1939 Citroën 15 CV Roadster
Among Citroën’s Traction Avant lineup, the 15 CV Roadster stands as the rarest and most coveted variant. Only four examples were completed in 1939 from a planned production run of five, with the outbreak of World War II halting the project before the model could even appear in Citroën’s official catalogue.
The Roadster featured an extended hood (about 4.3 inches longer than the standard 11 CV Cabriolet) to accommodate the larger six-cylinder engine, giving it elegant proportions and a more streamlined appearance.
This 2,867 cc (175 cubic inch) overhead-valve inline-six produced approximately 77 horsepower and was paired with a three-speed manual transmission.
The 15 Six sedan had debuted in October 1938 and quickly earned the nickname “La Reine de la Route” (“The Queen of the Road”) for its smooth performance and advanced front-wheel-drive layout. The Roadster variant, first completed on May 20, 1939, was intended for unveiling at the Paris Salon that October. It featured independent front torsion-bar suspension, a solid rear axle, and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes, riding on a 121.5-inch wheelbase.
One known surviving example, verified by Citroën Heritage, remains among the most significant prewar Citroëns ever built.
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