Citroën Rosalie
| Industry | Automotive |
|---|---|
| Predecessor | Citroën C4, Citroën C6 |
| Founded | 1932 |
| Defunct | 1938 |
| Products | Automobiles (8CV, 10CV, 15CV models) |
| Parent | Citroën |
The original Citroën Rosalie was a lightweight competition vehicle that established records at the Autodrome de Linas-Montlhéry. More generally, the Rosalie name encompassed a trio of models produced from 1932 to 1938: the 8CV, 10CV, and 15CV, each designated according to their fiscal horsepower, which corresponded to engine capacity. Following the debut of the Citroën Traction Avant, the smaller Rosalies were upgraded to the 7UA and 11UA variants, incorporating overhead-valve engines derived from the Traction. Beginning in 1933, Citroën also introduced a diesel engine option of 1,766 cc for the 11UD.
Chronology
The larger Rosalie models succeeded the Citroën C4 and C6, representing a deliberate shift toward more upscale vehicles as Citroën moved away from its earlier focus on smaller cars that had dominated the market throughout the 1920s. The 15CV was offered in a variety of body styles consistent with automotive trends of the time. Its design was considerably more contemporary compared to earlier models. A key aspect of production was innovation: inspired by Henry Ford’s assembly line techniques, Citroën maintained its status as a European frontrunner in efficient mass manufacturing during this era. The Rosalies were competitively priced yet profitable.
In 1934, all Rosalie models underwent a redesign featuring a subtly inclined front grille, known as the NH or B-series ("Nouvel Habillage"). That same year marked the launch of the front-wheel-drive semi-monocoque Citroën Traction Avant, part of an ambitious investment initiative that ultimately led to Citroën’s financial collapse and subsequent takeover by creditor Michelin. Company founder André Citroën passed away in 1935 amid these difficulties. Nevertheless, production of larger Rosalies—now equipped with overhead-valve four-cylinder engines borrowed from the Traction—continued until 1938. Although these models were eventually eclipsed by their technically advanced successor, they retain historical significance.
Overall, Citroën manufactured roughly 88,090 four-cylinder and 7,230 six-cylinder Rosalies: approximately 38,840 units of the smaller 7/8 models and about 49,250 units of the larger 10/11 variants. Among these, close to 8,400 were updated B-series (NH) versions and around 15,000 were later "MI" editions.
The 8CV
The entry-level Rosalie was powered by a four-cylinder engine with a displacement of 1,452 cc that drove the rear wheels, reminiscent of the earlier 1920s Citroën Type B. It featured a three-speed transmission with synchromesh on the upper two gears and drum brakes on all four wheels. The vehicle measured in length and could reach a maximum speed of .
The 10CV
Equipped with a larger four-cylinder engine displacing 1,767 cc, the 10CV achieved a top speed of . Although it was physically larger than the 8CV at , it shared many mechanical similarities. This model enjoyed greater market success due in part to an expanded lineup that included lighter-bodied versions like the Rosalie 10 Légère, which improved performance.
The 15CV
As the premium offering in the Rosalie range, this model housed a six-cylinder engine with a displacement of 2,650 cc. It maintained cylinder dimensions identical to those of the 10CV but required an extended bonnet to accommodate its size. The overall length was . Various body configurations were available, including the shorter-cabin 15 Légère variant capable of reaching speeds up to , while standard berline/sedan models claimed maximum speeds around .
The 7/11
During its final production years, the original 8 and 10 models were superseded by the "MI" versions—the 7UA and 11UA—which utilized engines from Citroën’s front-wheel-drive Traction Avant rotated 180 degrees to power the rear wheels. Although "7" referred to fiscal horsepower classification, the actual displacement of the Traction’s 7C engine was 1,628 cc (9 CV), engineered to deliver a top speed near .
Classification within the French taxation and insurance framework
In addition to the formally recognized 8 CV, 10 CV, and 15 CV categories, the concluding stage incorporated the Traction Avant's 7 CV and 11 CV engines, which were identified as 7 Mi and 11 Mi correspondingly.