In a Paris suburb in 1919 Henri Chapron founded his business, with the makes of Delage and Hispano-Suiza almost on his doorstep. He coachbuilt bodies for Talbot, Delage and Delahaye, but also many other European brands. The market for luxury cars had dried up by the late 1940s, austerity measures and high taxation in many European countries hit the luxury market. Henri Chapron was drawn to the Citroen DS and created his own Decapotable version of it, which did not meet with approval by the factory. However, Henri Chapron sold many DS Decapotable, often badged 'La Croisette', and by 1960 he was askled by the factory to produce its design whilst still creating his own version. Other Citroen specials were created, but following the death of Henri Chapron in 1978, the business was only kept alive by his widow until 1985.