As early as 1917, Citroën investigated the development of a light car of the medium range, under the direction of Jules Salomon.

The shorter 2,550 mm (100.4 in) wheelbase chassis was available only on demand until the start of 1920 after which the option was withdrawn in order to maximize standardization and derive the resulting cost and efficiency benefits.

[2] The final drive used a bevel gear with herringbone teeth, whose shape was the inspiration for the Citroën double chevron logo[citation needed].

After a slightly hesitant start in 1919, sales took off in 1920, during which more than 20,000 cars emerged from the factory in a single year.

The car was a 10 CV (fiscal power) and was advertised as such with the then more common English name "Horsepower" as 10 HP.