Citroën Traction - The numbers by citrovisie

Jens Møller Nicolaisen

Published by Møller Nicolaisen design · Preface by Olivier de Serres

Lots of information is hidden in the numbers!

Contents

Contents Preface – words by Olivier de Serres

Introduction – words by the author: Why this book, and how to read it

Part 1

Traction Avant The different models and body styles – introduction

The numbers The four principal numbers that identify the cars

Serial numbers

Factory numbers

Carrosserie numbers

Engine numbers

Part 2

Production by series Tables with time intervals for each series Attention! Read before you conclude

7A/B, 7C

7S, 11AL, (11AM), 11BL

11A, (22CV), 11B

115

15 Six, 15 Six H

156

Part 3: Appendices

169

Index: Factory numbers

170

Production figures

176

Engine numbers

181

Attestations from L’Aventure Citroën

184

Danish Tractions

185

Good books

186

Thanks, credits, website

187

Your notes

189

11A Coupé

11A Familiale

7/11AL Cabriolet

11A Cabriolet 7A/7B Berline RHD

Wonderful photo, presumably from around 1st of July 1934, taken in the Grand Hall at Javel. Several cars are pre-series, with many details different from the production cars. The selection of models was big from the start – and more models were soon to come!

7A/7B Berline 11A Berline

7S/11AL Berline 7/11AL Coupé 7A/7B Berline

The models

TA models Introduction: · Body styles · Designations · Main characteristics

Already when the first 7CV was launched in the spring of 1934, work on the development of body variants and new models was in full swing – and the range of models was impressively large before the end of the year. Especially during the early years, some models were replaced by others, just as new ones were added and others dropped out. If you take the entire production period from 1934-57, there are many different models! Evolution Through the years, many technical changes and improvements were made. As mentioned earlier, it is not the purpose of this book to describe these, except for a few that are referenced in the production ledgers. Among the many major changes are the very important upgrades of front and rear subassemblies, the development of the engines and the many changes in 1952. These changes do not appear in the production books. Perhaps the greatest technical improvement of the cars, the rack and pinion steering in May 1936, is registered in the books only in connection with the 7C, but not the other models. And although it can be said that the cars received relatively few changes during the over 23-year production period, there are actually very few of the car’s components that were not changed along the way. Fortunately, there is plenty of good literature; see the bibliography at the back of this book. Designations Another cause of confusion may be the many different type designations that have been used for the same models. There are factory designations for the basic models, but also project names and codes in connection with the body variants. On top of that comes the commercial designations, which can even vary in the different markets. In this book, the common factory designations are generally used, e.g. 7C, 11BL, 11B, as seen on the cars’ serial number plates. When it comes to the different body variants over a basic model, Citroën used several different designations. In the beginning, a Cabriolet was thus called a Roadster, and

a Coupé called (Faux) Cabriolet or Cabriolet fermé. In 193435 the designation Coupé was only used for the Coupé de Ville models. The factory’s internal model codes, in turn, were more consistent. They were used in the production books and often also in spare parts catalogs etc. More about them in the chapter on carrosserie numbers. Overview With the many models, clarity can be facilitated by dividing them into four basic models: 1) 7 - models 7A/B, followed by 7C, all with the small body. four-door Berline as well as Coupé and Cabriolet. The letters represent the development of the engines: 1303 cc, 1529 cc, 1628 cc. 2) 11 Légère - with the more powerful 11CV engine, 1911 cc, but still with the small body. 7S is an early designation, but in reality the car is an 11L. Body variants: four-door Berline, Coupé and Cabriolet. 3) 11 Normale - with the larger body and the same engines as the previous. Body variants: four-door Berline, Coupé, Cabriolet as well as Limousine, Familiale and Commerciale with longer wheelbase. 4) 15 Six, basically the same body size as 11 Normale, but with 6-cylinder engine, 2867 cc, and longer bonnet. 15 Six was also manufactured as Limousine and Familiale with long wheelbase. In addition, a little handful of Cabriolets. On the following pages, all models are reviewed in tabular form – their main data, model designations and factory codes etc., along with a short description.

Top: Swiss commercial photo 1950/51. From the left: 11 Légère, the larger 11 Normale and the 15 Six with its longer bonnet and heavier bumpers.

