The French Presidential CITROEN
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It was French President René COTY who decided that, to welcome the guests of the Republic with dignity, the Presidency should acquire a Prestige French limousine. This was to be the Citroën 15/6 H FRANAY...
A convertible model was also created: the Citroën 15/6 H Chapron.
This car continued the tradition of allowing the crowds to see the President of the French Republic...
And it can be quickly recapped when it rains...
The new President of the Republic Charles De GAULLE (President from 08/01/1959 to 28/04/1969) used them during his term of office, as well as new Citroën models...
Presidential Citroën 15/6 H FRANAY of the President of the French Republic
The task is entrusted to coachbuilder Marius FRANAY. He opted for the top-of-the-range Citroën of the time: the 15/6 H.From this base, the car is fitted with FORD Comète windscreens and bumpers, BUICK Roadmaster rear glass, BENTLEY door handles and CHEVROLET taillights
Presidential Citroën 15/6 H FRANAY waiting during a parade
The car is so heavy that the braking system is not powerful enough, and the car is only driven during parades...It even broke down during the visit of Queen Elizabeth II of England in 1957.
in a Citroën 15/6 H FRANAY on 19/05/1968
It was modified, however, and served under the presidencies of DE GAULLE and POMPIDOU.
in the courtyard of the Elysée Palace in the Citroën 15/6 H CHAPRON
during the transfer of power on 08/01/59
In 1956, René COTY asked for another presidential sedan, but one with a convertible top.
Presidential Citroën 15/6 H FRANAY and CHAPRON
The FRANAY coachbuilder having gone bankrupt, the task was entrusted to the CHAPRON coachbuilder. Using a 15/6 H as a starting point, CHAPRON designed a cabriolet.
President René COTY and Queen Elizabeth II of England on board
Citroën 15/6 H CHAPRON during her visit in April 1957.
Citroën 15/6 H CHAPRON during her visit in April 1957.
The Presidential Citroën 15/6 H CHAPRON was also used for the visit of Queen Elizabeth II in April 1957.
President De GAULLE and Prime Minister POMPIDOU in a Citroën 15/6 H Chapron
The fact that this car was a convertible allowed the crowds to see the President's guest and himself parading along the grand Parisian boulevards during their visits...
General de Gaulle leaving the Elysée Palace in a DS 19
General de Gaulle (President from 1959 to 1969) loved to travel in Citroën DS.
Presidential DS 19 with soft top
He ordered one in 1962 with a soft-top roof.
French President De Gaulle on a visit to the provinces in a DS19
This enabled him to wave to the crowds when traveling in the provinces...
Citroën DS 19 during a visit to the French provinces
The General's favorite moments...
French President De Gaulle on a visit to the provinces in a DS19
Once he'd finished, he could drive off to a new destination by putting the top back on.
Black Citroën DS 19 "Préfecture" version - 1959A DS "Préfecture" version was also created. This car can be recognized by its black-painted sheet-metal quarter panels, instead of the ribbed aluminum trim used on other DS and ID models. These DS 19s are black with a gray cloth interior.
For motorcades, they can be fitted with special lights fixed to the central body pillars between the front and rear doors
For motorcades, they can be fitted with special lights fixed to the central body pillars between the front and rear doors
Black Citroën DS "Préfecture" version behind President De GAULLE's car in 1963 at Isle sur Suippe.
The motorcades were usually opened by police motorcyclists, and the DS were driven by police officers selected for the task. The President's cars were maintained in the garages of the Paris Police Central Station until the arrival of President Mitterrand.
Citroën DS 19 during General de GAULLE's visit to Africa
During visits to foreign countries, a DS from France or from the local French Ambassador was sometimes used.
Presidential DS 21
General De GAULLE ordered a ceremonial car to replace the 15/6 H FRANAY model. CHAPRON, a coachbuilder with a fondness for DS, came up with the Presidential DS 21
Presidential Citroën DS 21 on July 14th, early 70s
The model took three years to complete. The car took to the road for the first time in 1968. Once again, CITROËN's top-of-the-range model was chosen.
