1934 Citroën 11A LIMOUSINE

A rare model with symmetrical doors
Good original condition, with attractive period accessories
Excellent starting point for a restoration

French registration papers
Current status: Switzerland - not registered
Chassis number: 101 099
Body number: ED 07 85
Engine number: DN 0842 dated 30.11.34/403

To begin with, the 7 Traction Avant was probably positioned in Citroën's range as an innovative model to complement the 8, 10 and 15 Rosalie series. Given the enthusiastic reception it received and André Citroën's plan to concentrate exclusively on front-wheel drive, the engineering office was charged with designing a complete range of volume production models in record time.
There had already been a 7 Sport model, powered by the 2-litre 11CV engine, which kept the small body of the 7, but with this engine it was possible to imagine producing cars which were longer and wider while retaining the overall appearance of the 7.
This design exercise gave rise to a six-seat saloon, as well as a roadster and fauxcabriolet built on the same wheelbase. Matters did not end there, since Citroën wanted to extend its range to include long-wheelbase family and limousine models, still using unitary construction, which initially caused some problems of rigidity. These versions with their stretched lines had three side windows and despite their very low styling were unexpectedly roomy. The first model, the ‘Limousine', was a five- or sixseat model with a spacious rear compartment, while the second, the ‘Familiale', had room for eight or nine passengers, with folding jump seats between the two benches. Popular with large families, these models were also favoured as taxis for a long time. On the first series produced, a styling device can be observed whereby the front and rear doors were symmetrical.
The ‘Familiale' and ‘Limousine' models from before 1940, and especially those from the first years of production, have become exceedingly rare.
The car we are offering for sale is an 11A Limousine from the end of 1934 in untouched original condition under its black paintwork, making it a truly rare vehicle. It makes no pretences for its condition and will require a full restoration, but it is a sound basis from which to start; above all, the car has all its original accessories which can be so difficult to find, like the brass radiator grille with its circular hole for the starting handle, its flat headlamp lenses and front wings with grilles for the horns. It still has its circular taillights. Given that it is one of the first models built, it still has a single-piece tail panel without an opening boot. The bench seats and interior trim are all complete and in place; naturally, as on all the cars from the first years of production, the dashboard features a central dial and the controls are laid out symmetrically (only the gear selector has been changed). Finally, the car has not been run for a long time and the engine will certainly require considerable attention, if not a rebuild, but the engine under the bonnet is the one originally fitted to this 11 Limousine, as it is stamped with the date of 30 November 1934.
Of its history we know only that the car came from the Alpes-Maritimes and ended up with a collector in Nice, Mr. Th. B., who sold it to its current owner. Very few long-wheelbase Traction Avants have survived, and this is an opportunity to acquire a very exclusive Limousine model from this series. It will be all the more worthwhile to restore as you will be able to start from a completely original car.