As the first series of electric locomotives after the Second World War, the NS procured a total of 60 units from Alsthom, which were derived from the French BB 8100. Externally, they resembled their prototype and also ran on two two-axle bogies with single-axle drive and without carrying axles, but they were designed for a speed of 135 instead of 105 km/h. They could therefore be used in front of all types of trains.

Although the locomotives had an irreplaceable position in NS operations for decades, they were extremely unpopular with the train drivers. A fundamental problem was that the buffers and couplings were attached to the bogies instead of to the locomotive body, which led to unsteady running. In addition, the insufficient space in the driver's cab, a noticeable draft around the legs and loud fan noise further restricted comfort. For these reasons, the NS even had to pay the engine drivers a surcharge in order to be able to persuade them to work on the 1100 series.

After an accident in 1978, the locomotives were rebuilt to have additional crumple zones on the fronts. A design was used, which resembled the “Nez Cassé” of newer French locomotives. The era of the 1100 was drawing to a close around 1990, when the 1700 series locomotives and the DD-AR double-deck multiple units were introduced. By 1999 all locomotives were retired. As early as 1989, one locomotive was provided with the old fronts and returned to the original paintwork. After being found in the Dutch Railway Museum in Utrecht, this locomotive has been operational again since 2016.