Citroën Traction 11 BL Black (with pale yellow wheels) Dinky Toys (Editions Atlas) - N°24 N
Scale: 1/43
Editions Atlas
With box
Car without windows and empty (no seats, no steering wheel, no dashboard)
Pale yellow wheels
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
The Citroën Traction 11 BL Black by Dinky-Toys, produced by Editions Atlas, is one of the most iconic models in French automotive history. This faithful replica captures the essence of the revolutionary saloon that left its mark on the car industry in the 1930s.
This miniature is an essential collector's piece for every enthusiast of French cars and industrial history. It showcases Dinky-Toys' craftsmanship in recreating the legendary vehicles that shaped our automotive heritage.
The Citroën Traction Avant was launched in 1934 amid unprecedented technological innovation. André Citroën wanted to create a revolutionary car that would upend the established codes of the industry. This saloon introduced front-wheel drive to a production car for the first time, hence its name, along with a self-supporting monocoque body.
The Traction's technical features were exceptional for its era: a transversely mounted front engine, transmission integrated with the engine, independent front suspension and a lowered centre of gravity. These innovations gave the car remarkable road holding and unmatched driving comfort. The 11 BL version, with its long wheelbase, offered a spacious cabin that French families especially appreciated.
Commercial success was immediate despite a high selling price. More than 750,000 units were built between 1934 and 1957, making the Traction one of the best-selling French cars of its time. It was notably used by French police forces and quickly became a symbol of modernity and French elegance.
In the 1930s, Citroën was already establishing itself as a visionary manufacturer under the leadership of André Citroën. The double-chevron brand had revolutionised French car manufacturing by introducing assembly-line production inspired by Ford. This industrial approach made it possible to offer technically advanced vehicles at accessible prices.
The creation of the Traction was part of the philosophy of constant innovation that defined Citroën from its founding in 1919. The French brand did not hesitate to take considerable technological risks, as its massive investments in research and development show. This technical boldness contributed to André Citroën's financial difficulties, but it also laid the foundations for the brand's future success and its reputation as an innovator.
The Citroën Traction holds a special place in the French collective imagination, well beyond its technical qualities. During the Second World War, it became, paradoxically, the vehicle of choice for two opposing sides: the French Resistance and the Vichy police. Its reliability, discretion and road performance made it the ideal tool for clandestine missions.
After the war, the Traction acquired a notorious reputation as the favourite car of Parisian gangsters. The infamous "hoodlums" of the 1950s valued its top speed, high for the era (over 100 km/h), and its exceptional road holding during chases. This image was immortalised by French cinema, notably in films by Jacques Becker and Jean-Pierre Melville.
The car also marked French cultural history by carrying the biggest stars of the day. Josephine Baker owned a convertible Traction, while many Parisian intellectuals, won over by its avant-garde design, made it their everyday car. This social versatility reflects the considerable impact this model had on French society in the mid-20th century.
A little-known story tells that André Citroën himself drove a prototype Traction every day from 1933, a year before its launch. He travelled French roads at the wheel of a car nobody knew yet, secretly testing the innovations that would revolutionise the global automotive industry.
This Citroën Traction 11 BL Dinky-Toys naturally fits into a collection devoted to French automotive heritage. It pairs perfectly with other iconic models such as the Citroën 2CV or the Renault 4CV, forming a cohesive set that represents the golden age of French motoring.
Collectors who love history can expand their collection with classic vehicles from 1950 to 1979 or explore the world of French saloons. This miniature is also an excellent starting point for a themed collection around Dinky-Toys models, a reference brand in the world of miniature cars.
Beyond seasoned collectors, this replica appeals to automotive history enthusiasts, lovers of French cars, and anyone who wants to own a piece of national industrial heritage. It is a tangible tribute to an era when French innovation shone around the world, making each miniature a true object of automotive memory.
Claude Lang
13 November 2026
I placed my second order and everything went smoothly, delivery without issues, items in good condition, and delivered on time. After this second order, I can only recommend the site to Bernardminiature, a serious person. Top delivery, thanks again to him and good for a next order.
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...
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.