[Citroën Anniversaries] The Citroën B14 celebrates its 100th anniversary

The year 2026 is shaping up to be an exceptional one for fans of the double chevron brand. As we prepare to celebrate the anniversaries of milestone models such as the AX, Saxo, and Berlingo, a monument of French automotive history is getting ready to blow out 100 candles: the Citroën B14. Launched in 1926, this automobile is not just a relic of the past, but a living testament to André Citroën's audacity. At a time when the industry was still finding its footing, the B14 set standards for safety and production that still resonate today in the brand's DNA.

The Genesis of a Pioneer: From "All-Steel" to Servo Brakes

The Citroën B14 was created to succeed the B12. Officially presented at the Paris Motor Show in October 1926, it marked a major technological breakthrough. At the heart of its design was the "All-Steel" technology, an advancement that Citroën began to generalize as early as 1924 to offer greater rigidity and safety compared to the wood-and-fabric structures of the competition. Under its hood, the B14 housed a 4-cylinder in-line engine with a displacement of 1539 cm³. This petrol-powered unit developed 22 horsepower at 2 300 tr/min , allowing it to reach a top speed of 80km/h.  

One of the most striking innovations of this model was its braking system. For the first time on a mass-produced automobile, Citroën equipped its chassis with a vacuum servo brake (Westinghouse system), illustrating André Citroën's desire to stay ahead in terms of active safety. The chassis was also lightened compared to its predecessors while gaining robustness. Versatility was the hallmark of the range, with a multitude of body styles assembled at the Paris Javel plant:  

• The Torpedo (4-door open with soft top) available in standard, luxury, and commercial versions.  

• The Saloon (4 doors, 6 windows, and rear trunk) in standard, semi-luxury, and luxury trims.  

• The Berline (4 doors, 4 windows, and rear trunk).  

• The Familiale offering 6 windows and a rear trunk.  

• The Coach (2 doors, 4 seats) and the Cabriolet (2, 3, or 4 seats).  

• Specific versions such as the Coupé de Ville, the Taxi (in landaulet or saloon versions), and the Normande utility vehicle.  

  
  

Rapid evolution: From B14 to B14F

Success was immediate, but true to his spirit of continuous improvement, André Citroën evolved the model very quickly. As early as March 1927, the B14 gave way to the B14F. Although the general aesthetics remained faithful to the original design, the technical improvements were notable. The main difference lay in the generalization and optimization of the Westinghouse servo brake, which became a major selling point to reassure a public increasingly concerned about road safety.

The B14F also benefited from mechanical tweaks aimed at improving driving comfort and the flexibility of its 8 fiscal HP engine. The vehicle's weight, around 1100 kg , was perfectly managed by the 3-speed gearbox. This industrial responsiveness allowed Citroën to maintain high production rates at its Javel plant, consolidating its position as a leader in the French market against competitors struggling to keep up with technological innovations and mass production methods imported from the United States.  

Maturity with the B14G and transition to the C4

The final evolution of this lineage was presented at the Paris Motor Show in October 1927 under the name B14G. This version represented the culmination of the B14 concept before moving to a new generation of vehicles. The changes compared to previous versions were essentially aesthetic and practical, notably with more rounded roof corners on the saloons to refine the car's silhouette.

Despite its undeniable qualities and massive commercial success with a total of 127,600 units produced, the B14's career was extremely short. By 1928, it was replaced by the Citroën C4. This rapid transition reflects the acceleration of technical progress at the end of the 1920s. The B14G served as a bridge, perfecting all-steel technology and assisted braking while paving the way for the more modern and powerful models that would define the following decade. Today, it remains a prized collector's item, symbolizing the golden age of industrial production at Javel.  

A lasting legacy in the history of the Chevrons

In conclusion, the Citroën B14 can be considered the ultimate and most brilliant representative of the "Type B" cars. Having taken over from the pioneering Type A, the B lineage ended with this model to make room for the new Type C nomenclature with the C4 in 1928. However, the B14's influence goes beyond its technical specifications. By democratizing the "All-Steel" body and introducing the servo brake on a popular vehicle, it proved that innovation was not reserved for luxury cars. In 2026, celebrating the centenary of the B14 means honoring a vision: that of a safe, robust, and accessible automobile—values that continue to guide Citroën a century later.