1938 Citroën Traction 11 B Familiale Black (paint defects on roof and hood) (plexi box)
Scale: 1/43
PAINT DEFECTS ON THE ROOF AND HOOD (see photo x 3)
PLEASE NOTE: the first image is a computer-generated render and may not exactly match the vehicle in this listing, so please check the photos that follow it.
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Get it between Tuesday 17 and Wednesday 18 November
This 1938 Citroën Traction 11 B Familiale Black represents one of the most revolutionary automobiles in French history. This 1/43 scale miniature perfectly captures the elegance and innovation of this legendary model that marked a turning point in the European automotive industry.
A true collector's piece for enthusiasts of pre-war French cars, this faithful reproduction showcases Citroën's technical and stylistic boldness in the 1930s. It naturally finds its place in any collection dedicated to French automotive heritage.
The Citroën Traction Avant was launched in 1934, revolutionizing the automotive industry with its groundbreaking technical innovations. The 1938 Familiale version represented the pinnacle of this series, providing generous space for families thanks to its extended body and six seating positions.
This automobile was distinguished by its front-wheel drive, a global first for a production car, as well as its self-supporting monocoque body. Its four-cylinder, 1.9-liter engine developed remarkable power for the time, while its exceptional handling made it a benchmark in terms of safety and comfort.
The commercial success of the Traction Avant was immediate, despite a high price that initially reserved it for a wealthy clientele. The Familiale version particularly attracted large bourgeois families who appreciated its spaciousness without compromising on elegance.
In 1938, Citroën was undergoing a renaissance under the leadership of Pierre-Jules Boulanger, following its acquisition by Michelin. The brand with the chevrons consolidated its reputation as an innovator with the Traction Avant, perfectly embodying André Citroën's philosophy: to offer technically advanced automobiles accessible to the greatest number.
Founded in 1919 by André Citroën, the brand quickly established itself as a pioneer of the French automotive industry. Inspired by American production methods from Ford, Citroën revolutionized automobile manufacturing in Europe by introducing assembly line work and mass production. This industrial approach, combined with a keen sense of communication and marketing, propelled Citroën to the ranks of the most influential European manufacturers of the 1920s and 1930s.
The Citroën Traction Avant is inseparable from the history of the French Resistance and the post-war period. During the Occupation, it paradoxically became the vehicle of choice for both German forces and the resistants, who appreciated its reliability and discretion for their clandestine missions.
Even more surprisingly, the Traction Avant had an unexpected second career in French crime cinema during the 1950s and 1960s. Its characteristic silhouette and robustness made it the favorite car of gangster films, immortalized in works such as Jules Dassin's "Rififi" or the adventures of Lemmy Caution. This association with the world of French noir contributed to shaping its popular legend.
The most touching anecdote perhaps concerns the last example rolling off the Javel assembly line in July 1957. After 23 years of uninterrupted production, the workers organized an emotional farewell ceremony, aware that they were witnessing the end of an era. This black Traction, preserved in the Citroën collections, today symbolizes the attachment of the French people to this exceptional automobile that successfully traversed war, reconstruction, and the social changes of the Trente Glorieuses.
The Traction Avant also marked minds with its exceptional longevity in service. In the French countryside, it was not uncommon to encounter perfectly maintained examples into the 1980s, bearing witness to the quality of design and the robustness of this revolutionary machinery that caused a stir in automotive chronicles fifty years after its creation.
This Citroën Traction 11 B Familiale holds a prime position in the world of pre-war French automobile miniatures. It fits perfectly alongside other legendary models from the 1930s and ideally complements a collection dedicated to Citroën automobiles.
Automobile history enthusiasts will enjoy pairing it with other iconic French cars from the era, creating a comprehensive panorama of French automotive innovation. It harmonizes beautifully with the classic models of the following decades, illustrating the stylistic and technical evolution of the chevroned manufacturer.
This miniature will appeal to both experienced collectors and automobile history enthusiasts eager to own a tangible testament to this pivotal era. Its presentation in a transparent box also makes it an excellent choice for 1/43 scale miniature lovers who wish to preserve their acquisitions in optimal conditions.
Serge PINSON
12 November 2026
In addition to the fact that the 1/43 miniatures received are perfectly in line with the photographs and my expectations and are of great finesse, they arrived very quickly (I was even informed of the shipment) and very carefully packaged. Very satisfied, I placed a new order with Bernard Miniatures, a seller I recommend for their selection and reliability.
Christian Frassinetti
11 November 2026
High-quality products, top-level shipping, we care about the customer in this house, I am more than satisfied with my purchases. There will be more...
Herve
11 November 2026
Perfectly packaged product, arrived well and completely matches the description, I highly recommend! Thank you!
The scale is the reduction ratio between the real car and the model. At 1:43 scale, for example, every centimetre of the model represents 43 centimetres of the real vehicle.
In practice, a 1:18 Ferrari model is about 25–30 cm long, while at 1:43 it measures roughly 10 cm.
Our model cars mainly come in 1:43, 1:24, 1:18 and 1:87 (HO) scale. The scale is always listed on the product page.
The smaller the second number, the bigger the model (e.g. 1:18 is larger than 1:43).
Yes, every model car ships in its protective box. The box preserves its collector value and protects your model from dust and knocks.
We pack every order with great care: bubble wrap, snug padding and polystyrene. Your model car is fully secured on its way to you.
In-stock items ship within 24–48h. Allow 2–3 business days for mainland France with Colissimo, or 4–5 days with Mondial Relay.
I can't say exactly when new stock will arrive, as it comes in a trickle. Feel free to contact me and I'll let you know as soon as it's available.