In the Miniatures Journal, I share the history of your favorite models and brands. Over 100 articles, podcasts, and videos to help you learn more about the miniature cars you collect. You'll find anecdotes about specific models, brands, and eras.
Discover the Citroën Traction Model car Collection
Welcome to the fascinating world of Citroën Traction Model cars , a collection that pays tribute to one of the most revolutionary automobiles of the 20th century. At Bernard Models, I offer you a carefully chosen selection of faithful reproductions of the legendary Traction Avant, the car that forever marked the history of French and world automobiles.
A Specialized Reseller Serving Collectors
As a specialist car model retailer, I strive to offer you a collection of Traction model cars that is regularly updated according to arrivals and manufacturers' availability. This collection is not fixed but constantly evolving, reflecting the models currently in stock on my shelves.
The majority of these reproductions are available in 1/43 scale , the reference format for collectors, offering a perfect balance between detail and size. You will also find some models in 1/24 and 1/18 for those who prefer large scales, as well as rare pieces in 1/87 (HO scale) for model railway enthusiasts.
Each model is available in limited quantities , usually between 1 and 2 copies. This rarity is the charm of the collection: what you see today represents exactly what is available in stock, making each acquisition all the more precious.
Richness and Diversity of the Traction Collection
This collection brings together different versions of the Citroën Traction Avant , from the first 7CV models to the latest versions. You will discover sedans in their original liveries, commercial versions adapted to professional needs, as well as police and gendarmerie models that marked the era.
Collectors will particularly appreciate the pre-war civilian versions, the immediate post-war models, as well as the special versions such as the Traction ambulances and rescue vehicles . This diversity makes it possible to trace the technical and aesthetic evolution of this iconic model through its different production periods.
The Revolutionary History of Front-Wheel Drive
The Citroën Traction Avant, launched in 1934, represented an unprecedented technical revolution in the automotive industry. André Citroën and his team of engineers dared to innovate by creating the first mass-produced front-wheel-drive car, abandoning the traditional driveshaft transmission to the rear axle.
This technical innovation was accompanied by a revolutionary monocoque body , abandoning the traditional separate chassis. The "floating" engine on silent blocks and the independent front suspension provided unparalleled ride comfort for the time. These technical advances, now standard, were visionary at the time and influenced the entire global automotive industry.
Produced until 1957, the Traction survived the most tumultuous periods of the 20th century. It equipped French families for more than twenty years , becoming a symbol of modernity and reliability. Its exceptional longevity is a testament to the accuracy of its technical innovations.
A Legendary Car with Many Facets
The Traction Avant occupies a special place in the French collective imagination. Used extensively by the police, it became the archetypal police car in French film noirs of the 1950s and 1960s. This cinematic association helped forge its popular legend.
Even more surprising, the Traction played a role in the French Resistance during World War II. Its reliability and stealth made it the vehicle of choice for many clandestine missions. This page of history adds a heroic dimension to its legacy, transforming this civilian automobile into a privileged witness to the dark hours of history.
Culturally, the Traction symbolizes the French art of living of the time: understated elegance, confident modernity, and quality manufacturing. It perfectly embodies the spirit of innovation and audacity that characterized French industry in the mid-20th century.
Complete Your Collection of Model cars
Traction Model cars occupy a special place in the world of model cars. They represent an essential milestone for any collector wishing to trace the evolution of the French automobile. These reproductions fit perfectly alongside other iconic Citroën models such as the 2CV or the DS.
This collection is aimed at both experienced collectors and automotive history enthusiasts. Traction models provide a concrete illustration of the technical evolution of the automobile, from the revolutionary innovations of the 1930s to the refinements of the post-war period. They also provide an excellent starting point for discovering classic cars from this pivotal era.
For fans of French cars , the Traction represents an essential model that sits harmoniously alongside other French productions of the time. Its presence in a collection brings a historical and technical coherence that enriches the entire presentation.
The Perfect Gift Idea for Enthusiasts
A Citroën Traction Model car makes an ideal gift for many occasions. For a birthday, it will delight vintage car enthusiasts and history buffs. For Father's Day, it will allow you to share a common passion and evoke a bygone era. For Christmas, it will bring a touch of nostalgia and elegance under the tree.
This type of gift transcends generations: older people will rediscover their childhood or youth memories, while younger people will discover a little-known part of French automotive heritage . The Traction invariably arouses interest and opens the way to many conversations about the evolution of the automobile and society.
Product Characteristics and Quality
Each Traction Model car in the collection features the following features:
Complete delivery with base and original protective box
Metal construction (high quality alloy) for optimum durability
Faithful reproduction of the original model with respect for proportions and details
Package carefully packaged and protected to guarantee delivery in perfect condition
Detailed finishes respecting the aesthetic codes of the time
Historical authenticity of the colors and equipment represented
This attention to quality and authenticity makes each Model a true collector's item , a faithful testimony to the technical and aesthetic excellence of the original Citroën Traction Avant.
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The time André Citroën raced his Traction... before it even existed
A captivating automotive story awaits you in your inbox to enrich your knowledge of this revolutionary car that marked the history of French automobiles.
Did You Know? Anecdotes and Curiosities about our Miniatures
Why did the Citroën Traction Avant revolutionize the automobile?
The Traction Avant, launched in 1934, was the world's first production car with front-wheel drive. This technical innovation offered better handling, more cabin space, and safer driving, revolutionizing the automotive industry.
What technical feature made the Traction Avant so special?
The Traction Avant featured a self-supporting monocoque body, a first in the industry. This construction without a separate chassis resulted in a car that was lighter, stiffer, and more spacious than its competitors of the time.
How long did the Citroën Traction Avant remain in production?
The Traction Avant was produced for 23 years, from 1934 to 1957. With over 760,000 units manufactured, it remains one of the most iconic and enduring French cars in automotive history.
What popular nickname was given to the Citroën Traction Avant?
The Traction Avant was nicknamed 'the queen of the road' by its owners. This nickname reflected its reputation for reliability, exceptional driving comfort, and longevity, which made it the benchmark car of its time.
Why do collectors particularly seek out Traction Avant model car models?
Traction Avant model cars are highly prized as an icon of French automotive design. Their distinctive shape, with its low profile and flowing lines, makes them particularly attractive collector's items that capture the essence of automotive style from the 1930s to the 1950s.
