The Citroën Clabot generally refers to special versions of the Citroën Traction Avant that were re-bodied by the French coachbuilder Carrosserie Clabot in the late 1930s and early 1940s. These cars began life as standard Citroën Traction Avants — revolutionary vehicles in their own right thanks to their front-wheel drive, monocoque construction, and low-slung stance — before being transformed by Clabot into more exclusive, elegant machines.

Clabot’s interpretation of the Traction Avant often took the form of a custom cabriolet or coupé, featuring more curvaceous bodywork, redesigned grilles, and finely integrated headlights that gave the car a distinctly upscale and aerodynamic look. The craftsmanship was entirely hand-built, meaning no two Clabot cars were exactly the same. Inside, these vehicles featured luxurious upholstery, wood trim, and bespoke fittings, elevating Citroën’s already innovative design into the realm of high-end motoring.

Mechanically, the Clabot models retained the same robust drivetrain and suspension as the Traction Avant — known for its excellent handling and comfort — but their lighter or reworked bodies sometimes offered slightly better performance and balance. Because Clabot’s production numbers were extremely limited (only a handful of examples are known to exist today), these vehicles are considered among the rarest Citroëns ever built.

In the collector world, a Citroën Clabot represents the perfect fusion of industrial innovation and artisanal craftsmanship — a showcase of 1930s French elegance, built on one of the most forward-thinking automotive platforms of its time.