Mechanically similar, they incorporated a number of improvements to the electrical system to give smoother control.

[i][1] The locomotives operated from a 1,500 V DC catenary with two pantographs, powering four 990 kW (1,330 hp) traction motors.

[5] Post-war, the Paris-Lyon line was electrified and more fast express passenger locomotives were required.

[6] The initial production was cut short in favour of a Co-Co bogie design, the CC 7100.

It is listed as a monument historique[7] by the AFCL association[8] and has been at the Laroche - Migennes [fr] depot since 2014.