernard Miniatures site and I just bought 4 advertising 4cvs. The descriptions are accurate. Fast delivery, always a nice little note. Serious professional!
il y a 2 jours
guillaume mary Vérifié
very beautiful quality car
Very beautiful quality car and fast delivery
il y a 2 jours
Alain Fichet Vérifié
Nickel as usual
Great contact, flawless transaction, I highly recommend. I am looking forward to new products to place an order.
il y a 2 jours
Claude Delage Vérifié
Miniature in perfect condition and very well…
Miniature in perfect condition and very well packaged
il y a 2 jours
remy delamare Vérifié
nothing to say
nothing to say, the site is still just as good!
il y a 3 jours
Lenfant Vérifié
As usual, I am happy
As usual, I am happy
il y a 4 jours
MICHEL ALEZARD Vérifié
Fast Delivery Times
Fast delivery times, careful packaging, and miniatures matching the description.
il y a 4 jours
Bernard Bandelier Vérifié
Regular returns of the order...
Regular returns of the order until delivery
il y a 5 jours
Yves DOPARIS Vérifié
Extremely Satisfactory First Order
This first order with Bernard Miniatures is an extremely satisfactory experience at all levels of its execution.
il y a 1 semaine
Patrice SIMON Vérifié
Very satisfied
Products (miniatures) in accordance with the description, fast shipping in very serious packaging. I recommend this supplier.
il y a 1 semaine
Stephane Bazille Vérifié
Having chosen to keep myself informed...
Having chosen to keep myself informed about a relay point error for my first order demonstrates a willingness to respect the customer, and this remains too rare today not to grant you my trust!.. I have to pick up my second order and I think there will be others... Sincerely. Stéphane BAZILLE.
il y a 1 semaine