The 1926 Citroën B12 Normande: An Exceptional model car
This 1926 Citroën B12 Normande model car represents an iconic model of the French automotive industry during the Roaring Twenties. This faithful reproduction captures the elegance and refinement of this prestigious sedan, which marked its era with its technical innovations and distinctive style.
Intended for collectors passionate about vintage cars , this model car constitutes a precious testimony to French automotive art from the mid-1920s, a pivotal period when Citroën was already revolutionizing the industry with its modern production methods.
Characteristics of the model car
- Model: B12 Normande
- Brand: Citroën
- Year: 1926
- Scale: 1/43rd
- Presentation: In transparent blister pack
- Protective case included: Yes
The original model: A symbol of modernity
The Citroën B12 Normande was launched in 1925 as part of the B12 range, succeeding the famous Type A. André Citroën, an automotive visionary, wanted to offer a car that was more comfortable and spacious than its predecessors, while retaining the reliability that already made the brand's reputation.
This model was distinguished by its "Normande" body , a four-door sedan with harmonious and elegant lines. Equipped with a 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine developing approximately 18 horsepower, it offered respectable performance for the time. Its independent front suspension, a remarkable innovation for 1926, gave it superior road comfort compared to its competitors.
The B12 Normande enjoyed notable commercial success , establishing itself as the car of the rising bourgeoisie and the liberal professions. Production continued until 1927, with several thousand units sold on European roads.
Citroën in 1926: The audacity of a pioneer
By 1926, Citroën was already a giant in the French automotive industry . André Citroën, with his experience in shell production during the Great War, had revolutionized the automotive industry by introducing Ford-inspired assembly-line production methods to Europe. This approach allowed him to offer quality vehicles at affordable prices.
The company had just made its mark with resounding advertising stunts, such as the illumination of the Eiffel Tower with the Citroën name in 1925. This bold marketing approach, coupled with a policy of constant innovation, positioned Citroën as the most modern car brand in Europe. The B12 fit perfectly with this philosophy, offering cutting-edge features such as full electric lighting and an electric starter.
This prosperous period for Citroën coincided with the economic boom of the Roaring Twenties , when the automobile gradually became accessible to a wider clientele, emerging from its status as a luxury item reserved for an elite.
A car that bears witness to the Roaring Twenties
The Citroën B12 Normande was a privileged witness to an era of carefree prosperity. In 1926, Paris shone brightly, the cabarets of Montmartre attracted a cosmopolitan clientele, and the first "garçonnes" defied convention by driving their own cars.
This elegant sedan crisscrossed the newly lit Parisian boulevards , transporting a conquering bourgeoisie to the theaters of the Grands Boulevards or the new cinemas showing the first talking films. Its owners, often prosperous merchants or liberal professionals, embodied this modern France that looked to the future with optimism.
A little-known fact: several B12 Normandes were used by the Parisian police for their patrols in wealthy neighborhoods. Their distinguished silhouette and reliability made them ideal service vehicles for an era when the modern image of law enforcement was as important as their effectiveness.
This car also accompanied the rise of French automobile tourism . Many B12 owners set off to explore the roads of France, taking advantage of the gradual improvement of the road network and the proliferation of service stations. It thus became the symbol of an emerging mobility that was already transforming lifestyles.
Complete your collection of Citroën model cars
This model car Citroën B12 Normande naturally finds its place at the heart of a collection dedicated to Citroën model cars . It dialogues perfectly with other emblematic models of the brand, notably the reproductions of the legendary Citroën 2CV or the elegant Citroën DS .
For lovers of vintage model cars , this B12 is a precious testimony to the automobile of the 1920s . It fits harmoniously into a thematic collection devoted to French cars , alongside other jewels of the French automobile industry.
This model car will particularly appeal to demanding collectors who appreciate models representing vehicles that have marked the history of the automobile. Its careful finish and its 1/43rd scale make it a first-rate collector's item, ideal for enriching a thematic display case or completing a collection of 1/43rd scale model cars . Automotive history enthusiasts will find it an ideal medium to evoke this fascinating period when French industry shone across Europe.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to understand the scales of miniatures?
Scale indicates the reduction ratio between the real car and the miniature. For example, at 1:43 scale, each centimeter on the miniature corresponds to 43 centimeters on the real vehicle.
Concretely, a 1/18 scale Ferrari model is approximately 25-30 cm long, while in 1/43 scale it measures approximately 10 cm.
What scales are available?
Our model cars are mainly offered in 1/43, 1/24, 1/18 and 1/87 (HO) scales. The scale is always indicated in the product sheet.
The smaller the second number, the larger the model car (e.g. 1/18 is larger than 1/43).
Does the model car come with protection?
Yes, each model car is systematically delivered in its protective box. This box preserves the collectible value and protects your model car from dust and shocks.
How is my package protected during transport?
We package each order with the utmost care: bubble wrap, appropriate cushioning, and polystyrene. Your model car is perfectly secure during its journey.
What is the delivery time?
In-stock items are shipped within 24-48 hours. Please allow 2-3 business days for France via Colissimo or 4-5 days via Mondial Relay.
The model car is no longer in stock, when will you have it?
It's impossible for me to know exactly when I'll receive a new stock because I receive arrivals in dribs and drabs. Please contact me so I can keep you informed as soon as it's available.
What our customers say
Customer feedback and testimonials