Model Car Citroën Traction 11 B Belge blue from 1951
Echelle: 1/43ème
Your payment information is processed securely.
Chargement de vos recommandations...
The 1951 Citroën Traction 11 B stands out with its blue livery and Belgian provenance, reflecting the international expansion of this revolutionary model. This faithfully reproduced miniature captures the essence of an era when Citroën disrupted automotive norms with technical innovations that left a lasting mark on the history of the double-chevron brand.
A true collectible item, this 1/43 scale reproduction is aimed at automobile enthusiasts eager to own a piece of one of the 20th century's most influential cars. The blue hue, characteristic of models sold in Belgium, adds a special historical dimension to this exceptional piece.
Miniature Features
- Model: Traction 11 B
- Brand: Citroën
- Year: 1951
- Scale: 1/43
- Color: Blue
- Protective case included: Yes
Description of the Real Model
The Traction Avant 11 B represents the culmination of André Citroën's bold vision, first launched in 1934. By 1951, this sedan had already conquered Europe with its revolutionary innovations: front-wheel drive, self-supporting body, and front-hung engine. The 11 B version, with its 1.9-liter four-cylinder engine, offered a perfect balance between performance and economy.
This model was characterized by its exceptional road handling and unparalleled ride comfort for its time. The streamlined body, designed by Flaminio Bertoni, had a remarkably low drag coefficient that contributed both to performance and controlled consumption. Hydraulic brakes and precise steering rounded out a technically impressive package.
In 1951, the Traction benefited from constant improvements since its launch, especially in terms of mechanical reliability and interior comfort. This technical maturity made it a preferred choice for both professionals and demanding private individuals, contributing to the commercial success that lasted until the arrival of the DS in 1955.
The Citroën Brand in the 1950s
In the early 1950s, Citroën was undergoing a period of consolidation after the revolutionary innovations of the 1930s and 1940s. The brand, now controlled by Michelin after André Citroën's bankruptcy in 1935, continued its policy of technical avant-garde while seeking profitability. The Traction Avant was then the backbone of the lineup, complemented by the Type H utility vehicles and the emerging 2CV.
This era marked the international expansion of Citroën, with assembly plants in Belgium, Great Britain, and other European countries. The Belgian factory in Forest, near Brussels, notably produced specific versions tailored to the local market, explaining the finishing and color peculiarities such as this characteristic blue shade.
Pierre-Jules Boulanger was then leading the brand with a clear vision: to democratize automotive innovation. This philosophy was reflected in bold technical choices and a constant quest for originality that positioned Citroën as the most innovative French car manufacturer of its time, already preparing for future revolutions with the DS projects.
A Star of Both Big and Small Screens
The Citroën Traction far exceeds its status as an automobile to become a true cultural icon, notably due to its prominent presence in cinema and literature. From the 1940s onward, it became the car of choice for characters in French film noir, perfectly embodying the spirit of the era with its elegant lines and technical modernity.
Commissioner Maigret, the iconic character created by Georges Simenon, drove a Traction in numerous television and film adaptations. This association between the famous detective and Citroën helped forge the image of the intelligent bourgeois car of the Traction, far from the clichés of ostentatious luxury automobiles. Jean Gabin, Michel Simon, and many other stars of French cinema were thus associated with this legendary model.
Paradoxically, the Traction also became the favorite car of gangsters at the time, drawn to its performance and reliability. This duality between bourgeois respectability and 'crook' use enhanced its popular legend. News reports of the time regularly recounted car chases involving Traction models, contributing to its reputation as a fast and safe vehicle.
The cultural influence of the Traction endures today in the French collective imagination. It symbolizes a certain idea of French elegance from the 1940s and 1950s, a period when Paris still radiated as the world's capital of fashion and refinement. This cultural dimension partly explains the enduring craze among collectors for this mythical model.
Complete Your Miniature Collection
This Belgian Traction 11 B occupies a privileged place in the world of Citroën miniatures. It fits perfectly alongside other iconic models from the brand like the DS or the 2CV, illustrating the stylistic and technical evolution of the French manufacturer. Collectors especially appreciate this Belgian version for its rarity and historical authenticity.
Fans of French miniatures will find in this Traction an ideal complement to the Peugeot and Renault of the same era. The 1/43 scale facilitates presentation alongside other models from the 1950s, creating coherent dioramas representative of the post-war European automobile landscape.
This miniature will appeal to both Citroën specialists and general collectors passionate about automotive history. The quality of reproduction in 1/43 scale allows appreciation of the characteristic details of Bertoni's bodywork, making this piece a faithful testament to an era when French automobiles shone through their innovation and creative boldness. It naturally finds its place in 1/43 collections dedicated to European classics.
Même marque : Citroën
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