Model Car 1934 gray Citroën Traction 7A (plexi box)
Scale 1/43
Tarnished and worn case
Base and box slightly warped on the back side
Your payment information is processed securely.
){kind=link}
Citroën Traction 7A 1934: An Automotive Legend in Miniature
This 1934 Citroën Traction 7A miniature in gray captures the essence of one of the most revolutionary automobiles in history. A true icon of French industry, this faithful reproduction will delight collectors with a passion for vintage cars and technical innovation. This collector's item is a testament to the visionary genius of André Citroën and his team of engineers, who revolutionized the automotive world in the 1930s.
Presented in its protective plexiglass case , this miniature is a precious testimony to the golden age of French automobiles. Its historical authenticity and careful finish make it an essential item for any model car enthusiast wishing to enrich their collection with an emblematic piece from the interwar period.
Miniature Features
- Model : Citroën Traction 7A
- Brand : Citroën
- Year : 1934
- Scale : 1/43rd
- Color : Gray
- Protective case included : Yes
Front-Wheel Drive: A Technical Revolution
Launched in May 1934 , the Citroën Traction Avant represented a major technological breakthrough in the global automotive industry. André Citroën and his team of engineers, led by André Lefèbvre, designed a revolutionary vehicle that abandoned the traditional driveshaft transmission in favor of a front-wheel drive architecture. This technical innovation, combined with a self-supporting monocoque body, gave the Traction exceptional road holding and road handling that was unprecedented for the time.
The Traction 7A is distinguished by its 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine developing 32 horsepower, enough to propel this 950 kg sedan to a top speed of 95 km/h. Its low, elegant line, the result of the work of Italian designer Flaminio Bertoni, marks a modern automotive aesthetic that would have a lasting influence on European vehicle design. The remarkable interior space, made possible by the absence of the transmission tunnel, and the ease of driving quickly made the Traction a European sales success.
The 7A model, produced between 1934 and 1941, inaugurated the Traction dynasty with nearly 25,000 units manufactured. This car democratized access to advanced technologies and laid the foundations for the modern French automobile, foreshadowing the future innovations of the chevron brand.
Citroën in the 1930s: Audacity and Innovation
In 1934, Citroën entered a pivotal period in its history. Founded in 1919 by André Citroën, the brand quickly established itself as a pioneer of the French automotive industry thanks to constant innovation and a modern industrial vision. The company, which revolutionized mass production in France with its Ford-inspired methods, experienced rapid growth during the 1920s with models like the Type A and the B2.
The year 1934 marked Citroën's creative peak but also the beginning of major financial difficulties. The colossal investments made to develop the Traction Avant, estimated at more than 800 million francs , put the company in great difficulty. Despite the technical genius of its engineers and the audacity of its technological choices, Citroën had to face economic challenges that would lead to its takeover by Michelin in December 1934.
This period perfectly illustrates the Citroën spirit: a brand capable of taking considerable risks to advance the automobile, even if it meant compromising its financial stability. This philosophy of constant innovation, embodied by the Traction, would define Citroën's DNA for the following decades and influence legendary models such as the 2CV, DS, and CX.
A Legendary Car with a Thousand Faces
The Citroën Traction Avant went far beyond the automobile to become a true French cultural phenomenon. During the Occupation, its robustness and reliability made it the vehicle of choice for resistance fighters, but also, paradoxically, for the Vichy police and gendarmerie. This symbolic duality testifies to the universality of a model that transcended the social and political divisions of the time.
The most famous story remains that of the Traction Avant gang , the nickname given to Pierre Loutrel, known as "Pierrot le Fou" and his gang in the 1940s. These Parisian criminals exclusively used Tractions for their crimes, exploiting the vehicle's exceptional road qualities to lose their pursuers. This unexpected use paradoxically contributed to forging the legend of the Traction, demonstrating its extraordinary dynamic capabilities.
In cinema, the Traction quickly became the quintessential French automobile . From Henri-Georges Clouzot's "Quai des Orfèvres" in 1947 to the films of Jean-Pierre Melville, it embodied French elegance from the 1930s to the 1950s. This cinematic presence helped anchor the Traction in the French collective imagination, where it symbolized an era of innovation and industrial refinement.
Even more surprisingly, the Traction enjoyed an unexpected second career in Africa and South America, where its legendary robustness allowed it to travel on difficult roads until the 1990s. Some examples, converted into taxis in Casablanca or utility vehicles in Argentina, accumulated mileages exceeding one million kilometers, the ultimate testimony to the design quality of this revolutionary automobile .
Complete Your Citroën Miniature Collection
This 1934 Traction 7A is a masterpiece for any collector looking to retrace the history of French motoring. It fits perfectly into a collection dedicated to Citroën model cars , alongside other iconic models such as the 2CV or the DS. Fans of classic model cars will find here an authentic testament to the automotive innovation of the 1930s.
This miniature also fits in with thematic collections dedicated to French automobiles or historic sedans . Collectors with a passion for automotive history will enjoy displaying it alongside contemporary models such as Peugeots from the 1930s or Renaults from the interwar period .
Intended for discerning collectors and French automobile enthusiasts, this faithful reproduction of the Traction 7A will also appeal to lovers of authentic vintage objects. Its presentation in a protective case facilitates display and conservation, guaranteeing the longevity of this collector's item in the most demanding display cases. This miniature represents a heritage investment for lovers of 1/43 scale models and is a deserved tribute to one of the most influential automobiles in French history.
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.
What our customers say
Customer feedback and testimonials