Citroën Traction 11AL Black 1935 at 1/43 Scale: The Front-Wheel-Drive Car in Model Form
This miniature reproduces the black Citroën Traction 11AL of 1935, produced by Auto Plus at 1/43 scale. With its low silhouette, tapered wings and a profile that is both solid and elegant, the Traction remains one of the most recognisable French cars of the interwar period. This scale model makes a particularly appealing collectible for anyone interested in industrial history and automotive design.
Placed alongside vintage vehicles and French cars, the Traction 11AL naturally finds its place in a display case devoted to models that marked their era. It appeals as much to enthusiasts of pre-war cars as to collectors attached to the productions of the double-chevron brand.
Miniature Features
- Model: Citroën Traction 11AL
- Brand: Citroën
- Year: 1935
- Scale: 1/43
- Colour: Black
- Publisher: Auto Plus
- Protective case included: Yes
The Real Car: the Citroën Traction 11AL
The Traction Avant was unveiled in 1934, at a time when Citroën was going through a major financial crisis. Under the direction of André Lefèbvre and Flaminio Bertoni, the team of engineers and stylists developed a car that broke with the conventions of the day. The principle is simple in appearance: placing the driving wheels at the front. In practice, it was a technical revolution, as it required a complete rethinking of transmission, suspension and weight distribution.
The 11AL, a more affordable version of the 11 CV range, keeps the qualities that built the Traction's reputation. Its self-supporting monocoque body offers remarkable rigidity for the period, while its front torsion-bar suspension provides appreciated roadholding and comfort. The four-cylinder engine, of around two litres, delivers honourable performance for a family saloon, and the driving experience stands out for front-wheel traction that helps in slippery conditions.
The commercial success of the Traction was long-lasting. Produced for more than twenty years, it went through the war, the Occupation and the early years of reconstruction. Its innovative architecture inspired many cars that followed, and it remains today a symbol of French ingenuity in the automotive field.
Citroën: the History of a Daring Brand
Founded in 1919 by André Citroën, the brand became known through mass production. Inspired by American methods, its founder launched the Type A as early as 1922, a small, affordable car that helped motorise France. The double chevron, originally borrowed from the gears the company manufactured, quickly became the symbol of a brand that did not hesitate to innovate.
In the mid-1920s, Citroën staged spectacular expeditions, such as the Croisière Noire across Africa and the Croisière Jaune across Asia, which gave the brand considerable visibility. Yet the investments made to develop new models weakened the company, which faced serious financial difficulties in 1934. It was in this context that Michelin took control of the company, allowing the Traction Avant to see the light of day under difficult but decisive conditions.
This period of upheaval has lastingly shaped Citroën's identity. The brand would subsequently be associated with landmark creations, from the 2CV to the DS, as well as many models that retained this avant-garde spirit. The Traction remains one of its most important milestones.
Anecdote: a Car That Entered the Country's Troubled History
It is hard to discuss the Traction without recalling its presence during the Second World War. Robust, discreet and mechanically reliable, it became one of the preferred cars of many administrations and services during the Occupation. Its sober look and unassuming appearance made it easy to use without drawing excessive attention, a quality that did not escape the various services of the time.
This ambivalent image long accompanied the Traction in the collective memory. For some, it evokes an everyday car, appreciated by doctors, craftsmen and families. For others, it remains associated with the dark years of the Occupation, which shows the place an industrial object can hold when it passes through the great tragedies of a century.
After the conflict, the Traction also made its mark in cinema and in popular imagination. Crime films and post-war stories regularly featured it, giving it an almost mythical dimension. It thus became the reflection of a France in reconstruction, caught between nostalgia and emerging modernity.
Today, enthusiasts rediscover it with fresh eyes, seeing in it an era when mechanics and automotive design were still searching for their balance. This complex history makes the Traction a vehicle whose significance goes far beyond its simple status as an old car.
Complete Your Miniature Collection
In the world of 1/43 scale miniatures, the Traction 11AL holds a prime place. It joins the great classics of French motoring while offering an accurate view of a pivotal period. For a thematic collection devoted to the 1930s, it is an essential piece, alongside models from the same era. You may also explore the 1930s selection or the 1/43 range to give coherence to your display.
Its compatibility with other models is clear. Fans of the brand will find a natural extension in Citroën miniatures, which allow you to follow the manufacturer's evolution, from the Traction to the DS. Collectors attached to French publishing can also complete their set with Auto Plus references, whose careful presentation pairs well with the other models in the series.
This model is aimed above all at collectors of vintage cars, enthusiasts of automotive history and admirers of French design. It will also suit those looking for a characterful piece to illustrate an era marked by technical innovation. Whether you are a fan of pre-war models or simply curious about the history of the Traction, this miniature will find its place in your collection.
