Established in 1919 by innovative engineer and successful industrialist André-Gustave Citroën, his eponymous company went on to become one of the largest automakers in France and the world’s fourth-largest automobile manufacturer by 1932. Committed to mass-production techniques, Citroën possessed a deep appreciation of Henry Ford’s assembly processes following a 1912 visit to Detroit.

Conceived circa 1917 and designed by Jules Salomon, the Type A was Citroën’s first automobile, with 24,093 produced from 1919 to 1923. Two chassis lengths were introduced, with production standardized around the longer 2.83 meter (111.4 inch) chassis by 1920. An 18 hp, water-cooled 1,327 cc four-cylinder engine was paired with a three-speed manual gearbox. Final drive was a bevel-gear differential with herringbone teeth, an arrangement for which Citroën held the patent. It also provided inspiration for the company’s double-chevron logo. Body styles included the Torpédo (four-seat tourer), Torpédo Sport, Conduite Intérieure, Coupe de Ville, and a light truck.

Featuring Coupe de Ville bodywork, this example is particularly captivating. This unrestored 1919 Citroën Type A was sold new in France and reportedly stored in Switzerland from the mid-1960s to 2010. It is accompanied by a copy of its original 1920-dated French registration document and its history was chronicled by a highly detailed feature article in the November-December 2010 edition of Dutch Citroën enthusiast magazine CitroExpert. In 2012, this historic Citroën joined the renowned Mullin Collection.

*Please note that all of the Lots in this Auction have been in long-term static storage at the Mullin Automotive Museum and may not be currently operational. They will require mechanical attention and in some cases significant restoration prior to any road use.