Debuted at the October 1921 Paris Motor Show as the Type C, the Citroën 5 HP (“5CV” from 1925) was engineered by Edmond Moyet as a smaller and even more affordable companion to the Type A. Powered by an economical 856 cc inline four-cylinder engine, the 5CV was well-equipped despite its value price, including standard electric starting and lighting, plus five wheels and tires.

Astutely, André Citroën marketed the vehicle to the growing numbers of women drivers and, reportedly, by 1924 the model accounted for half of Citroën’s annual sales to become the leading popular European car of its time. It was produced during a particularly innovative time at Citroën, during which the automaker founded a consumer credit company to finance purchases of its vehicles. Other breakthroughs included the automobile industry’s first spare parts and repair manuals, detailed vehicle repair rates, and the exchange system for factory-refurbished mechanical parts. While a strong seller with nearly 81,000 examples built, the Type C ultimately proved unprofitable, spurring the end of production in May 1926.

Sporting handsome period-appropriate colors, this delightful Type C Torpédo was acquired in Europe in 2015 and joined the Mullin Collection in 2016. Simple, yet well engineered and equipped, this Type C sports such desirable features and accessories as a side-mounted spare tire, an engine-turned dash motif, body-color disc-type steel wheels, a tilt-out windshield, and soft top.

*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.