This Citroën Traction 15 CV Grey TAXI by Solido is a magnificent testament to the golden age of French urban transport. This 1/43 scale miniature accurately captures the essence of a time when the Traction Avant revolutionized both the roads and the streets of our cities.
A true collector's item for French automobile enthusiasts, this faithful reproduction immerses us in the unique atmosphere of the 1940s-1950s, when these robust sedans roamed the Parisian boulevards proudly displaying their taxi sign.
Miniature Features
- Model: Traction 15 CV Taxi
- Brand: Citroën
- Year: 1938-1956
- Scale: 1/43
- Color: Grey
- Manufacturer: Solido
- Reference: 4536
- Protective case included: Yes (plexiglass)
The Real Model: A Technical Revolution
The Citroën Traction 15 CV was born in 1938 as the older sibling of the revolutionary Traction 7 CV launched four years earlier. Equipped with a six-cylinder 2.9-liter engine developing 77 horsepower, it represents the high-end of the Traction family. Its groundbreaking architecture with front-wheel drive, monocoque body, and hydraulic brakes made it an exceptional car for its time.
This taxi version stands out with its specific features: spacious rear seat, odometer visible from the outside, and of course the famous illuminated "TAXI" sign on the roof. Its legendary robustness and exceptional road handling quickly made it the darling of French urban transport companies.
Produced until 1956, the 15 CV enjoyed a notable commercial success despite its high price, establishing itself as the prestige vehicle for demanding professionals and affluent families in the post-war era.
Citroën in the 1940s-1950s
At the time this model was created, Citroën was going through a crucial period in its history. After the financial difficulties of the 1930s and the takeover by Michelin, the brand with the chevrons had to reinvent its positioning. The Traction Avant then became the emblem of this technological renewal, proving that technical audacity could prevail over prevailing conservatism.
André Citroën founded his brand in 1919 with the ambition to democratize the automobile through innovative industrial production methods. In the 1940s-1950s, this philosophy continued under Pierre Boulanger, who pursued the founder's work by simultaneously developing the Traction and the beginnings of what would become the legendary 2CV. This period marks the golden age of Citroën's inventiveness, where each model pushes the boundaries of automotive engineering.
The Anecdote: The Traction of Resistance Fighters and Gangsters
The Citroën Traction has a notorious reputation that exceeds its status as a mere automobile. During the Occupation, it paradoxically became the vehicle of choice for both French resistance fighters and collaborators, creating absurd situations where the same cars served both opposing sides.
Even more surprisingly, the Traction quickly conquered the world of organized crime. Its reliability, commendable top speed, and especially its discretion made it the perfect tool for spectacular heists in the post-war period. The famous gangsters Pierrot le Fou and his accomplice used a black Traction for their misdeeds, contributing to the dark legend of this bourgeois sedan.
Ironically, this same car was massively used by French police forces, creating memorable chases between Tractions! This duality between respectability and marginality makes the Traction a complex symbol of the social tensions of the time, immortalized by French film noir of the 1950s-1960s.
Even today, seeing a grey taxi Traction immediately evokes the atmosphere of Jean-Pierre Melville's films, where these characteristic silhouettes glide through the shadows of cobblestone streets, silent witnesses of a bygone but unforgettable era.
Complete Your Collection of French Miniatures
This Traction 15 CV taxi occupies a special place in the world of miniatures dedicated to French automotive heritage. It fits perfectly into themed collections dedicated to French miniature cars or models from the 1940s, a pivotal period in automotive history.
Collectors will particularly appreciate its complementarity with other Citroën models, notably the other variants of Traction or the Citroën 2CV that will follow in the hearts of the French. It also dialogues with other Solido creations, a manufacturer known for the quality of its reproductions of French heritage.
This miniature will appeal to both social history enthusiasts and fans of fine mechanics, collectors specialized in vintage vehicles, as well as those interested in sedans with character. It represents an ideal bridge between technical innovation and nostalgia, perfectly embodying the pioneering spirit of French automobiles.