Légeres:

Berline

April - August 1934

Length: 4450mm, width: 1620mm, wheelbase: 2910mm, track (front): 1340mm. Engine: 1303cc, Bore/stroke: 72x80mm. 32hp at 3200 rpm. Factory code: BPV (Berline Petite Voiture). Commercial name: “7”. The basic Traction Avant Citroën at the time of launch, but soon produced along with the improved 7B. 7A is the only model which actually is a 7CV (according to French tax rating). Lack of engine power must have been known from the start, and it’s most likely that 7B-engines were already being produced from the day the 7A was presented to the World.

Coupé

April - May/June 1934

Same specifications as the Berline. 2-seater with optional rear seat in the dickey. Factory code: CPV. (Cabriolet Petite Voiture – meaning faux cabriolet). Commercial name: “7” Faux Cabriolet. A little handful of Coupés were made from the very beginning. No 7A Roadsters/Cabriolets.

Berline

May - September 1934

Length: 4450mm, width: 1620mm, wheelbase: 2910mm, track (front): 1340mm. Engine: 1529cc, Bore/stroke: 78x80mm. 35hp at 3200 rpm. Factory code: BPV (Berline Petite Voiture). Commercial name: “7”. The 7B shared the production line of the 7A and was not really replacing it – the two were produced more or less simultaneously, the reason is most likely that a high number of 7A-engines were already made. Citroën never made the launch (of the 7B) a greater event, and the car (now really a 9 CV) was sold with no increase in the price.

Coupé

Cabriolet

June - September 1934

Same specifications as the Berline. Factory code: CPV (faux Cabriolet Petite Voiture). Commercial name: “7” Faux Cabriolet.

June - September 1934

Same specifications as the Berline. Factory code: RPV. (Roadster Petite Voiture). Commercial name: “7” Roadster.

Berline

August 1934 - October 1942

Length: 4450mm, width: 1640mm (from 1938: 1670mm), wheelbase: 2910mm, track (front): 1340mm (from 1938: 1374mm). Engine: 1628cc, Bore/stroke: 72x100mm. 36hp at 3800 rpm. Factory code: BPV (Berline Petite Voiture). Commercial name: “7”. The 7C was a true replacement of the previous models with several technical improvements, the most important being the new long-stroke engine sharing the block with the bigger model “11”.

15 Six

Berline

The models

15 Six cylindres:

June 1938 - January 1955*

Length: 4760mm, width: 1790mm, wheelbase: 3087mm, track (front): 1487mm. Engine: 6 cyl. 2867cc, Bore/stroke: 78x100mm. 76hp at 3800 rpm. 15 Six G (gauche) replaced by 15 Six D (droite) in 1947. Factory code: BPVL6. Commercial name: “15 Six”. La Reine de la Route. Top level model introduced in 1938 and produced in small numbers. Commercial production starting 1939. Several technical differences between the 15 Six G and 15 Six D. *Interruption during the war. Production periods: June 1938 - February 1940 / February 1946 - January 1955.

15 Six

Limousine

March 1939 - February 1940*

Length: 4960mm, width: 1790mm, wheelbase: 3272mm. The rest as above. Engine 15 Six G. Factory code: SPVL6 or 6-FPVL (6-FPVL8 or 6-FPVL9 depending on the number of seats). Commercial name: “15 Six Limousine” or Condiute Interieure. *Few (surely fewer than five) Limousines were built after the war, some served as basis for other conversions.

15 Six

Familiale

March 1939 - July 1955*

Length: 4960mm, width: 1790mm, wheelbase: 3272mm. The rest as above. Engine 15 Six G (gauche) replaced by 15 Six D (droite) in post-war production. Factory code: FPVL6 or 6-FPVL (6-FPVL8 or 6-FPVL9 depending on the number of seats). Commercial name: “15 six Familiale”. *Fewer than 300 Familiales untill February 1940. After relaunch in September 1953 fewer than 500 cars made.

15 Six

Cabriolet

1939/1946

Same specifications as the Berline. Factory code: RPVL6. Commercial name: “15 Six Cabriolet”. Never marketed in brochures or elswhere. Ca. seven cars were prepared but only three or four cars were ever finished. (Only 20-30 have survived...???)

15 Six H

Berline

April 1954 - December 1956

Length: 4760mm, width: 1790mm, wheelbase: 3087mm, track (front): 1487mm. Engine: 6 cyl. 2867cc, Bore/stroke: 78x100mm. 76hp at 3800 rpm. 15 Six D. Factory code: BPVL6 (H). Commercial name: “15 Six Hydraulique”. Also known as 15 Six “Oleo”. Last model 15 Six with hydropneumatic suspension of the rear axle, and heavily modified front suspension with longer torsion bars. Even though the bodyshell is quite different from the ordinary suspension model both the serial- and carrosserie numbers follow on from the previous series.

