Could someone please help?

I am writing a novel and it is set in France during 1941 (South West - Vichy), I have used the Citroen 11BL as a car and have several questions:
Did this car have a key ignition and if not how did it start?
Should I use a 1939, 40 or 41 model?
Were these cars affordable, the owner is a town mayor?
Would you suggest a different more authentic vehicle?

On a side note does anyone have any knowledge of trucks in that era, anything used to transport prisoners etc?

Sorry for all the questions but I am trying to keep some authenticity.

Many thanks in advance.

Alex
30/09/2008 @ 01:32:06

There are other members better qualified than me to discuss 11BLs, although I'd say it would be suitable. As for trucks, check out the Citroën Type 23s and 45s on the site, also Peugeot DMAs. These last two were new in 1941. French members will doubtless be able to suggest others!

That's a great help thanks! Just had a look at the Citroen type 23 and it looks just as I had imagined - perfect!

Since French members have been rather silent so far, I'll offer a few comments they might care to endorse or shoot down:
(1) Re 11BLs: I suspect production from 1940 on would be exclusively for the Germans, so I'd suggest 1939 or earlier.
(2) Possible alternatives might be Peugeots (301, 202, 302 etc.) I'd expect the 302 to be comparable to the 11BL pricewise. In your position I'd probably steer clear of Renaults as pre-war production was very complicated. If you have time and inclination it's worth checking out the alternatives on the site.
Use the above with caution, bearing in mind that I'm British and only date from 1940 myself!