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. Key innovations:
| 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 — a significant upgrade over the 4-cylinder models. The “15 CV” designation refers to the French tax horsepower rating.
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 15-Six was smooth, powerful, and capable of sustained high-speed cruising — a genuine grand routier of its day.
The Roadster Body
The Roadster (also called Cabriolet) was a two-door open-top variant with:
- Lightweight bodywork on the Traction chassis
- Minimalist windshield and side screens
- Rare even when new — most buyers chose the sedan
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. It combined:
- André Citroën’s visionary front-wheel-drive concept
- The smooth and robust 6-cylinder engine
- Coachbuilt elegance in roadster form
Today, a well-restored example can fetch €100,000+ at auction, reflecting its status as one of the great French classics of the 1930s.
Source: Amazing Classic Cars