Finnish registration papers
Chassis n°: 115371
- Real rarity
- Winner of the Competition of Elegance for the 80th anniversary of the Traction
- Crystal clear history
In the Traction Avant collections, the models from before 1940 attract attention, the roadster Cabriolets are rare, while the False Cabriolets represent a real privilege, among which the "wide" version based on 11 Normale, is simply an icon, which only a few twenty Citroën experts in the world can be proud to own today.
The history of Front Wheel Drive is well known. The tormented genesis of the 7 and its no less chaotic launch also, to finally arrive at this October 1934 Motor Show where a complete range of models galvanizes the eyes on the Citroën stand. In a few months, the manufacturer managed to build a varied catalogue of models based on the same design and mechanics. Since the 7, the 11 Light, the 11 Normal with normal and long wheelbase, there was enough to satisfy a large clientele. In the 1930s, most manufacturers used to convert their sedans into convertibles and sometimes coupe cars, often referred to as "faux-cabriolets" in the terminology of the time. Citroën is no exception and offers these two leisure versions in 7C, 11AL and 11A. From all horizons, one never ceases to admire the style of these two-door Traction; if one owes the fundamental lines of the Traction to Raoul Cuinet, all the finesse of its features comes from the hands of the designer Flaminio Bertoni. Finally, to move on to industrialization, there is still a step to take, it is entrusted to the talent of Pierre Daninos.
Certainly the style is the strong point of these cars. The very slender front, the iconic grille and the piercing look are common to the sedan. But at the level of the windscreen if you follow the body line, it spins to a rounded stern like the cockpit bubble, it widens into a set of subtle counter-curves and the inclined spare wheel forms the rear volume trim. In profile, a wide door with a rather oval window gives access to an intimate passenger compartment in which the driver can find all the road qualities of the Traction Avant. With an obvious charm on the 7 and 11 Légère, this design takes on an even more expressive look on the 11A to the point of offering angles worthy of a classic sculpture. But strangely enough, the Traction Coupés did not meet the success of the convertible version at the time. They are produced only four years (38 units of 11A in 1936) and are often poorly preserved, which explains their great rarity (3 units recorded in the vintage).
The car we are presenting has an interesting history that has been known for about fifty years. If its youthful period is lost in the corridors of time, it was found in the late 1970s in the Val d'Oise and in a sad state, but fortunately preserved under cover. A great Citroën enthusiast in the Orne knew about it and managed to acquire it in 1987; a long but positive period of resurrection began for this beautiful car. The foundations in very poor condition justified in-depth interventions on the structure, the only way to save the car, a work remarkably carried out by a renowned professional in the Traction and DS field. Nevertheless, Mr. D. in Orne did not complete his business and eventually sold the Coupé to another passionate Citroënist, its current owner, in 1999. The resurrection resumed, but on a good basis this time and the car entered a phase of high-level restoration. Bodywork, painting, upholstery, mechanics, everything is done thoroughly. It has also been exposed to Retromobile during restoration. It is at this moment that she finds this superb amaranth dress that enhances her curves and gives her all her class.
After a few years of happiness in France, she follows her owner to Finland, returns for a while to France to participate in the 80th anniversary of the Traction à La Ferté Vidame, where she notably wins the First Prize in the Concours d'Elegance. After a new stay in Finland where she drives regularly but especially in the summer, here she is again in her country of origin.

Aguttes – Auction House in Paris
The Spring Sale 2020 / 15th of March

Public Viewing:
Friday 13 March: 18:00 PM to 22:00 PM
Saturday 14 March: 10:00 AM to 19:00 PM
Sunday 15 March: 10:00 AM to 12:00 AM

Hall B / Espace Champerret - 75017 Paris

Contact: +33 6 16 91 42 28 / [email protected]

The Auction Sale:
Sunday 15 March: 15:00 PM
Hall B / Espace Champerret - 75017 Paris

Contact: +33 6 16 91 42 28 / [email protected]

For more information and photos:
https://expertise.aguttes.com/estimation-automobiles-de-collection/