LA REINA NEGRA “DECOUVRABLE”

THE YEAR 1951: THE BIRTH OF LA REINA NEGRA “DECOUVRABLE”

Everything started with the production in the year 1951. In 1951 , the model 15 SIX was selling very well and a production of more than 11.000 units was forseen. The car dealer and garage “Banville” was the official agent for Citroën in Paris. It was “Banville” that ordered a 15 SIX with open roof. In those days this was not common. The bodywork of the Citroën was normally delivered without an open roof. An open roof could cause complications because of the loss of strength in the metal-body. This problem was solved by putting pieces of wood underneath the metal. Allthough not visuable there is wood all around inside the car to give strength to the metalwork. This wood is still original and has not lost it´s quality over the years. A nice detail as well , the garage-dealer advertising is still to be seen on La Reina Negra.!! In January 1951 , La Reina Negra came out of the factory at “Javel” in Paris. It had chassis-number 701886 , the colour was black and the interior was velour grey. After a couple of days La Reina Negra was standing in the showroom of cardealer “Banville” , in the central heart of Paris.

THE YEARS 1951 - 1956

It was thought by the family Bonin that La Reina Negra was driven during this period by the French department of Foreign Affairs. Unfortunately there is no proof that this was the case. I hope that the Ministry of Traffic in France could clearify this. Also a Traction Avant Club in France could probably help.

The Traction Avant 15 SIX was the official car of the French government