Presidential DS 21 in front of the Grille du Coq, where the Elysée Palace park is located.
However, the measurements were gigantic: 6.53 meters long (compared with 4.8 meters for the original DS 21) and 2.13 meters wide, with a height of 1.79 meters.
Arrival of President POMPIDOU at an Agricultural Show in Paris, early 70s
This presidential limousine was seldom used, as the May '68 period had come and gone. And President POMPIDOU didn't like it, preferring the classic DS to travel to the provinces.
President POMPIDOU aboard the 15/6 Chapron in Ajaccio, Corsica
during the Napoleon Bicentenary celebrations on 15/08/1969 
during the Napoleon Bicentenary celebrations on 15/08/1969
General De Gaulle's successor, President Georges POMPIDOU (President from 1969 to 1974), also used the Citroën 15/6 CHAPRON for official ceremonies.
The Presidential Citroën 15/6 H CHAPRON and the SM CHAPRON
In 1972, France played host to Queen Elizabeth II of England. In the autumn of 1971, the newly elected French President Georges POMPIDOU ordered a presidential sedan from CITROËN.
The brand turned to coachbuilder Henri CHAPRON, from whom France had already ordered a Citroën 15/6 H convertible and a DS 21.
The brand turned to coachbuilder Henri CHAPRON, from whom France had already ordered a Citroën 15/6 H convertible and a DS 21.
Queen Elizabeth II and French President POMPIDOU aboard the SM CHAPRON Présidentielle in May 1972.
He proposed an SM Opéra with an extended rear overhang and a length increased to 5.60 meters. It would be convertible.
And when Queen Elizabeth II visited the Champs Elysées in May 1972, she paraded alongside the President of the Republic Georges POMPIDOU...
And when Queen Elizabeth II visited the Champs Elysées in May 1972, she paraded alongside the President of the Republic Georges POMPIDOU...
President François Mitterrand at his inauguration in 1981
in a SM CHAPRON Présidentielle driving up the Champs Elysées
in a SM CHAPRON Présidentielle driving up the Champs Elysées
Three examples were produced, two of which were delivered to the Elysée Palace.
The two successive Presidents of the French Republic also chose this SM CHAPRON Présidentielle on the day of their inauguration.
The two successive Presidents of the French Republic also chose this SM CHAPRON Présidentielle on the day of their inauguration.
President François Mitterrand leaving the Parc de l'Elysée through the Grille du Coq
in 1981, during his inauguration as President of France.
in 1981, during his inauguration as President of France.
This photo shows a Citroën CX from the Parc présidentiel and the Presidential SM CHAPRON, in which the then new President of the Republic, François MITTERRAND, is standing.
President Jacques CHIRAC at his inauguration in 1995 in a SM CHAPRON Présidentielle driving up the Champs Elysées
And here, President Jacques CHIRAC in 1995.
Video of Jacques CHIRAC's inauguration
It was also used for Pope John Paul II's visit to France on May 31, 1980.
Video of Pope John Paul II's visit in the Presidential SM
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DS 23 IE PALLAS Presidential
In 1974, President Valéry GISCARD d'ESTAING (President from 1974 to 1981) used Citroën DS 23s for trips to the provinces or to government buildings.
Several Citroën DS 23s in the courtyard of the Elysée Palace, mid-1970s
These were also used for receptions by foreign delegations.
Citroën DS 23 in the courtyard of the Elysée Palace, late 60s
Showcasing French know-how.
A CX 25 Prestige in the courtyard of the Elysée Palace
They were replaced in the late 70s by Citroën CX 25 Prestige models.
CX 25 Prestige near the Rond Point des Champs Elysée
for the Armistice celebrations on 11/1/1987
for the Armistice celebrations on 11/1/1987
They were also used for the President's travels and for official ceremonies.
At the end of 1980, in the run-up to the French Presidential elections of 1981, the coachbuilder CHAPRON offered a convertible model which was not used by the President of the Republic...
