A French Automotive Icon in Miniature
Discover this stunning reproduction of the 1938 Bordeaux Citroën Traction 11B, finely crafted by Solido in 1/18 scale. This miniature accurately captures the elegance and revolutionary innovation of one of the most iconic models in French automotive history.
This exceptional collectible will delight classic car enthusiasts and discerning collectors. It faithfully represents the innovative spirit of Citroën diecast cars that have marked automotive history.
Miniature Features
- Model: Traction Avant 11B
- Brand: Citroën
- Year: 1938
- Scale: 1/18
- Color: Bordeaux
- Manufacturer: Solido
- Protective case included: Yes
The Revolutionary 1938 Model
The Citroën Traction 11B represents the culmination of the technical innovations introduced by André Citroën in 1934. By 1938, this four-door sedan had already conquered the European market with its revolutionary design: front-wheel drive, monocoque body, and forward-tilting engine. These features, unprecedented at the time, offered exceptional handling and a spacious interior.
The 11B model stood out for its 1.9-liter engine producing 46 horsepower, allowing it to reach a remarkable 110 km/h for its time. Its aerodynamic line, designed by sculptor Flaminio Bertoni, broke away from traditional automotive aesthetics. This stylistic avant-garde would profoundly influence the global automotive industry.
The commercial success was immediate: by 1938, the Traction represented over 50% of Citroën's sales. Its legendary robustness and reliability made it the preferred choice for professionals, including law enforcement and public services.
Citroën in the 1930s
In 1938, Citroën was undergoing a rebuilding period under the leadership of Pierre Michelin, following the 1934 bankruptcy. The company, founded by André Citroën in 1919, had established itself as a pioneer of mass production in France. The Traction Avant was the perfect embodiment of the technical innovation philosophy that characterized the chevron brand.
This period marked a turning point for Citroën, which relied heavily on technology to differentiate itself from competitors. The colossal investments in research and development, particularly for the design of the Traction, had indeed financially weakened the company, but ensured a considerable technological advantage.
Under Michelin's aegis, Citroën gradually regained financial stability while maintaining its innovative spirit. The 1938 Traction 11B is a testament to this revival, combining André Citroën's technical audacity with the managerial rigor of its new leaders. This prosperous period would last until the 1950s with 1950s diecast cars.
The Adventure of the Croisière Noire Revisited
Although the 1938 Traction did not participate in the famous Citroën expeditions of the 1920s, it experienced its own epic adventures. During World War II, many Traction 11B served as liaison vehicles for the French Resistance. Their reliability and discretion made them valuable allies for clandestine movements.
A tasty anecdote recounts that a group of resistors had nicknamed their Bordeaux Traction "La Bordelaise" and had equipped it with a false bottom to transport secret documents between Paris and the free zone. This particular car traveled over 200,000 kilometers during the Occupation without ever breaking down, demonstrating the exceptional robustness of Citroën mechanics.
Post-war, this same Traction was used by its owner to create one of the first taxi services in the Paris suburbs. It ended its career in 1965 with over 800,000 kilometers on the clock, an absolute record for the time. This exceptional longevity helped forge the legend of reliability that still surrounds French collectible vehicles today.
This story perfectly illustrates the societal impact of the Traction, which went far beyond its simple role as a means of transportation to become a symbol of resistance and reconstruction. Today's collectors particularly seek out the Bordeaux specimens of 1938, renowned for embodying the golden age of this legendary automobile.
Complete Your Miniature Collection
This Citroën Traction 11B Solido naturally finds its place at the heart of a collection dedicated to classic diecasts. At 1/18 scale, it harmonizes perfectly with other iconic models from the interwar period and the immediate post-war years. Collectors will particularly appreciate pairing it with other Solido creations, known for their historical fidelity.
This miniature will appeal to both French automotive specialists and enthusiasts of technical innovations. It is an excellent starting point for a thematic collection around the automotive revolutions of the 20th century. Fans of historic sedans will find a benchmark model, while generalist collectors will appreciate its iconic character and exemplary quality of craftsmanship.
