Topic: SOLVED: Djetset #650 - Citroen DS Coupe proposal by Citroen New York studio, c.1968

[Djetset]

This should be a fun one!  To gain a point, which manufacturer is this design for, what year was it styled, and most importantly, in which city was the design studio located?

Once correctly identified, I'll tell you the fuller story behind this design sketch.

[Djetset]

I'm amazed the Rookies weren't brave enough to tackle this one.  So, up to the Experts for some debate.

[kwgibbs]

Innovari possibly 1969 Pittsburgh?

[Djetset]

Sorry, but not Innovari.

[wingroad]

Is it a major manufacturer like Ford ?

[Djetset]

It is a major manufacturer, but not Ford.

[kwgibbs]

Is it American?

[Djetset]

The design is American (located where?), but the car is not.

[wingroad]

Loews New York City ?

[Djetset]

Spot on Wingroad: well done!  So, now locked to you to name the car marque.

[wingroad]

Didn't expect that, how about Chrysler

[Djetset]

Not Chrysler (and remember, not an American brand).

[wingroad]

Ah Forgot that!
As Loewy did some work for Austin how about them

[Djetset]

Not an Austin.  For complete clarification as well, I should say that although this car was styled in New York with a Loewy connection, it is not a Loewy design.

[wingroad]

How about a design for the Citroen SM

[Djetset]

Bravo!  It is a design for a Citroen (a DS-based coupe proposal as part of an early SM study), styled by a short-lived New York-based Citroen studio in c.1968.  A well-deserved point to you.  I found this rare gem in the Citroen archives at the Conservatoire in Aulnay

[wingroad]

WOW! Great , I am a Citroen fan and never knew about this study or the New York studio nor have I been to the Conservatoire,love to go there.

[Djetset]

It was news to me too, as I was totally unaware of Citroen's New York studio. 

It seems the US market thought Citroens to be rather too strange and French, so this was a brief move to try and give the marque a more North American appeal.   Thank godness this idea was short-lived, or else we may have never seen such great Citroens as the CX and GS.