CX 25 Prestige CHAPRON Landaulet 1981
Three examples of this model were built: one in 1978 for Algerian President BOUMEDIENNE, another in 1980 for the Paris Motor Show, and a third at Citroën's request, used mainly in Luxembourg in 1981 and 1982 for parades.
Presidential Citroën XM in the Prime Minister's courtyard
Although Citroën XMs were used as CITROËN models in the late 80s, they did not account for a large share of government vehicles
F. MITTERRAND's departure in 1995 during the handover of power to the predecessor J.CHIRAC
A little wink: when the handover of power took place between the new President Jacques CHIRAC and the former President François MITTERRAND, the latter left in a Citroën XM....
Citroën XM V6 Turbo Limousine Palace
Despite this, CITROËN did not give up and proposed the Citroën XM Limousine Palace, which it presented at the 1992 Geneva Motor Show.
Citroën XM V6 Turbo Limousine Palace
In 1995, it was repainted in metallic blue and served as the official car of President Jacques CHIRAC (President from 1995 to 2007) on January 15, 1996, when he visited the HEULIEZ factories. However, the manufacturer was unable to use it as a presidential vehicle...Presidential Citroën C6
However, CITROËN returned as an official car with its C6 model.
Presidential Citroën C6 driving up the Champs Elysées on July 14, 2005
It was put into service on July 14, 2005.
Presidential Citroën C6 in the main courtyard of the Elysée Palace
These cars were used on official visits to the French provinces by Presidents CHIRAC, SARKOZY, HOLLANDE and MACRON, and as ministerial and embassy cars for certain prefects.
They were also used to welcome foreign presidents to France, here with Senegalese President Macky SALL in 2013
or here with German Chancellor Angela MERKEL in 2013
or here with Chinese President Xi JINPING in 2014.
Presidential Citroen C6 in the courtyard of the Elysée Palace
However, the C6 model was not a commercial success.
President Jacques CHIRAC arrives in a Presidential Citroen C6
In fact, only 23,421 units were sold in 7 years...
DS 5 Presidential hybrid on May 15, 2012 It was in 2012 that CITROËN returned as a presidential car to parade down the Champs Elysées with a convertible model that allowed French President François HOLLANDE (President from 2012 to 2017) to stand tall.
President François HOLLANDE returning to the Elysée Palace in the Presidential DS 5
Note that this car is a hybrid with its combustion engine and electric motor.
Video of F.HOLLANDE's inauguration in a DS 5 in 2012
Parade of President E. MACRON from the Arc de Triomphe on the day of his inauguration in 2017
then with the Presidential DS7 Crossback in 2017 for the election of President Emmanuel MACRON (President from 2017 to 2022)
Presidential DS7 Crossback Video
King Charles III of England descends the Champs Elysées in the presence of President Macron on 20/09/2023
This car was used for the visit of King Charles III of England.
Arrival at the Elysée of King Charles III of England in the presence of President Macron on 20/09/2023
Here they are, returning to the Elysée Palace on September 20, 2023.
Showroom de la Marque DS à Paris
This model is on display in the DS Showroom on the Champs Elysées in Paris.
DS7 Crossback in the courtyard of the French Embassy in the UK
This car has become the vehicle of choice for French ambassadors in the countries where they serve, as in the case of the French ambassador to the UK.
Car of the French ambassador to Japan on a Tokyo street
or here with the car of the French Ambassador to Japan. It's a way of advertising and presenting these vehicles abroad...
DS9 2021
It was thought that the President of the French Republic would travel in a DS9 on July 14, 2021, France's national holiday, but as the car is assembled exclusively in China, the idea was discarded and the President travelled in a DS7 Crossback, which is assembled in France.
Presidential DS7 Crossback 2021 in the courtyard of the Elysée Palace
These new models with cars made in France demonstrate French know-how.
DS7 Crossback Elysée 2021 By the end of 2021, a new Presidential DS7 Crossback Elysée had arrived.
DS7 Crossback Elysée 2021
In addition to a 20 cm longer wheelbase, the new model also featured a number of decorative touches.
