A French legend in model car
The Citroën Traction 7 from the "La Route Bleue" collection represents one of the most iconic models in French automotive history. This 1/43 scale model car perfectly captures the revolutionary essence of this vehicle that marked its era. A true collector's item , it is aimed at both car enthusiasts and discerning collectors looking for authentic pieces of French automotive history.
This faithful reproduction is a testament to the craftsmanship in the world of model cars, offering collectors a choice piece that perpetuates the memory of the technical revolution that the Traction Avant represented in the 1930s.
Characteristics of the model car
- Model: Citroën Traction 7
- Brand: Citroën
- Year: 1934-1957
- Scale: 1/43rd
- Collection: The Blue Route
- Protective case included: Yes
The original model: an automotive revolution
Launched in April 1934, the Citroën Traction Avant radically changed the global automotive industry. André Citroën and his team of engineers, led by André Lefèbvre, designed a revolutionary vehicle that abandoned traditional rear-wheel drive in favor of front-wheel drive. This technical innovation featured a self-supporting monocoque body, a world first that eliminated the need for a separate chassis.
The Traction 7, with its 1.3-liter engine developing 32 horsepower, offered exceptional road handling for the time. Its aerodynamic lines, designed in the Eiffel wind tunnel, and its low driving position revolutionized automotive aesthetics. The vehicle stood out for its ease of driving, remarkable stability, and unprecedented ride comfort.
Despite a difficult commercial start due to its high price and public distrust of this avant-garde technology, the Traction gradually established itself as a benchmark. More than 760,000 units were produced by 1957, making it one of the most produced French automobiles of its time.
Citroën: the audacity of a pioneer
In the 1930s, Citroën was going through a pivotal period in its history. André Citroën, the brand's visionary founder in 1919, focused on innovation with the Traction Avant. This bold strategy perfectly reflected the brand's DNA: daring to embrace technological innovation in the service of comfort and safety. The company, already renowned for its technical prowess with the Citroën 2CV that followed, consolidated its reputation as a forward-thinking manufacturer.
Citroën's history during this period perfectly illustrates the French spirit of automotive innovation. The chevron brand, with its experience in mass production inherited from the First World War, established itself as a laboratory of revolutionary ideas. This philosophy would later be found in other iconic models such as the Citroën DS , perpetuating this tradition of technical audacity.
The period of creation of the Traction also marks the height of the golden age of the French automobile, where national manufacturers compete in ingenuity with their foreign counterparts to impose their visions of the modern automobile.
Traction, star of the big screen
Beyond its technical qualities, the Citroën Traction Avant quickly established itself as a French cultural icon. During the Occupation, it paradoxically became the vehicle of choice for both the Resistance and the occupying forces, demonstrating its universally recognized qualities. Its robustness and reliability made it the ideal working tool for the most perilous missions.
French cinema quickly embraced this iconic automobile. In film noir films of the 1940s and 1950s, the Traction became the vehicle of gangsters and police officers, perfectly embodying the atmosphere of the era. Directors like Henri-Georges Clouzot and Jean-Pierre Melville made it a character in its own right, helping to forge its legend.
The most famous anecdote remains that of the 1976 Banque de France robbery, in which the criminals used a Traction to escape. This widely publicized story further reinforced the vehicle's mythical image in the French collective unconscious. The Traction thus transcended its status as an automobile to become a cultural symbol of post-war France.
This cultural dimension partly explains the ongoing enthusiasm of collectors for everything related to this legendary automobile, whether it be the original vehicles or their faithful model car reproductions.
Complete your collection of French model cars
This Citroën Traction 7 "La Route Bleue" occupies a special place in the world of French car model cars . It fits perfectly into collections dedicated to French cars and naturally finds its place alongside other emblematic models of the era such as the Peugeots of the 1930s-1950s.
Collectors with a passion for the 1930s and 1940s will find this model car an ideal addition to their chronological series. It also perfectly complements the other models in the "La Route Bleue" range, creating a thematic coherence appreciated by connoisseurs.
This piece is particularly aimed at discerning collectors seeking historical authenticity and precise details. It will also appeal to enthusiasts of French automotive history and lovers of fine mechanics who wish to perpetuate the memory of these automobiles that shaped our rolling heritage. The quality of the reproduction makes it a lasting investment for any collector keen to preserve the memory of these masterpieces of French engineering.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to understand the scales of miniatures?
Scale indicates the reduction ratio between the real car and the miniature. For example, at 1:43 scale, each centimeter on the miniature corresponds to 43 centimeters on the real vehicle.
Concretely, a 1/18 scale Ferrari model is approximately 25-30 cm long, while in 1/43 scale it measures approximately 10 cm.
What scales are available?
Our model cars are mainly offered in 1/43, 1/24, 1/18 and 1/87 (HO) scales. The scale is always indicated in the product sheet.
The smaller the second number, the larger the model car (e.g. 1/18 is larger than 1/43).
Does the model car come with protection?
Yes, each model car is systematically delivered in its protective box. This box preserves the collectible value and protects your model car from dust and shocks.
How is my package protected during transport?
We package each order with the utmost care: bubble wrap, appropriate cushioning, and polystyrene. Your model car is perfectly secure during its journey.
What is the delivery time?
In-stock items are shipped within 24-48 hours. Please allow 2-3 business days for France via Colissimo or 4-5 days via Mondial Relay.
The model car is no longer in stock, when will you have it?
It's impossible for me to know exactly when I'll receive a new stock because I receive arrivals in dribs and drabs. Please contact me so I can keep you informed as soon as it's available.
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