Carrosserie number Numéro de Carrosserie Information: Number of the body shell of the specific body type, here BPVS 7005. This number can in other cases be found on the front seat crossmember or under the dashboard.

Factory number Numéro de Coque Information: Exact finishing date of production Traction type (technical, but not body style) The key to more information in the factory production books. Serial number Numéro de Série Information: Administrative VIN Traction type (technical, but not body style) Only approximate time of production/sale

Engine number Numéro de Moteur Information: Type of engine Destination (car type)

Numbers – introduction

TA numbers Introduction: · Serial numbers · Factory numbers · Carrosserie numbers · Engine numbers

Numbers on the cars On every Traction, you’ll find several numbers. Some are cast or stamped on different parts of the car. Others are found on labels and plates. It would be great to know the significance of all numbers, but many of them will probably remain unsolved mysteries. Surely many of the cast numbers are simply the spare parts numbers, others are quality control numbers, perhaps codes identifying the employees who did the checks. The four most important numbers are the ones seen here on the left page, introduced below, and further described in the following chapters. Serial number The car’s serial numbers has always been subject to a lot of attention when it comes to identifying or determining the type and age of the car. Since it is not stamped in the bodyshell, it can be removed and changed – unfortunately times has shown many examples of that. The number is of course the official vehicle identity number, used by all authorities for registration and other purposes once the car was sold from the factory. At this point it should be said that the assignment of serial number was the last thing that happened during the production of the car – it is directly connected to the sale and not the time of production! Numéro de coque – the factory number The name of the next number is a bit confusing – what is the difference between the coque and the carrosserie? For further confusion the number itself had different names depending on when or where it has been mentioned. The first years it was called the chassis number (on a chassis-less car!), then numéro de coque (monocoque number), but also caisse number, as seen on the warranty card to the right. Sometimes it has even been referred to as the carrosserie number – which is absolutely wrong, as that is the name of another (important) number. In this book, and hopefully other places in the future, the number will be called the factory number!

This beautiful little document, a warranty-card, shows several numbers! Of course there’s no chassis! 201.393 is the serial number. Note that the numéro de coque is listed as ”Caisse No.” – already in 1937 they were confused about it. The numbers on starter engine, dynamo and radiator were of course assigned to avoid abuse of the warranty by replacing these components.

012166 · 7B 1934

085290 · 7C 1936

020857 · 7S 1934

398447 · 11BL 1938

354.823 · 11AL 1936

681780 · 15 Six 1939

Serial number plates Even the serial number plates have been subject to evolution. Early plates from 1934 have “ears” and always the large mounting holes. At some time in 1935 the holes are smaller as seen in the second column. The background pattern is small dots. The ears disappear in 1948. The opposite page shows this new type of plate, which also carries the information about maximum (load) weight of the car. The background pattern looks like small stars. New typography. The last type (from 1956-57) has no background pattern and again a new, lighter typography. All plates are pressed in aluminium (except in 1946) and originally with the background painted black.

292903 · 11C 1940

Serial numbers

This plate is with a stamp from the German Wermacht - and was found in Russia! 293543 · 11C 1942

467304 · 11BL 1946 · Plate made of steel!

515369 · 11BL 1949

193463 · 11B 1950

724764 · 15 Six 1954

302245 · 11C 1955

443482 · 11B 1957 · Smooth surface, new typography.

All plates are shown in actual size – background patterns in double size.

Factory numbers Yes, we have given this number a new name! The former designations make no sense - the number is neither a body shell number (numéro de coque) nor a body type number – normally it doesn’t indicate the type of body in question. Designations like body number or coque number can only increase the confusion. The number is the internal factory number, although it was probably assigned to the cars at a late stage in the process. Maybe even so late that the primary purpose of it could be inventory management of the finished cars. In the old production ledgers, the factory number is the key: The cars are listed by factory numbers! Good to know if you are looking for any information about a car. Since the number is an internal number, it never had any practical significance after the car left the factory. The factory number was never used for any administrative purposes by registration authorities or others – and it seems that nobody ever paid any attention to it. Today you often see it missing on the cars. This is really a pity, now when we know more about the valuable information it holds.

