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Topic starter
14/02/2026 8:57 pm
1939 Citroën 15 CV Roadster
From the http://www...
The 1939 Citroën 15 CV Roadster is one of the rarest and most legendary variants of the Citroën Traction Avant series.
Historical Significance & Rarity
- Limited Production: Only four examples were completed in 1939 out of a planned run of five.
- The "Michelin" Connection: The first unit (Chassis #680959) was custom-built for Madame Anna Michelin, the widow of Pierre Michelin.
- Wartime Interruption: Production was halted by the outbreak of World War II before the model could be officially cataloged or showcased at the 1939 Paris Salon.
- Survival: Only one original example is verified by Citroën Heritage to survive today.
Technical Specifications
- Engine: 2.9L (2,867 cc) overhead-valve inline-six, producing approximately 74–77 horsepower.
- Design: To accommodate the larger six-cylinder engine, the hood was extended by roughly 4.3 inches (11 cm) compared to the standard 11 CV model.
- Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive with a three-speed manual transmission.
- Nickname: Known as "La Reine de la Route" (The Queen of the Road) due to its superior handling and smooth performance.
Market & Valuation
- Auction Value: These vehicles are highly coveted; for instance, the Michelin roadster was estimated between €650,000 and €1,100,000 at a 2016 RM Sotheby's auction.
- Right-Hand Drive Variants: Approximately 220 "Light Fifteen" Roadsters were assembled at Citroën’s Slough factory in England, though these typically featured the smaller 1.9L four-cylinder engine.
John Bono
North Jersey
15/02/2026 2:59 am
the car was actually up for sale in 2016. Lot of information confirming its provenance. And a heap of additional pics. Fascinating story.
https://rmsothebys.com/auctions/mc16/lots/r141-1939-citroen-15-cv-roadster/
I have this Hachette et al 1/24, nice 'surface' detail but no opening features. I'd imagine Hachette just made up their own roadster from their tooling.
Another great choice, thanks John
Topic starter
15/02/2026 5:40 am
Geoff, thank you for the link and your pics.
John Bono
North Jersey
15/02/2026 6:35 am
And thank YOU, John, for yet another automotive history learning lesson. I think of Citroen and only think of tis one:
This is a whole new world of the marque for me. Great job sir!
Topic starter
15/02/2026 6:47 am
My pleasure Tony.
John Bono
North Jersey
15/02/2026 7:40 am
@perrone1 We are fans of the Citröen line. Our last one was an XM with turbo and it was a rocket, as well as being more comfortable on the road than any of the Mbzs we own.
However, our dream Citröen is a classic SM.
15/02/2026 7:50 am
I'd choose that SM for long interstate rides if I could. Tennessee really has some L O N G interstate rides. From our eastern border, Bristol, TN/VA., to Memphis, TN/AR., is 537 miles or an 8 hour, 20 minute drive.
15/02/2026 8:18 am
@perrone1 It is a great ride and you would find the XM to be as comfortable for a long ride, as well. My first trip to France was in our XM and hours spent on highways were a breeze. We have had more than one XM and they are amazing cars.
15/02/2026 9:10 am
I believe it!!
My worst riding car was a new Jeep Wrangler Sahara with the big tires, short wheelbase. Awful on the interstate - you felt everything. I used to say that I could tell the difference if I went over a dime and then a nickel. But in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, in or out of the surf, nothing held it back.
15/02/2026 9:28 am
15/02/2026 12:31 pm
What an interesting and rare today, Citroen. Love the convertible. I think that I remember my father pointing out a very dilapidated one about 1950 in Manchester.
17/02/2026 12:57 pm
Something special from Citröen, the 1972 Opera Presidentialle by Chapron:
17/02/2026 12:59 pm
Citröen's answer to long-distance transport, the CX LKW and you haven't lived until one of these goes zipping past you on a highway in France...
17/02/2026 3:32 pm
Many years ago my wife and I were in an exclusive Washington DC neighborhood to see the spring flowering trees and bulbs. While walking around we saw the local Citroen car club touring through the neighborhood. There was a huge variety and they all looked so cool, though quirky. I should dig through my photos.
17/02/2026 6:04 pm
@gdh Hachette/Whitebox et al make a nice 1/24 Opera. Proportions seem to match your pics well.
I have a number of Citroen 1/24s in my collection. The 1920s are all a bit too delicate to take out from the display case all at once. Sorry about the reflections. Couple of commercial vans, taxi, torpedo in the lower shelf.
Mainly 50s and 60s, my favorite is the Ami S with that crazy roofline.
Really nice Maqmadon truck and Hachette HY van
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