Heller Citroen 15 SIX Traction Avant

The Citroën Traction (front-wheel drive) was introduced at the 1934 auto show. At that time, it was available in three versions: "7", "11", and "22". The "7 CV" was a prototype. The "11 CV" was offered in two versions: the lightweight "11 légère" and the standard "11". The "22 CV" had a short lifespan, as it was only displayed at the 1934 show. André Lefébvre was responsible for the design of this revolutionary vehicle. Citroën began building a more powerful car, and in 1938, the six-cylinder Citroën "15 SIX" was released. The "15 SIX" was a standard "11 HP" with an extended hood. It reached a speed of 130 km/h with remarkable road handling, earning it the nickname "La Reine de la Route" (Queen of the Road). In 1953, Citroën offered three new colors: pearl gray, smoke gray, and midnight blue, but black remained the most popular. From 1946 to 1955, the "15" was the official car of the French government. In 1955, the presidency of the Republic purchased three "15 SIX H" models. One of them, with a limousine body by Fresnay, served as the long-time official car of President René Coty and General de Gaulle. Production of the Citroën 15 was discontinued in mid-1955 after seventeen successful years.