In recent years, however, TA-enthusiasts are becoming more aware of the significance of the factory number – but it has been difficult (impossible) to see through the opaque combination of letters and digits. The factory number is important With the serial numbers being as “inaccurate” as they are, and only related to the sale, the factory numbers are by far the most interesting if you are looking for information about a car. Knowing the time of production is of course crucial when you are restoring – and you want to determine which details and parts are original for the car. Through the times many mistakes have been seen when restorers paid too much attention to the serial number! In the worst cases resulting in original parts being discarded, simply because the car was expected to be older or newer. An 11AL owned by the author is a terrifying but good example. With serial number 351178 the car should be from 1934 according to Memento Technique. The factory number AJ1847 revealed that the car was produced on the 8th of June 1935!

The actual system for assigning numbers and letter codes seems at first glance very confusing and random. Nor does the order of numbers make immediate sense. It is clear that the system was quite deliberately designed as opaque as possible. The number is never mentioned in Citroën’s own publications such as Memento Technique, repair manuals and spare parts catalogs or elsewhere. Rather strange as the factory number tells a lot about the car it belongs to, including the exact date of production! Letters and digits The first letter immediately shows the basic model. A is always the little ones; models 7 and 11 Légere – from May 1950 the A is replaced by the letter B. The letter E is for Normales and 15 Six. And (as always) there are the exceptions: Some post-war Familiales and Commerciales (from November 1953 and

Factory number letter combinations Model

First letter

Second letter

7A A

T-V-Y-Z-S-X-DL-F

7B A

X-D-L-F-M-W-Q C-P-K-G

7C A

T-V-B-N-Y-S-MD-L-F-W-Q-CG-P-Z-K-B

7S/11AL/ 11AM/11BL

R-J

A-B

11A/11B E /11C

T-Y-F-V-Z-S-MD-Q-C-X-W-L-G P-K-N-B

11 Long wheelbase*

none

15 Six

(PVF)

A-B-D E

A-E-I-S-H-R

15 Six Long wheelbase*

(PVF)

none

15 Six H

6HA

none

* Post-war series only, from November 1953 and on. The long wheelbase cars are also found among Normales in earlier series!

on) have only one letter: A, B or D. 15 Six Familiales can have the special code 6A – on the plates “PVF” is added. 15 Six H (Hydralique) has the code 6HA.

Factory numbers

The system With a few exceptions, the factory number is two letters followed by four or five digits. Normally each code, letters and numbers, represents a series of 1000 cars. Example: AT3000-AT3999 = 1000 7Cs produced in November-December 1936.

It gets more complicated when we go to the second letter! Here, a series of letters has been selected, apparently randomly, and certainly not in alphabetical order. If you look at 7A/7B, there are 16 different, one letter for each series of up to 1000 cars. With 7C, the combinations continue from before, new letter combinations are added, now just with higher following numbers. Example: The number AW 0800 tells you that the car is a 7B from July 1934. AW 2500, on the other hand, is a 7C from February-March 1936. That is of course confusing. With the 7S/11AL/11BL, it’s apparently a little simpler. Here the second letter is always J or R, so the combinations are called AJ and AR until May 1950 and BJ and BR thereafter. But the letters are followed by a number - and the numbers are not always assigned consecutively! The larger models, 11 Normale and 15 Six (including long wheelbase models), have as mentioned E as the first letter. The second letter can tell whether the car is a four- or a six-cylinder. There are 18 different letters for the 11 Normales and 6 different ones for 15 Six (The letter S appear for both models). All letter combinations have been used more than once throughout the production. And then again there are the mentioned exceptions: A, B, D on long wheel base models (with PVF added) as well as 6A and 6HA. Although someone in their time has obviously done what they could to confuse us, important information is contained in the factory numbers – you just have to have a key to the information. The tables on the following pages show the production series for the different models placed on a timeline. With this, there is immediate information about the production in the individual months, but even more important: It is possible to determine the production time for any Traction, with far greater certainty and accuracy than the serial numbers can provide. The charts also give a very visual picture of the system with letters and numbers. The individual production series are discussed in details in the second part of this book, offering a more presice indication of the time of production for a given car. Unanswered questions The exact use and the purposes of the factory number at the factory remains unclear – still there’s no doubt that it was the main identity number of the car before leaving the factory. Looking in the factory books, there seem to have been a close relation between the factory number and the engine number. But the question is of course when the number

With this unique photograph, the sacred moment is captured when the factory number plate is fitted. Note that the car still has no serial number. The picture is said to have been taken on the 18th of July 1957. If this is the case, one must assume that it is late in the afternoon - the white letters on the bodyshell tell us that the car is painted with Merville cellulostic paint - on the 18th of July! Well, the windscreen is still covered with paper... The car is no less than is the very last Traction produced; an 11B Familiale, finished on the 24th of July and sold on the 31st with the serial number 444.569. See also page 154.

