Citroën Traction BL11 - 1954

History of the model

Before being renamed by history "Traction avant", this one was originally named "7 CV", of a new conception, André Citroën will surprise the automotive world by presenting his last creation on April 18th 1934. The work of designer Flaminio Bertoni, who also designed the 2 CV, the Ami 6 and the DS, brought together technical daring and modernity in this new model: front-wheel drive, no chassis, hydraulic brakes on all four wheels... Mr. André Citroën dared to create a car from scratch like no other in the world, and to manufacture it, he dared to increase the surface area of what was the largest automobile factory in Europe.

It was after the end of the First World War and in the context of a crisis following the stock market crash of 1929 that Citroën, in financial difficulties, launched the manufacture of a "solution-rich" car at an affordable price by transforming its munitions factory to mass produce the famous "7". This car was in turn the car of the Gestapo but also the icon of the Resistance, and later became the preferred vehicle of gangsters because of its exceptional road qualities for its time.

By all accounts, the Traction really became reliable and mature from the 1936 models. However, the initial setbacks were to prove too much for the Citroën company, which went bankrupt and was taken over by the Michelin family.

In terms of anecdotes, it was the Traction that launched the long tradition of the French "official presidential car". The first models are easily recognizable thanks to their moleskin roofs instead of sheet metal. The Traction participated and even won many rallies.

Its production will end in 1957, after approximately 760,000 units were manufactured, to be replaced by the 2CV.