They were first used on the occasion of the 1972 state visit
to France of Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom.
Both
of these cars were 5.6 m long and weighed 1 890 kg and despite the
massively increased weight were fitted with the standard SM V6 engine.
Changes were made to the final drive to allow the cars to
drive slowly in ceremonial processions.
Citroën
submitted four proposals to the Elysée, comprising from top left going
clockwise, a Landaulet; a saloon with metal roof incorporating an
opening panel; and a cabriolet (roof up and roof down). It was
decided to build the latter car and Chapron was commissioned to build
the two cars.
