Thierry Dehaeck to Divest His Citroën Collection

Renowned Belgian collector Thierry Dehaeck as appointed Artcurial Auctions to sell his collection of Citroën SM and DS Chapron models on February 5, 2027 during Retromobile in Paris.

Going on the block will be;

• 8 SMs – including the Jerry Hathaway world record SM and pick-up, an Henri Chapron SM Opéra, an Henri Chapron SM MyLord Cabriolet and a SM Espace
• 2 Maserati Quattaportes – (based on the Citroën SM)
• 1 Ligier JS2 (based on the SM)
• 3 Henri Chapron DS21 Cabriolets
• 1 HY Van
• as well as other Ferrari, Jaguar, Mercedes and various car models.

As the full catalog (that you can download here) states:

^{In Thierry Dehaeck’s collection, every car is exceptional, whether on account of its history, its provenance or its condition. Today, this discreet collector has chosen to part with what represents a ‘lifetime’s work’, giving other enthusiasts the chance to take up the baton.}

^{The first thing that strikes you, when you enter the building that houses Thierry Dehaeck’s collection, is the amazing condition of the cars, lined up as if on parade, without a speck of dust or a blemish on their gleaming bodywork and chrome. So, are they ‘Trailer Queens’, transported only on a trailer?}

^{— On the contrary, all the cars are in running order and registered. You’ll notice too that they often have personalised registration numbers, which is possible in Belgium. With my team, we drive each of them for at least an hour every two months. And I also take part in various events. Last weekend, my son and I were at the Concours d’élégance at the Villa d’Este to present the Maserati Ghibli Spyder, and next weekend, I’m off to the Chapron Rally in Normandy with the DS Chapron Le Caddy cabriolet.}

The reason for Thierry selling much of his collection is a pragmatic one;

^{All of this still takes an enormous amount of time. It’s a huge undertaking as it requires maintaining the cars in perfect condition, managing the team of mechanics, looking after the visits and rentals for events … I spend all my days working on it. I’m 72, my son doesn’t want to go on with it, and I would prefer to part with my collection in such a way that I can be sure the cars will go to enthusiasts who will take care of them. This collection has been a lifetime’s work, an achievement. So, rather than holding on for too long and seeing the cars fall into disrepair, I would prefer to pass them on now to others who will take up the baton. For my part, I am turning a page.}

This auction will no doubt be an opportunity to acquire an outstanding classic from Thierry’s collection. It will be a true test of Citroën values as so many rare SM and DS cabriolets will be sold at one time.

The full auction listing can be viewed online here: https://www.artcurial.com/en/sales/6631