CITROEN 11 – year 1934

Manufacturer: SA Other Citroen, Paris, France.

Citroen was the first front-wheel drive car mass produced in France.

The Citroen Traction-Avant prototype was presented to the public for the first time in 1934. under the typical designation 7, with an engine capacity 1300 cm3. A car with a metal aerodynamic body, designed by American engineers, being completely different, than all previous models. The show of the model without the already traditional steps has become an extraordinary event.

Despite the good sales of the model 7 Andre Citroen demanded from the designers, so that they "cut the seven lengthwise and widen it by 12 cm”. The prototype was to be ready within 2 months. And indeed already in July 1934 r. a new model was released Citroen 11. The first series still had a displacement engine 1300 cm3, reaching power only 23,5 kW (32 KM), what about weighing 1000 kg of the limousine was very little. Therefore, in the fall, the second series with an engine of power was released 26,5 kW (36 KM) and then the third with a capacity engine 1911 cm3 i mocy 34 kW (46 KM). Only this last series brought the brand success, running continuously until 1957 r., when the last piece of this model was produced.

The car had several innovative design solutions, worth mentioning. Entire team, engine-clutch-gearbox, attached to the frame with long screws, could be removed at once, which made work in the repair shop easier. The plate frame was permanently connected to the body. Suspension was carried out by means of torsion bars, shortly beforehand by F.. Porsche. The front wheels already had independent suspension. The car had an elongated shape with a low center of gravity, which guaranteed excellent road stability.

Thanks to its excellent driving characteristics Citroen 11 was a car very popular with gangsters, it was even called the gangster limo.

Citroen 11 was mainly produced as a 4-door saloon, only a few examples of the roadster and coupe were made, which are considered unique today by collectors of old cars.