This 1934 Citroën Traction 22 sedan in grey and black livery is an exceptional testimony to one of the most significant automotive revolutions of the 20th century. This 1/43 scale model elegantly captures the style and innovation of this iconic model that forever transformed the French automotive industry.
A prized piece for any passionate French automotive collector, this faithful reproduction invites rediscovery of the technical and aesthetic boldness of Citroën during the 1930s, an era in which the brand with the chevrons dared to disrupt established norms.
Features of the model
- Model: Traction 22 sedan
- Brand: Citroën
- Year: 1934
- Scale: 1/43
- Color: Grey and black
- Protective case included: Yes
The revolutionary model of 1934
The Citroën Traction Avant 22 was introduced in 1934 amidst an unprecedented technical innovation. André Citroën, an indefatigable visionary, put everything on this revolutionary project that concentrated three major innovations: front-wheel drive, monocoque body, and a front-engine layout. This 6-cylinder 2.9-liter sedan delivered remarkable power for its time.
The model 22 is distinguished by its exceptional length of 4.8 meters, making it the largest in the Traction range. Its flowing and aerodynamic lines, headlights integrated into the fenders, and chrome grille define a new stylistic language that would influence European automobiles for years to come.
Despite its undeniable technical qualities, the Traction 22 experienced a short commercial career. Its complex manufacturing and high cost limited its spread, but it laid the groundwork for the modern Citroën philosophy: innovation, comfort, and technical originality.
Citroën in 1934: audacity above all
In 1934, Citroën was at a pivotal moment in its history. André Citroën, buoyed by the success of his previous models and his international sales network, engaged the brand in the most ambitious project in the French automotive industry. The company invested heavily in research and development, drawing inspiration from American innovations while developing its own technical solutions.
The brand with the chevrons benefited from a well-established reputation as an innovator since the 1920s. Legendary expeditions like the Black Cruise and the Yellow Cruise forged its image as an adventurer, while models like the B14 democratized the automobile in France. This technical and commercial legitimacy allowed André Citroën to make a complete break with the Traction Avant.
However, 1934 marked a paradox: while Citroën revolutionized the automobile with the Traction, the company experienced its first financial difficulties. The colossal investment required for developing this revolutionary range strained its finances, foreshadowing the takeover by Michelin that would occur a few months later.
The anecdote of the Traction "Queen of the Road"
The Citroën Traction Avant 22 entered legend due to a resounding feat: in 1935, a Traction 22 covered 400,000 kilometers in 300 days at the Montlhéry circuit, setting a series of reliability records that amazed the international press. This spectacular demonstration, orchestrated by Citroën to prove the robustness of its revolutionary mechanics, forever changed the brand's image.
Even more surprisingly, the Traction 22 quickly became the vehicle of choice for French police, but also... the gangsters of the time! Its exceptional road handling and superior performance made it the ultimate tool for high-speed chases. This duality created an urban legend: the same car that chases criminals by day can help them escape by night.
History particularly recalls the episode of the Bonnot gang in the 1930s, where stolen Traction 22s allowed criminals to regularly evade law enforcement equipped with less efficient conventional vehicles. This reputation as a "criminal's car" paradoxically helped forge the myth of the Traction in the French popular imagination.
Ironically, this same reputation would later appeal to filmmakers: many French film noir movies from the 1950s and 1960s featured Traction 22s, solidifying their status as a French cultural icon far beyond their revolutionary technical qualities.
Complete your collection of French miniatures
This 1934 Citroën Traction 22 occupies a central place in the world of French automotive miniatures. It fits perfectly into a collection dedicated to Citroën miniature cars, alongside other iconic models like the Citroën DS or the models from the Traction collection.
French automotive enthusiasts will appreciate pairing it with other revolutionary sedans from the 1930s, thereby creating an authentic representation of this decade of innovation. This miniature also fits well within a thematic collection dedicated to sedans or iconic French automobiles.
At 1/43 scale, this Traction 22 harmonizes perfectly with other models in this reference scale for discerning collectors. It serves as an authentic testimony to the golden age of French automotive innovation, appealing to both novice collectors and seasoned enthusiasts of 1/43 scale in search of historically significant pieces.
