1:24 Bburago Citroen 15CV Review

1:24 Bburago Citroen 15CV

The 1:24 Bburago Citroen 15CV is a great example that 1:24 models could have been a great collecting scale. The model in question is an old school one, made by the Italian Bburago factory back in the day.

Basically this review will be more what it was and could have been type of thing. Before we get into it let’s check out some details about the actual car as it is quite historic.

The original name of the Citroen 15CV actually is the Citroen Traction Avant and it stands for front wheel drive. The first version of the car was the 7CV made from 1934 until 1941. A second version, the 11CV was made between 1934 – 1957. The 15CV was made between 1938 – 1539.

The 15CV actually stands for the taxable portion of the horse power of the engine. Basically the higher the number, the bigger and more powerful is the engine and therefore it will have higher taxes.

1:24 Bburago Citroen 15CV

The engine in question was a 2.9 liter and gave a smooth ride. It wasn’t sporty, but then again Citroens were never aimed at sports driving. Instead the 15CV was aimed at the mass market.
It had a monocoque body which was cheaper, stronger, easier to make and lighter than the classic separate frames used by most other cars. The interior was relatively big and spacious but not very luxurious. The suspension was also quite advanced for the time as were a lot of other components of the car.

1:24 Bburago Citroen 15CV

This made it quite popular and it had a long life and a lot of the innovations in it were used in many other cars even today. Its looks are also a classic and this makes it a great addition to any collection.
Of course in our case this means a diecast collection because let’s face it a real Citroen 15CV would be quite an expensive investment. So let’s check out the 1:24 Bburago model.

1:24 Bburago Citroen 15CV

The exterior of the model is quite impressive. Just look at the picture and no more is needed.
The panel gaps, ride height and proportions are all great and quite precise. The paint has slight orange peel effect here and there but it’s not that bad.
Now we move to the front of the model. It is very well shaped and proportioned. The front grill is nicely done with a big Citroen logo and a big 15CV logo beneath it.
The headlights are also nicely details as is the bumper. The fenders are beautifully crafted and shaped as well.

1:24 Bburago Citroen 15CV

In order to take a look at the engine, you have to turn to the left or right side of the model. Then you have to move the lock latch with one hand while lifting up the cover with the other. It is a bit of a chore but still…

The engine itself is decent as it is a full block with a fan and a few other small bits and pieces. With a little extra detailing it could look pretty impressive. Still, we’ve left this one in stock condition.

1:24 Bburago Citroen 15CV

The wheels are quite plain and simple but do present well. After all back then wheels were pretty basic.

1:24 Bburago Citroen 15CV

The back of the model is also looking good but sadly the trunk is sealed. You do get a nice old style number plate and a decent bumper.

Now let’s check out the interior. Sadly only the front doors open but they do open backwards suicide-style and are on great realistic hinges.

1:24 Bburago Citroen 15CV

The interior is quite plain and simple. It both mimics the plain and simple interior of the real car but the model itself could have had a few extra details here and there.

1:24 Bburago Citroen 15CV

Last but not least, the underside of the model. It is relatively decent with all of the necessary components pressed on the plate. The bottom part of the engine and transmission are also visible.
Overall the 1:24 Bburago Citroen 15CV is a great 1:24 diecast model. It is sad that this scale has slowly digressed to mostly toys and not models. In the past few years this has started to change a bit happily but it is still a long way from the early Bburago models like this one.