A bespoke electric DS 3 pays tribute to Antoine de Saint-Exupéry while supporting life-saving childhood cancer research.
In an inspired blend of literature, legacy, and philanthropy, a one-of-a-kind DS 3 E-TENSE Antoine de Saint Exupéry Collection was auctioned for €75,000 at a Parisian charity gala to benefit pediatric cancer research. The fully electric vehicle, dubbed “Le Petit Prince”, was the centerpiece of the Gustave Roussy Foundation’s fundraiser, hosted in the presence of public officials, auto industry leaders, and cultural ambassadors.
Contents
A Car with a Cause and a Story
The special-edition DS 3 E-TENSE—donated by the Antoine de Saint Exupéry Youth Foundation and built by DS Automobiles—was created not just as a vehicle, but as a moving tribute to one of France’s most enduring literary icons.
Inspired by The Little Prince, the car is a poetic interpretation of Saint-Exupéry’s values: discovery, elegance, and compassion. It’s also the tangible result of a partnership launched in May 2024 between DS Automobiles and the Youth Foundation. That collaboration yielded a limited-edition lineup across DS 3, DS 4, and DS 7, available in various powertrains and adorned with subtle references to the beloved novella.
The auction proceeds will directly support the foundation’s initiative: “Curing Childhood Cancer in the 21st Century.”
Star-Studded Gala Supports a Noble Mission
Held under the high ceilings of a gala in Paris, the evening brought together figures from both politics and culture:
- Brigitte Macron, First Lady of France
- Yannick Neuder, Minister of Health
- Marc Guillaume, Prefect of Paris
- Xavier Peugeot, CEO of DS Automobiles
- Olivier d’Agay, great-nephew of Saint-Exupéry and president of the Youth Foundation
“The funds raised tonight offer real hope to children battling cancer,” said Xavier Peugeot. “This DS 3 E-TENSE is more than a car—it’s a symbol of the dream that children deserve to live, not lose.”
A Collector’s Experience Beyond the Wheel
In addition to owning the rare DS 3 E-TENSE “Le Petit Prince”, the auction winner receives a private tour of the DS DESIGN STUDIO, guided by Thierry Métroz, Design Director of DS Automobiles. There, they can collaborate with the brand’s in-house creators to further personalize the car, infusing it with the same imagination that shaped both the vehicle and Saint-Exupéry’s literary legacy.
“This vehicle is not only a beautiful homage, it’s emotionally intelligent,” said Olivier d’Agay. “Together, we’ve honored Antoine’s memory while helping give sick children a brighter future.”
| Key Feature | Optimization |
|---|---|
| Headline | Concise, emotional, brand-forward |
| Subhead | Clarifies value-driven story |
| High-Quality Entities | Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, DS Automobiles, Gustave Roussy Foundation |
| Human Tone | Clarifies a value-driven story |
| Metadata Rich | Electric car, charity auction, childhood cancer, French culture, automotive philanthropy |
Automotive industry expert and editor of Vhiclo, specializing in car news, EV technology, and in-depth vehicle analysis. With years of experience in the field, Koutaibah provides trusted insights for enthusiasts and professionals alike.
