Citroën Traction Avant, and the innovation of 80 years back [updated]
Posted on 17-05-2014 at 16:00 by MrBrown – 21 Comments”
The Citroën Traction Avant was 80 years ago, the first production car with front-wheel drive and a monocoque body. This was an unprecedented and innovative car for its time.
Innovative technology
It was 1932 when engineer Lefebvre by Citroën to Renault was removed. He was commissioned to the French a modern car to develop for a wide audience. Something that in 1934, the Traction Avant was the successor of the Citroën Rosalie. A car full of innovative technology and with an exterior design designed by Bertoni. The Traction Avant as the name says, front wheel drive. But also the self-supporting body, independent front suspension, hydraulic brake system and overhead valves in the engine were 80 years ago, unique for production cars. The are even techniques that we in 2014 still apply.
Teething
Due to financial problems at Citroën had the Traction Avant with a low budget and in a very short period of time to be developed. The cleverer so that the innovation car. Unfortunately, ensured that the necessary teething problems. Originally, the idea was to take the car with automatic transmission to the man. Because the oil in the gearbox is too hot, it was was soon the name ‘frituurbak’. The technicians got that problem solved and so it was in the last weeks before the deadline chosen a manual gearbox to develop. This tank is now known as the most weak point of the Traction Avant.
Variants
The Traction Avant is available in many different versions. In addition to the original four-door variant of the soon addition to the family in the form of a roadster and a Faux Cabriolet (coupe/cabrio). Also there was the larger and broader “Normal”. The forerunner of the MPV is perhaps the extended ‘Family‘. It had six side windows, and camping stools and could accommodate 8 men. This car was also available with larger rear door, under the name ‘Commerciale‘. Without camping stools he bore the name ‘Limousine‘.
Also with V8?
There were three engines available in the Citroen, this ranged from 32 to 77 hp (called 7C, 11CV and 15CV). The brand has a number of extra luxury versions built with 2.9 six-cylinder and did not even prototypes with V8, unfortunately, that never went into production. The Traction Avant is 23 years in production and was in the second world war also used a lot by agents of the secret police. But also the French tyre manufacturer Michelin had quite a few Traction Avants drive. These she used for the testing of tires.
Hardly changed
Over the years, but there are a few modifications done to the car, the biggest external change came in 1952 when the spare wheel on the back disappeared. The most drastic technical adjustment came in 1955 in the form of a new hydro-pneumatic suspension system. Of which last there were about 3000 were sold, until in 1957, the Traction Avant was followed up by the equally innovative DS. In total, there are 770.000 copies of the Traction Avant built. The oldest running copy is in the hands of a Dutchman.
fotocredit: bassmaster
Update [Smoke]: On the occasion of the 80 th anniversary of the Traction Avant introduced Citroën a truly magnificent collection of photos available. In the gallery you can enjoy beautiful French scenes, sporting events, presidientiële Traction Avants, old adverts, and a breakdown in the various models (7, 11, 15, and 22). Put a accordeonmuziekje or what Edith Piaf, and immerse yourself in the Francofone photo shoot.
Gallery: Citroen Traction Avant History
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