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Citroën Traction Avant


Above Traction Avant prototype Below Type 7A

Below - the chassisless monocoque construction was revolutionary in 1934

The Traction Avant series of cars was one of the most revolutionary ever put into mass production. Among its avant garde features were:-


monocoque (i.e. chassis-less) construction
front wheel drive
torsion bar suspension
aerodynamic bodywork

The Traction was shown to an astonished public on 18 April 1934 and remained in production until 1957, at which point it was still in advance of most of its contemporaries in most areas apart from styling.

The development costs of the Traction bankrupted the company and it was taken over by its largest creditor, Michelin, who would remain in control until the mid seventies.

The Traction offered unparallelled levels of comfort, handling and roadholding compared with its contemporaries.

The first model launched was the 7A, fitted with a 32 bhp 1,3 litre engine, quickly followed by the more powerful 7B with a 1,5 litre engine developing 35 bhp and the 46 bhp 1,9 litre 7 Sport.

The 7C was launched in 1935, equipped with a 1,6 litre engine developing 36 bhp it replaced the 7B.

The 7 Sport was replaced by the 11 Légère.

The 7A was available as a 4 door berline only, the 7B and 7 Sport also being available as a faux cabriolet and roadster.