Factory numbers

Key to factory numbers Each blue block represent one series of production and when the numbers were used. Each year is divided into quarters (black vertical lines) and months (white lines). Many of the series contain 1000 cars, some fewer and some more, when the same letters were used in later series. With large continued series or when the production rate was low it is difficult to determine the date of production of a single car – in other cases you can see the exact month! Specific dates are only obtainable from Citroën Heritage. In the second part of this book each series of 1000 cars is described, making a more precise dating possible for most cars.

Factory numbers · Table of series 7A·7B·7C

1934

7A, 7B

0000-0999

0000-0189

1000-1999 1000-1999

0000-0999

1000-1999

1937

1000-1999

2000-2999

1000-1999

2000-2999

1000-1999

2000-2999

1000-1999

2000-2999

AX AK AB

3000-3999

2000-2999

1000-1999

4000-4447

3000-3999 3000-3999 3000-3999

2000-2999

1000-1999

4000-4999

3000-3999

2000-2999

1000-1999

4000-4999 4000-4999

3000-3999

1000-1999 1000-1999

4000-4999 4000-4999

3000-3999

2000-2999

1000-1999

4000-4999

3000-3999

4000-4999

3000-3999

1000-1999

3000-3999

1942

3000-3999

2000-2999

1941

4000-4999

2000-2999

1940

4000-4999

2000-2999

1000-1999

1939

3000-3999

1000-1999

1938

3000-3999

2000-2999

1936

2000-2999

1935

4000-4999

3000-3999 3000-3999

2000-2999 2000-2999

4000-4999 3000-3999 3000-3999

...continued next page

7C Cabriolet number (RPV) 832, February-March 1935. As fewer cabriolets were made the number is much lower than the Berlines from the same period.

11AL Cabriolet number (RPVS) 190, late 1934. Even lower than the 7s, as the production rate of this model was very low.

An 11BL Berline, BPVS 72625, carrying factory number AR 14520 suggesting the factory date to be in October 1937. Both the serial- and the carrosserie numbers are relatively very low. This is presumably due to usual variable factors: The car may have been finished early, perhaps September (some cars are observed well out of the time intervals given in this book), the body shell was probably stored for a long time before the car was finished – and the serial number simply happened to be a low one. In such a case it is highly recommended to obtain a certificate from Citroën if you want to establish the date of production.

Carrosserie numbers Another 11AL Cabriolet number (RPVS) 297, June 1935. The number 297 is also found on a few other parts of this car. Like other early cars the number is on the left side in the engine compartment.

11B Berline Normale number (BPVL) 10587, matches the time given by the factory no. ET 1244 = June-July 1937. It seems that on all cars with rack and pinion steering the number is on the right side.

After January 1938 the carrosserie numbers are found on a little strip, attached through two elongated holes in the dashboard under the glove compartement. A letter prefix indicating the type of body shell in question is added (more about these letters on the next page). Exceptions: Cabriolets and Coupés, and – as seen below – prewar 15 Six Familiales.

This is a 1939 15 Six Familiale (model code 6-FPVF8). Serial no. 681702, factory no. EI 0344, carrosserie no. 266. Unlike 15 Six berlines and all other TA-models except Cabriolets and Coupés, the carrosserie number is stamped on top of the right hand side jambonneau. No letter prefix. Why? – just like on the Cabriolets and Coupés after January 1938 – you find the elongated holes for the carrosserie number strip on the lower edge of the dashboard. But no strip. So what exactly caused this difference?

AM 0000-0999

7B · Berline · Cabriolet

July 1934

Serial no. 13xxx Quantity: 1000 cars. Carrosserie no. BPV: 9xxx, RPV: 1xx Observations: Serial numbers still jump randomly – in this series between 10xxx and 15xxx. No Coupés. In some cases the colours of the cars are noted here: brun, gris or noir.