DS7 Crossback Elysée 2021
Like here, on the front grille, with the tricolor flag.
DS7 Crossback Elysée 2021
Fully armored, the DS7 Crossback E-Tense 4X4 300 model was chosen. 
DS7 Crossback Elysée 2021 This vehicle also features a hybrid powertrain that allows 50 kilometers of full-electric driving.
DS7 Crossback Presidential 2022 in the courtyard of the Elysée Palace
A second French presidential DS7 Crossback model was presented on July 14, 2022.
Rims of the Presidential DS7 Crossback 2022 in the courtyard of the Elysée Palace
As on previous models, small details indicate that this is a Presidential car.
Detail on the wheel of the Presidential DS7 Crossback 2022
These little touches give it a singular air, 
like here on the front grille,
or here on different parts of the car.
Presidential DS7 Crossback 2022 leaving the Elysée Palace in Paris
Here it is seen from the rear, with the President of the French Republic on board, departing for the start of the military parade.
Presidential DS7 Crossback 2022
This presidential model is 22 cm longer than the classic DS7 sold to private customers.
Presidential DS7 Crossback 2022
Here she emerges through the Grille du Coq, as an ace from the Palais de L'Elysée in Paris in 2022.
Presidential DS7 Crossback 2022
And here, at the July 14, 2022 parade
France
has had since the invention of the combustion car, different models
that allowed the crowd to see the President of the Republic as well as
his guests thanks to models of convertible vehicles, here, in the 30s,
with the President of the French Republic Albert LEBRUN.
And here, in the 60's, with french President Charles De GAULLE and his French Prime Minister at the time, Georges POMPIDOU.
In
1972, France will welcome on its territory the Queen Elizabeth II of
England. The French president Georges POMPIDOU, freshly elected, orders
in the fall of 1971, two presidential sedans to CITROËN.
The brand with the chevrons turns to the coachbuilder Henri CHAPRON, to whom France had already ordered presidential Citroën 15/6 H.
He proposes to take a SM Opera with a longer rear overhang and a length increased to 5.60 meters.
This one will be fully uncoverable.
Three examples were produced, two of which were delivered to the Elysée, French Presidency Palace, shown here next to the Citroën 15/6 H Chapron
The model is equipped with a black leather hood treated. Leather is also found throughout the interior of this convertible.
And
at the time of the visit in May 1972 of the Queen Elizabeth II, this
one parada at the side of the President of the french Republic Georges
POMPIDOU on the Champs Elysées in PARIS...
President POMPIDOU will use it during the national celebrations of July 14,
He will also use it during visits, as here in his former constituency.
The President of the French Senate,
Alain POHER, will be President of the French Republic by interim, from
April 02 to May 27, 1974, and will also go up on board of the Presidential SM at the time of its institution, following the death of French President POMPIDOU in full exercise of the Power.
Thereafter, these Citroën SM Presidential
were also chosen by the French Presidents of the Republic elected at
the time of great gatherings or to move like here, at the time of a
return of ceremony of French President Valéry GISCARD D'ESTAING.
French
President François MITTERAND will use it during his election in 1981.
Here he is greeting the crowd while walking up the Champs Elysées in
PARIS. Jacques CHIRAC will do the same in 1995...
This one greatly appreciated the CITROËN.
Here he is returning to the Elysée, the French Presidential House, after having greeted the crowd during his election in 1995.
Parade during the election of Nicola SARKOZY in 2007 in 607 Paladine
At
the time of the election of the following French President in 2007,
with the French President Nicolas SARKOZY, this one preferred a
prototype realized by the coachbuilder HEULIEZ with this PEUGEOT 607 PALADINE.
DS5 Hybrid Presidential on May 15, 2012 The
two following French presidents did not parade on board convertible
models, but from classic cars with a sunroof. Here with French President
François HOLLANDE.
Parade of President E. MACRON from the Arc de Triomphe on the day of his inauguration
and here with French President Emmanuel MACRON.
It can be noted that in past years, the SM Presidential was loaned in some occasions, as here with the English royal couple, during their four-day visits to France in May 1972.
