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Citroën Traction Avant
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1934 - 1957 |
Country: |
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Engine: |
In-line 4 cyl. |
Capacity: |
1911 cc |
Power: |
56 bhp |
Transmission: |
3 spd. man |
Top Speed: |
70 mph |
Number
Built: |
758,858 |
Collectability: |
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by Bruce Tara
Made between 1934 and 1957, the Traction Avant is widely
considered the car that established Citroën's reputation
as a technology leader - utilising a monocoque chassis,
front-wheel drive, an over-head valve engine and torsion
bar suspension.
Even the first Michelin X radial ply
tires were introduced in this car! The Traction was a wonderful riding car, though lacking
in power.
The story of the original 1934 model dates
back to a meeting between Henry Ford and officials at
the Citroën
factory.
If you look closely at the car you will see
its resemblance to the 1934 Ford. While they agreed on the design, Henry Ford was not ready
to manufacture the innovative suspension and drive train,
nor locate the gear shift off the floor as required by
Citroën.
While the majority of Tractions were 4 cylinder, Citroën
did manufacture a 6 cylinder model that was used by the
French Police - whom obviously required a little more
power.
Citroën also made a two seater that looked very
much like the English Riley 2 or 3 Model - another 4
cylinder gutless wonder!
Few cars could be produced for as long as 23 years and
remain the core model of the company.
Even fewer cars
could remain popular before and after WWII. It was the
advanced design of the Traction Avant that made it such
a car. |