AW 0000-0999

July 1934

7B · Berline · Coupé · Cabriolet

Serial no. 14xxx Quantity: 1000 cars. Carrosserie no. BPV: 10xxx, CPV: 0xx, RPV: 1xx Observations: Serial numbers up to +16xxx.

AQ 0000-0999

July - August 1934

7B · Berline · Coupé · Cabriolet

Serial no. 14xxx Quantity: 1000 cars. Carrosserie no. BPV: 10xxx, CPV: 0xx, RPV: 2xx

Serial number 012458 – factory number AQ 0099. Plates on a most original and unrestored 7B from July 1934. The low serial number is a reminder of how you must read the information in all the tables here: both serial- and carrosserie numbers are very approximate! The carrosserie number of this car is (BPV) 11969. Note the serial plate of early type with the big holes, making it necessary to use washers.

AC 0000-0999

August 1934

7B (7A) · Berline · Coupé · Cabriolet

Serial no. 16xxx Quantity: 1000 cars. Carrosserie no. BPV: 12xxx, CPV: 0xx, RPV: 2xx Observations: Still in August: 20 7A Berlines, the cars having both 7A serial numbers and engine numbers (with letters BZ).

AP 0000-0999

August 1934

7B (7A) · Berline · Coupé · Cabriolet

Serial no. 17xxx* Quantity: 995 cars. Carrosserie no. BPV: 13xxx, CPV: 0xx, RPV: 2xx Observations: *Serial numbers varying – both in the interval 10.000-19.999 (as low as 10xxx) and 30.000+ Still in August: Another 14 7A Berlines, the cars having both 7A serial- and engine numbers (with letters BZ).

Comments: With the introduction of the 7S serial numbers from 20.000 was reserved for this new model. There are probably not many 7Bs (if any) with serial numbers higher than 19.000 before the continuation at 30.000.

AK 0000-0999

August - September 1934

Serial no. 18xxx* Quantity: 1000 cars. Carrosserie no. BPV: 13xxx, CPV: 0xx, RPV: 3xx Observations: *Serial numbers varying – both in the interval 10.000-19.999 and 30.000+

7B · Berline · Coupé · Cabriolet

September 1934

7B · Berline · Coupé · Cabriolet

7A-7B - 7C · 1934

AG 0000-0999

Serial no. 18xxx / 30xxx Quantity: 190 cars. Carrosserie no. BPV: 14xxx, CPV: 1xx, RPV: 4xx Observations: The last 7B – note the small quantity of cars. Serial numbers varying – both in the interval 10.000-19.999 and 30.000+

7C The 7A and 7B shared the same engine block, and was produced more or less simoultaneously – but the 7C was a true replacement with a new engine. Cylinder head, pistons and liners were new, but the long stroke engine block was already existing with the new model “11”.

Note that the carroserie numbers and model codes were unchanged, simply following the previous 7A/7B. There were no major changes to the bodyshells (except for the general evolution). Serial numbers start at 50.000. This car is most likeliy a pre-series 7C, with the horn grilles in the front wings, but not in their final design. The bodyshell itself followed the previous 7B. Officially introduced in September the 7C had steel roof like the majority of the 7Bs, but the fact that at least one 7C with simili roof (like the early cars) is known proves that exact steps/dates in the evolution can’t always be established.

AT 1000-1999

August - September 1934

7C · Berline · Coupé · Cabriolet

Serial no. 50xxx Quantity: 1000 cars. Carrosserie no. BPV: 14xxx, CPV: 1xx, RPV: 4xx Observations: First series 7C!

AV 1000-1999

September - October 1934

7C · Berline · Coupé · Cabriolet

Serial no. 51xxx Quantity: 1000 cars. Carrosserie no. BPV: 15xxx, CPV: 1xx, RPV: 5xx Observations: AV 1694, a Coupé finished October 5th has carroserie number CPVS 214 (the bodyshell of a 7S/11AL), but serial number 52xxx. Wherever you find rules, you find exceptions!

7S·11AL 11AM 11BL The 7S was the first Traction to have the 1911cc 11CV engine. Shortly after being introduced (only) the name of the model was changed to 11AL. Carrosserie numbers reveal that the monocoques were not the same as the 7C, but a new series, starting from no. 01. In January/February 1937 the 11BL derived from the 11AL, now sharing the carrosseries and their numbers with the 7C. The 11AM was an intermediate designation, only assigned to 253 cars. Whereas the 7S/11AL could be considered as the luxury 11 with a light body, the 11BL would be equipped like a 7C, only with a more powerful engine.

