Discover this 1939 Citroën Traction 11 BL in its dark green military livery, a faithful reproduction of one of the most iconic vehicles of the French army. This 1/43 scale miniature precisely captures the elegance and revolutionary modernity of the Traction in its military context.
A true automotive collector's piece, this miniature symbolizes a pivotal era where technical innovation met French military history, offering enthusiasts an authentic fragment of the national automotive heritage.
Features of the miniature
- Model: Traction 11 BL
- Brand: Citroën
- Year: 1939
- Scale: 1/43
- Color: Dark green (military livery)
- Protective case included: Yes
The revolutionary model of 1939
The 1939 Citroën Traction 11 BL represents the culmination of the technical revolution initiated in 1934. On the eve of World War II, this “Long Box” version offered an extended wheelbase of 2.91 meters, providing a more spacious interior and better stability. Its 1.9-liter four-cylinder engine produced 46 horsepower, a remarkable performance for the time.
This military Traction stood out with its specific equipment: durable matte paint, reinforced optics, and mechanical adaptations to meet military service requirements. The French army quickly adopted this vehicle for its exceptional reliability and ease of maintenance, crucial qualities during times of conflict.
The success of the Traction 11 BL was due to its avant-garde design: front-wheel drive, monocoque structure, and independent suspension were major innovations that revolutionized driving and appealed to both civilians and military personnel.
Citroën in challenging times
In 1939, Citroën was undergoing a major transformation under the leadership of Pierre-Jules Boulanger, following its acquisition by Michelin in 1935. The brand sought to consolidate the revolutionary success of the Traction while preparing for the future with ambitious projects like the upcoming 2CV.
The company, founded by André Citroën in 1919, established itself as a pioneer of French automobile production through the adoption of American mass production methods. This innovative industrial approach allowed for technically advanced vehicles to be offered at accessible prices, positioning Citroën as the builder of popular French automobiles.
The collaboration with the French army bore testament to the institutional recognition of Citroën's technical excellence. This military Traction perfectly embodied the brand's ability to adapt its civilian innovations to the specific demands of the military world, foreshadowing future government collaborations.
The Traction amidst turmoil
The 1939 military Citroën Traction quickly became a privileged witness to historical upheavals. Massively used by the French army, it accompanied the tragic events of the “Phoney War” and then the debacle of 1940. Paradoxically, its robustness and reliability also appealed to the German occupiers, who requisitioned numerous examples.
The most striking anecdote concerns the clandestine use of these Tractions by the French Resistance. Their discretion, mechanical reliability, and ability to move undetected made them ideal vehicles for secret missions. Many resistors testified post-war to their attachment to these Citroëns that had guided them through the dangers of the Occupation.
This dual use, military then resistant, conferred upon the Traction a mythical status in French history. It embodied both national technical innovation and the spirit of resistance, becoming a symbol of France refusing to bend in the face of adversity.
After Liberation, many military units were converted into civilian vehicles, thus prolonging their career and firmly anchoring the Traction in the post-war French automotive landscape. This reconversion attested to the exceptional quality of Citroën construction, capable of faithfully serving for decades.
Complete your miniature collection
This military Citroën Traction holds a special place in the world of French automotive miniatures. It naturally complements other iconic vehicles from our Citroën collection, including civil versions of the Traction or the legendary DS that succeeded it.
Passionate military history collectors will particularly appreciate this piece as an addition to other military vehicles in our catalog. It pairs perfectly with the miniatures from the 1930s and 1940s, reconstituting the automotive atmosphere of this pivotal era.
This reproduction caters to both collectors specializing in French automobiles and military history enthusiasts looking to enhance their collection of period vehicles. Its quality of reproduction and historical authenticity make it a reference piece for understanding the evolution of French automotive design between technical innovation and military constraints.
