Photo: RM Sotheby's
When Citroen launched the Traction Avant in the early 1930s, front-wheel-drive was introduced to the masses. When Michelin patented the removable tire in 1891, the automotive industry never looked back. The question is, what do the Traction Avant and Michelin have in common except for the rubber shoes?
Two things are worthy to be mentioned. First and foremost, Michelin gave lots of money to Citroen before the Traction Avant was ready for production. In 1934, Michelin bought Citroen outright and owned the company until 1976, the year when Peugeot took control of the French automaker. The second thing that connects the Citroen brand with Michelin is that a particular car was made to the measure of Mrs. Anna Michelin, the daughter of Edouard Michelin.
This Citroen 15 CV Roadster is it. Built on May 20, 1939, the first of our examples bears chassis number 680959. Compared to the other three units, this 15 CV Roadster is equipped with goodies such as a retractable armrest in the back of the seat, a 75-liter gas tank, a deeper glovebox, and trafficator-style turn signals. By 1930s automotive standards in France, these things were exclusive.
Slated to go under the hammer on May 14, the Citroen 15 CV Roadster you can admire in the photo gallery below is estimated to fetch up to €1.1 million or a little over $1.26 million according to current exchange rates. The car comes with Citroen Heritage certification for added authenticity and matching factory serial numbers. More to the point, it is the only original 15 CV Roadster in existence.
Under the hood, you’ll find a 74 horsepower 2.9-liter straight-six engine connected to a three-speed manual transmission. On the handling front, you’ll have to settle for four-wheel drum brakes, a torsion bar at the front, and a solid rear axle. Despite the 1930s underpinnings, this is “without question, the most significant example of the landmark Traction Avant,” as noted by RM Sotheby’s.
This Citroen 15 CV Roadster is it. Built on May 20, 1939, the first of our examples bears chassis number 680959. Compared to the other three units, this 15 CV Roadster is equipped with goodies such as a retractable armrest in the back of the seat, a 75-liter gas tank, a deeper glovebox, and trafficator-style turn signals. By 1930s automotive standards in France, these things were exclusive.
Slated to go under the hammer on May 14, the Citroen 15 CV Roadster you can admire in the photo gallery below is estimated to fetch up to €1.1 million or a little over $1.26 million according to current exchange rates. The car comes with Citroen Heritage certification for added authenticity and matching factory serial numbers. More to the point, it is the only original 15 CV Roadster in existence.
Under the hood, you’ll find a 74 horsepower 2.9-liter straight-six engine connected to a three-speed manual transmission. On the handling front, you’ll have to settle for four-wheel drum brakes, a torsion bar at the front, and a solid rear axle. Despite the 1930s underpinnings, this is “without question, the most significant example of the landmark Traction Avant,” as noted by RM Sotheby’s.
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