Here they are greeting the crowd in Meudon.
Here with the Tunisian President BOURGUIBA, also in 1972
It was also used during the visit of Pope John Paul II in France on May 31, 1980.
French President François MITTERRAND used the SM Presidential, as President POMPIDOU had done in 1974, to receive Queen Elizabeth II to drive up the Champs Elysées in June 1992.
On this occasion, the two Citroën SM Présidential were
used: one for the President of the French Republic and Queen Elisabeth
II. The second one with Prince Philippe and the first lady of France, .
And
what French President Jacques CHIRAC will also do, 8 years later,
during the official visit of Queen Elizabeth II in Paris, in April 2004.
Ascent of the Champs Elysées of President François Mitterrand elected in 1981
We can notice a great number of motorcyclists during the displacements of the Presidential SM. The reason is an immediate protection against the risk of a terrorist act or of an unbalanced person who would approach the Presidential Car. Indeed, the assassination of King Alexander I of Yugoslavia in FRANCE, in the city of MARSEILLE, on October 09th 1934, showed the risk of bad protections around the Car.
Departure of the car of King Alexander 1st of Yugoslavia in the streets of Marseille on 09/10/1934
Back on this assassination to understand:
It was agreed that King Alexander 1st of Yugoslavia parade, before leaving by train to PARIS, in several streets of MARSEILLE, on board a car with the back opened to be seen by the crowd, but also by the reporters, photographers and cameramen.
Departure of the car of King Alexander 1st of Yugoslavia in the streets of Marseille on 09/10/1934
Initially planned with an escort of policemen on bicycles around the car, it was decided that two officers, with clear swords, would escort the car...
Departure of the car of King Alexander 1st of Yugoslavia in the streets of Marseille on 09/10/1934
But hardly had he gone 200 meters, when a man came out of the crowd and fired a dozen bullets inside the King's Car killing him on the spot and mortally wounding the French Minister of Foreign Affairs Louis BARTHOU.
Shooter on the running board of the car of King Alexander I of Yugoslavia
When the cameramen are filming, the shooter has already fired. The officer on horseback on the right will arrive too late. Only the driver of the car on the right will have time to hold the shooter from inside the car as can be seen on this picture...
Shooter on the running board of the car of King Alexander 1st of Yugoslavia
The officer will still shoot the gunman.
Shooter on the running board of the car of King Alexander I of Yugoslavia
Before the policemen stop him.
Departure of the car of King Alexander I of Yugoslavia after the shooting
But it was too late. Armed with a MAUSER semi-automatic pistol of 10 shots, this one allowed the assailant to shoot in burst in the car...
King Alexander 1st of Yugoslavia in the foreground and the Minister Louis BARTHOU
At that time, there were important risks of attack against this King...
Several mistakes were made:
1- A convertible car was easier for a killer to aim at his target
2- The windows of the car were lowered, which allowed the assailant to climb on the running board of the car and to spray the back of the car with his 10-shot pistol more easily...
3- Twelve police cyclists were supposed to surround the car and were replaced by two officers on horseback...
Several mistakes were made:
1- A convertible car was easier for a killer to aim at his target
2- The windows of the car were lowered, which allowed the assailant to climb on the running board of the car and to spray the back of the car with his 10-shot pistol more easily...
3- Twelve police cyclists were supposed to surround the car and were replaced by two officers on horseback...
Here is a video of the time presenting this drama.
Presidential Citroën DS 21 during a July 14th, early 70's
The
principle of the motorized escort is to create a protective bubble
which allows to adapt the speed of the motorcycle of escort to avoid any
intrusion of a pedestrian in contact with the escorted car and thus to
make a rampart between the aggressor and the VIP.
Here is more information on this principle:
Here is more information on this principle:
The
threat can, for several years, arrive from the air with one or more
drones, as seen above in this video during a speech by a Venezuelan
president in 2018.
For this measures are taken in advance with jammers and observers.
For this measures are taken in advance with jammers and observers.
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