7S/11AL · 1934 This fold-out brochure, AC 3965, is undated but published when all TA-models still had the name: Citroën “7”. That is before the model “11” appeared – but the 11CV 1911cc engine would already be available in the “Sport”-model: The 7S. When the larger model 11A Normale was introduced the name of the 7S was changed to 11 Légere (11AL). The 7S/11AL was an exclusive, sporty Traction compared to the 7. The production rate was of course much lower (3-4 months pr. 1000 cars). With the 11BL from 1937 the 11 Légeres continued at a significantly higher production rate.

AR 0000-0999

July - October 1934

7S/11AL · Berline · Coupé · Cabriolet

Serial no. 20xxx/350xxx Quantity: 1000 Carrosserie no. BPVS: 0x-5xx, CPVS: 0x, RPVS: 0x-1xx Observations: Serial numbers 20xxx (7S) – all in the beginning. Later a random mixture of 20xxx and 350xxx (11AL). Most of the cars are marked “78x100”, especially on the first pages. The first ca. 17 cars are finished 24th July. Most of them sold shortly after, with serial numbers 20xxx (7S). The first numbers 350xxx (11AL) appear around the 1st of August. In this series a very high number of Coupés and Cabriolets are observed! Carrosserie numbers: The first ca. 25 cars have BPV-numbers (mostly around 10xxx), so they have body shells from the 7A/7B. After that carrosserie numbers begin at 01 (04 is seen on the first page). These are BPVS-shells. Numbers vary from 0x to 5xx. First Cabriolets: AR 0049, RPVS 194, finished 4th August. AR 0055, RPVS 193, finished 2nd August. AR 0056, AR 0064, 0065, 0066, 0067 and several more – all from August. All with serial numbers 20xxx except one: AR 0056, finished 7th August, sold as late as February 1935 with serial number 609x (from the 7A!) and engine DB0099 (78x100). Always some mess and exceptions! The above mentioned Cabriolets have carrosserie numbers close to 200, which suggest that the bodyshells could be from the 7; later cars have big variation in carrosserie numbers, in September there are many around 90-100. These are most likely build with the “true” RPVS bodyshell. Also in September: The first Coupées.

Comments: Note that the name changed from 7S to 11AL just about a week after the production began! The cars were unchanged, but 7S-plates with serial number already manufactured were used along with the 11AL-plates, some as late as May 1935! Of course the cars went through the general evolution of the model, but there’s no indication of any other differences.

BJ 56000-56999

December 1954 - January 1955

11BL · Berline

Serial no. 652xxx Quantity: 1000 cars. Carrosserie no. B: 386xxx

BJ 57000-57999

January - February 1955

11BL · Berline

Serial no. 653xxx Quantity: 1000 cars. Carrosserie no. B: 387xxx Observations: The first cars with the 11D engine are finished 2nd of February, with engine numbers 10 520xxx. All the last 11 Performance engines are with the letters AD on the engine plates.

BJ 58000-58999

February 1955

11BL · Berline

Serial no. 654xxx Quantity: 1000 cars. Carrosserie no. B: 388xxx Observations: A few cars from March.

BJ 59000-59999

February - March 1955

11BL · Berline

Serial no. 655xxx Quantity: 1000 cars. Carrosserie no. B: 389xxx Observations: A few cars from February – and very few from April.

BR 55000-55999 March - April 1955 Serial no. 656xxx Quantity: 1000 cars. Carrosserie no. B: 390xxx

112

11BL · Berline

11BL · 1954-56

BR 56000-56999 April - May 1955 Serial no. 657xxx Quantity: 1000 cars. Carrosserie no. B: 391xxx

BR 57000-57999 May 1955

11BL · Berline

Serial no. 658xxx Quantity: 1000 cars. Carrosserie no. B: 392xxx

BR 58000-58999 May - June 1955

11BL · Berline

Serial no. 659xxx Quantity: 1000 cars. Carrosserie no. B: 393xxx

BR 59000-59999 June - July 1955

11BL · Berline

Serial no. 660xxx Quantity: 1000 cars. Carrosserie no. B: 394xxx

BJ 60000-60999

July 1955

11BL · Berline

Serial no. 661xxx Quantity: 1000 cars. Carrosserie no. B: 395xxx Observations: A few cars from August by the end.

