Citroën 15 CV Roadster 1939 — A French Pre-War Classic
Citroën 15 CV Roadster 1939 — A French Pre-War Classic
The Citroën 15 CV (also known as the Traction Avant 15-Six) was the flagship of Citroën’s revolutionary Traction Avant range. Launched in 1938, it was one of the most advanced cars of its era — and the Roadster body style remains one of the rarest and most desirable variants today.
The Traction Avant Revolution
Introduced in 1934, the Traction Avant (“forward traction”) was a watershed moment in automotive history. It was the world’s first mass-produced monocoque (unibody) front-wheel-drive car.
| Innovation | Detail |
|---|---|
| Construction | Monocoque steel body — no separate chassis |
| Drivetrain | Front-wheel drive — years ahead of its time |
| Suspension | Independent torsion bar all around |
| Brakes | Hydraulic drum brakes |
| Layout | Longitudinal engine, gearbox ahead of front axle |
The 15 CV was the 6-cylinder variant, featuring a 2.9L (2,867 cc) inline-six engine.
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2,867 cc inline-6, side valves |
| Power | ~77 hp (57 kW) |
| Top speed | ~135 km/h (84 mph) |
| Transmission | 3-speed manual |
| Weight | ~1,200 kg (2,645 lb) |
| Drive | Front-wheel drive |
The Roadster Body
The Roadster was a two-door open-top variant. Fewer than 1,000 15 CV Roadsters were built before WWII halted production in 1940. Survivors are exceptionally rare and highly sought after by collectors.
Significance
The 15 CV Roadster represents the pinnacle of pre-war Citroën engineering. Today, a well-restored example can fetch €100,000+ at auction.
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What’s your favourite pre-war French car? Ever seen a Traction Avant in person?