The Citroën Traction 11 BL military of 1940 in its brown and green livery is a poignant testament to a pivotal time in French history. This miniature accurately captures one of the last civil evolutions of the legendary Traction before the war altered its fate.
A true exceptional collector's item, this faithful reproduction allows car enthusiasts and history buffs to own a fragment of this troubled period when the French automotive industry shifted towards war efforts.
Miniature Features
- Model: Traction 11 BL military
- Brand: Citroën
- Year: 1940
- Scale: 1/43
- Color: Brown and green (military livery)
- Protective case included: Yes
The Original Model: A Revolution in Wartime
The Citroën Traction 11 BL of 1940 represents the culmination of six years of evolution since the revolutionary launch of the Traction Avant in 1934. The designation "BL" refers to the "Berline Légère" version, a name that distinguished this variant from the more imposing versions of the range. In 1940, as Europe was engulfed in flames, this automobile still embodied French innovation with its revolutionary front-wheel drive, monocoque body, and lowered center of gravity.
The technical specifications of this Traction 11 showcase cutting-edge engineering: a 1.9-liter 4-cylinder engine developing 46 horsepower, a gearbox integrated into the differential, and the famous grip that revolutionized driving. The military version was distinguished by its specific adaptations: camouflage paint, reinforced equipment, and sometimes mechanical modifications to meet service demands.
This automobile marked a turning point in the industry, influencing future designs for years to come. Its commercial success, interrupted by the events of 1940, would regain strength after the Liberation, consolidating its place in French automotive history.
Citroën in 1940: Innovation for the Nation
In 1940, Citroën was undergoing a crucial period in its history. Acquired by Michelin in 1935 after André Citroën's bankruptcy, the chevron brand continued to innovate under Pierre-Jules Boulanger’s leadership. The Traction Avant, launched in 1934, transformed global automotive development, but geopolitical circumstances radically altered production.
The company, based at Quai de Javel in Paris, had to quickly adapt its production to meet military needs. The Citroën workshops that assembled civilian vehicles retooled to produce war materials, military vehicles, and supplies for the national effort. This forced adaptation illustrates French industrial flexibility in the face of adversity.
Ironically, this dark period allowed Citroën to refine some techniques that would benefit post-war models. The knowledge gained in the robustness and reliability of military vehicles significantly enriched the brand's future development, notably for the future French miniatures that collectors appreciate today.
The Anecdote: The Traction, Vehicle of the Resistance
The story of the Citroën Traction during the Occupation is filled with extraordinary episodes that go far beyond its simple role as an official military vehicle. Ironically, this car requisitioned by the occupation forces also became one of the favorite vehicles of the French Resistance. Its discretion, mechanical reliability, and especially its ability to blend into the urban landscape made it an ideal tool for clandestine missions.
A particularly striking anecdote involves a network of Resistance fighters from Lyon who used a Traction 11 disguised as a service vehicle to transport secret messages through German checkpoints. The driver, a trained mechanic, had cleverly built a hidden compartment in the gas tank, utilizing a feature of Citroën's design. For nearly two years, this Traction traversed occupied France without ever raising suspicion.
Even more surprisingly, some military Tractions captured by the Resistance were repainted in civilian colors using makeshift means, creating unique liveries that sometimes mixed the original military hues with improvised colors. These "hybrid" vehicles testify to French ingenuity and adaptability in times of crisis. Today, collectors particularly seek 1940s miniatures that evoke this heroic period.
This historical duality - official military vehicle and tool of resistance - gives the 1940 Traction 11 BL military an exceptional symbolic dimension that transcends its simple automotive function to become a true witness to History.
Complete Your Collection of Historical Miniatures
This Citroën Traction 11 BL military occupies a prominent place in the world of historical miniatures. It fits perfectly in a collection dedicated to Citroën miniatures or vehicles from World War II. Its authentic military livery makes it an ideal complement to other models from this troubled era.
Collectors passionate about military history will particularly appreciate this piece alongside other military vehicles from the collection. It harmonizes with the civilian versions of the Traction, creating a coherent ensemble that traces the evolution of this iconic model. This miniature appeals to both car enthusiasts and history buffs, offering a pedagogical approach to this pivotal period.
The authenticity of this 1/43 reproduction also makes it an excellent starting point for a thematic collection on classic French vehicles, allowing one to understand the stylistic and technical evolution of French automobiles through the decades.
