Front-wheel Drive
Self-supporting bodywork, one wheel in each corner, independent suspension on all four wheels, low center of gravity, front wheel drive and rack and pinion steering were not commonplace when the model appeared in 1934. This was a car with superior driving characteristics. In the advertising, the model's safety was highlighted - and then it was active safety that was thought of - getting there safely. The model was called Traction avant because there were no other competitors with front-wheel drive. The model name was 11CV for cars with the 1,9 engine - which most had. It is an engine that also ran in the Citroen H van and was continued in the new DS/ID from 1955.
The gangster car
The low-built Citroen could easily drive from the police cars of the time. This is why this became the gangsters' favorite car - immortalized in various films from the years just before and after the war. You need to see the car with your own eyes to understand the progress. It is unusual to see such an old car lying so close to the road.
Models
In terms of engine, it was the 1,9-liter that dominated – at least after the war – and in the cars we see today. Cars with 6-cylinder engines were also built – and in extended versions such as the Familiale and Commerciale with a rear door – as well as pickups and convertibles. The model name was based on the tax class the car ended up in – based on engine size. The Citroen 11CV was based on the 1,9-liter engine, while the Citroen 7CV had a smaller engine 1,5/1,6 and the 15CV had a 6-cylinder engine.
In the service of the kingdom
Before the war was Citroën Traction Avant used as police cars in several countries. Among other things, the police chamber in Oslo is said to have been delivered several Citroen 11 Sport in 1937. These cars were probably also in service during the war - and not least during the liberation. In France, commemorations are organized for D-Day and the liberation. The Citroen in the pictures above has been used in several local celebrations, including the liberation of Perpignan - but I don't know if it was actually in use as a service car at the historical times. Anyway, it's an authentic 1930s car with wartime headlights.
Commercial/Family
The pre-war 11CV Commerciale is an extended version of Tracton Avant with top-hinged rear door. I don't know if it is the first - but it must be a very early edition of the combi-coupé. Advertisements of the time showed a wine merchant rolling two wine barrels into the trunk. There was impressively plenty of space, but you should think twice before braking suddenly with 2 rolling wine barrels behind the seat!
About the pictures
The photos of the Norwegian car in the main photo were taken at Esso in Ramstad, west of Oslo. The burgundy-red pre-war car with a Norwegian registration number participated in the event “Havnelangs” in Oslo 2025. It is the first time it has been registered in Norway. The photos of the red car with a Norwegian registration number participated in a car meeting in Gunnarsbøparken, Tønsberg 2025. It also has a Norwegian history since new. The photos of two cars next to each other – and the white Commerciale – were taken during Lemonades-2024 in Sainte-Marie-la-Mer in France. The car with the French flag and military history was photographed on the occasion Fête d'auto in the Palau del Vidre, France.
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