1935 - CITROËN 11A CABRIOLET DÉCAPOTABLE
French registration title The very first vintage of the Cabriolet Décapotables and Faux Cabriolet versions of the legendary Traction Avant. One of only seven 11A 1935 convertibles still in existence in the world! Close to concours condition A must-have for all Citroën enthusiasts Unique on the market In the Traction Avant collections, the pre-1940 models stand out. Cabriolets Décapotables, if we follow the names given in the Citroën catalogues of the period, are a real privilege because they are so rare on our roads.
Considered today as veritable icons by discerning Citroën enthusiasts, the opportunity to become the owner of one is a rare one, not to be missed. The history of the Traction Avant is well known. The troubled genesis of the 7 and its no less difficult launch eventually met with success, thanks to the October 1934 Motor Show, where a full range of models galvanised attention on the Citroën stand. In the 1930s, most manufacturers produced cabriolets and sometimes coupes for their saloon cars, often referred to as «Faux Cabriolets» in the terminology of the time.
Citroën was no exception to the rule, offering these two leisure versions in the 7C, 11AL and 11A models. And it’s this extremely rare version that we’re talking about here. Our example is a genuine 1935 Cabriolet Décapotable, produced in only 70 to 80 examples. To date, seven units of this vintage are known to exist in the world. A true rarity! Known to some of the marque’s greatest collectors, this car was owned for many years by two enthusiasts, first in the Val-d’Oise in the 1980s and then in the Marne until 2007.
A copy of the registration document from that period, showing a transfer on 12 May 2007, is still on file. The current owner traced the car to Holland. Carefully preserved by one of Europe’s leading Citroën collectors, the car is complete but in need of a major overhaul. An attentive and meticulous collector, he is careful not to go back on the improvements made to this model over the years. The engine and more recent front running gear have been retained, but reconditioned. Aesthetically, the bodywork has been carried over in its entirety, as have the upholstery, door panels, carpets, soft top and tonneau cover.
Elegant in its black (A 999) colour, enhanced by a red leather interior, it retained the distinctive features of the 1935 model year, with its two horn outlets on the front, the chrome grille of the very first models, replaced shortly afterwards by a painted grille, the lugs on the bonnet flaps, the wheel trims and the three-part spare wheel cover, which was more enveloping for the larger tyres characteristic of the 11A. Today, driving this car is a pure pleasure, as much for its undeniable dynamic qualities as for the beauty of its lines. Its rarity and current exclusivity make it a must-have for collectors looking for a car that has become an icon.
