An innovative project by Citroën, the Traction Avant was introduced in 1934 to showcase a new design by Flaminio Bertoni and André Lefèbvre. With its front-wheel-drive configuration (as denoted by the “Traction Avant” name) and monocoque body, the Traction Avant 7CV introduced a rakish new low-slung silhouette, made elegant by the absence of a separate frame. The model enjoyed significant success, boasting a top speed of 100 km per hour, and underwent many modifications and upgrades over its 23-year production run of 760,000 units. In 1934, the Traction Avant 11 was launched in two forms, the 11 B (Normale) and the most desirable 11 BL (for Légère, or Light) with a slightly smaller body.

This 1937 Traction Avant 11 BL is the cream of the crop and has benefited
from another round of upgrades, including rack and pinion steering. Although
not officially imported into the US by Citroën, this Traction Avant made its way
stateside. The Challenger Company of Los Angeles imported several hundred
of the Citroëns and sold them under their brand signature name
“Challenger,” retailing at only $895. An exceptional example of an innovative
and pioneering project by Citroën, this car was acquired by the Mullin
Automotive Museum in 2015 and is now available to grace another outstanding
collection with its significant presence.