BJ 61000-61999

August - September 1955

11BL · Berline

Serial no. 662xxx Quantity: 1000 cars. Carrosserie no. B: 396xxx

BJ 62000-62999

September 1955

11BL · Berline

Serial no. 663xxx Quantity: 1000 cars. Carrosserie no. B: 397xxx Observations: A few cars from October by the end.

BJ 63000-63999

October 1955

11BL · Berline

Serial no. 663xxx Quantity: 1000 cars. Carrosserie no. B: 398xxx

BJ 64000-64999

October - November 1955

11BL · Berline

Serial no. 665xxx Quantity: 1000 cars. Carrosserie no. B: 399xxx

BR 60000-60999 November - December 1955

11BL · Berline

Serial no. 665xxx Quantity: 1000 cars. Carrosserie no. B: 400xxx

BR 61000-61999 December 1955 - January 1956

11BL · Berline

Serial no. 667xxx Quantity: 1000 cars. Carrosserie no. B: 401xxx

113

ES 5000-5999

November 1948 - February 1949

15 Six · Berline

Serial no. 685xxx Quantity: 1000 cars. Carrosserie no. B: 47xx.

ES 6000-6999

February - April 1949

15 Six · Berline

Serial no. 686xxx Quantity: 1000 cars. Carrosserie no. B: 57xx.

ES 7000-7999

April - June 1949

15 Six · Berline

Serial no. 687xxx Quantity: 1000 cars. Carrosserie no. B: 68xx.

May 1949. Still with the hubcaps from the 4-cylinder models and the curved bumpers – but since 1948 with chromed radiator grille.

ES 8000-8999

June - August 1949

15 Six · Berline

Serial no. 688xxx Quantity: 1000 cars. Carrosserie no. B: 79xx.

ES 9000-9999

August - October 1949

15 Six · Berline

Serial no. 689xxx Quantity: 1000 cars. Carrosserie no. B: 89xx.

EH 0001-0999

October - December 1949

15 Six · Berline

Serial no. 690xxx Quantity: 999 cars. Carrosserie no. B: 10xxx.

EH 1000-1999

December 1949 - January 1950

15 Six · Berline

Serial no. 691xxx Quantity: 1000 cars. Carrosserie no. B: 11xxx.

EH 2000-2999

January - March 1950

Serial no. 693xxx Quantity: 1000 cars. Carrosserie no. B: 12xxx.

160

15 Six · Berline

March - April 1950

15 Six · Berline

15 Six · 1949-50

EH 3000-3999

Serial no. 693xxx Quantity: 1000 cars. Carrosserie no. B: 13xxx.

ER 0001-0999

April - May 1950

15 Six · Berline

Serial no. 694xxx Quantity: 999 cars. Carrosserie no. B: 14xxx.

ER 1000-1999

May - July 1950

15 Six · Berline

Serial no. 695xxx Quantity: 1000 cars. Carrosserie no. B: 15xxx.

The 15 Six after modifications during 1950: New big bumpers, air vents for the engine and one-piece hubcaps (in 1949).

EH 4000-4999

June - August 1950

15 Six · Berline

Serial no. 696xxx Quantity: 1000 cars. Carrosserie no. B: 16xxx. Observations: Cars from June among the first in this series.

EH 5000-5999

August - September 1950

15 Six · Berline

Serial no. 697xxx Quantity: 1000 cars. Carrosserie no. B: 17xxx.

EH 6000-6999

September - October 1950

15 Six · Berline

Serial no. 697xxx Quantity: 1000 cars. Carrosserie no. B: 18xxx.

161

The Citroën Traction Avant with it’s more than 23 years of production history has been described in a large number of books through the years. Still, this book brings a huge amount of new information, unknown untill the present. The history of the cars is told by their four principal numbers: The serial number, factory number, body number and engine number. Most of the information comes directly from the ultimate and unique source: The old factory ledgers, the Mains Courantes, where in principle every single car that ever left the Citroën factory at Quai de Javel in Paris is listed. In the book you will find detailed information about all the different Traction models through the years, including factory codes, production series and much more. All of the more than 700 series of 1000 cars each are descibed in its own table. With the information in the book it is possible to identify any Traction with far more accuracy than before, now based on the factory number rather than the serial number. This ’fact book’ is an important supplement to all previously published material (including whatever came from the factory) and a natural companion to all the nice books on the enthusiast’s bookshelf. ISBN 978-87-974568-0-4