111 - 1936 CITROËN TRACTION AL CABRIOLET

1936 CITROËN TRACTION AL CABRIOLET Chassis No. 355413 Body No. 281 French vehicle registration certificate - One of 164 units produced in 1936 - A legendary model - Restored in the early 2000s - In the same family since 1982 - Formerly owned by Olivier Lemesre, a leading expert on this model. Introduced in 1934, the Citroën Traction Avant revolutionized the automotive landscape with its monocoque structure, hydraulic brakes, front-wheel drive, and torsion bar suspension. Among the most elegant and sought-after variants, the Cabriolet (or Décapotable) on the lightweight “AL ” (Light) chassis stands out for its flowing lines, its folding windshield, and its famous retractable “mother-in-law’s seat” in the rear. Produced during a very short production run prior to the introduction of the 11 BL, the 11 AL Cabriolet is a rarity: only 164 units rolled off the assembly lines at the Quai de Javel in 1936. The example presented here, chassis 355413, boasts an exceptional pedigree. Originally owned by Olivier Lemesre, a leading figure and renowned Belgian specialist on the Traction—as evidenced by the period photographs of its arrival in Belgium included in the file— the car was acquired in 1982 by the current owner’s father directly from Lemesre, in exchange for a Traction 11 Aeat. Since then, the convertible has remained faithfully in the same family. A meticulous and lengthy restoration was undertaken beginning in 1990 and completed in 2003, restoring the vehicle to its former splendor. During this restoration, the car was repainted from its original black to a sumptuous “midnight blue” shade that highlights the purity of its lines. This restoration is documented by a photo album and an article from LVA. Combining rarity and traceability—having remained in the same family since 1982—this Citroën Traction 11 AL Cabriolet represents a major heritage opportunity for any enthusiast of pre-war French luxury automobiles. 1936 Citroën Traction 11 AL Cabriolet Chassis 355413 Body No. 281 French vehicle registration document - One of 164 examples produced in 1936 - Legendary model - Restored in the early 2000s - In the same family since 1982 - Formerly owned by Olivier Lemesre, a leading expert on the model. Unveiled in 1934, the Citroën Traction Avant revolutionized the automotive landscape thanks to its monocoque structure, hydraulic brakes, front-wheel drive, and torsion bar suspension. Among the most elegant and sought-after variants, the Cabriolet (or Décapotable) on the lightweight “AL” (Légère) chassis stands out for its flowing lines, its folding windshield, and its famous retractable “mother-in-law” seat in the rear. Produced during a very short production run prior to the introduction of the 11 BL, the 11 AL Cabriolet is a rarity: only 164 examples rolled off the production lines at the Quai de Javel in 1936. The example on display, chassis number 355413, boasts an exceptional pedigree. Originally owned by Olivier Lemesre, a leading figure and renowned Belgian specialist in the Traction—as evidenced by the period photographs of its arrival in Belgium included in the file—the car was acquired in 1982 by the current owner’s father directly from him, in exchange for a Traction 11 Aeat. Since then, the convertible has remained faithfully in the same family. A meticulous and lengthy restoration was undertaken beginning in 1990 and concluded in 2003, restoring the vehicle to its former splendor. On this occasion, the car was repainted from its original black to a sumptuous “midnight blue” shade that highlights the purity of its lines. This restoration is documented by a portfolio of photographs and an article in LVA. Combining rarity and traceability—having remained in the same family since 1982—this Citroën Traction 11 AL Cabriolet represents a major heritage opportunity for any enthusiast of pre-war French luxury cars.