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Citroën Traction Avant 15-Six Grey - An automotive legend in miniature
This 1:43 scale gray Citroën Traction Avant 15-Six miniature represents one of the most iconic models in French automotive history. Presented in its original gray livery, this faithful reproduction captures all the elegance and innovation of this revolutionary vehicle from the 1930s.
A true collector's item , this miniature is aimed at car enthusiasts and collectors keen to preserve the memory of France's great industrial successes. Its transparent protective casing guarantees optimal conservation of this exceptional piece.
Characteristics of the miniature
- Model: Citroën Traction Avant 15-Six
- Brand: Citroën
- Year: 1938-1956
- Scale: 1/43rd
- Color: Gray
- Protective case included: Yes
A revolutionary model in automotive history
The Citroën Traction Avant 15-Six was launched in 1938 as the top-of-the-line model in the Traction family. This model was distinguished by its 2.9-liter inline six-cylinder engine developing 77 horsepower, a particularly generous powertrain for the time. Unlike the four-cylinder versions, the 15-Six benefited from a longer wheelbase, which gave it a more spacious interior and exceptional ride comfort.
This revolutionary sedan introduced major technical innovations: front-wheel drive , which gave the model its name, a welded monocoque body and an engine placed in front of the front axle. These features offered remarkable road holding, a lower centre of gravity and considerable space savings in the passenger compartment.
The Traction's commercial success was immediate, transforming Citroën into a global benchmark for automotive innovation. The 15-Six, produced until 1956, represented the pinnacle of this range with its meticulous finishes and impressive road performance for the time.
Citroën: pioneer of the modern automobile
By the late 1930s, André Citroën had already revolutionized the French automotive industry with his Ford-inspired production methods and bold technical innovations. The chevron brand, founded in 1919, had established itself as a laboratory for avant-garde ideas, from the first all-steel European car to the popularization of the closed body.
The creation of the Traction marked the apogee of this innovative philosophy, despite the financial difficulties it caused for the company. This pivotal period saw Citroën taken over by Michelin in 1934 , allowing the completion and commercialization of this revolutionary project that would define automotive standards for the following decades.
The legacy of this era continues today, making Citroën a brand synonymous with innovation and technical audacity in the collective unconscious of car enthusiasts.
The anecdote of the Resistance and cinema
The Citroën Traction Avant occupies a special place in French history, well beyond its technical prowess. During the Second World War, it paradoxically became the vehicle of choice for both the Gestapo and the French Resistance. Its reliability, discretion, and performance made it the ideal tool for clandestine missions and patrols.
This symbolic duality had a profound impact on the French collective imagination. After the war, the Traction retained the mysterious aura that made it the star of French film noir . Films like "Touchez pas au grisbi" with Jean Gabin or "Du rififi chez les hommes" immortalized these gray sedans speeding through the streets of Paris, creating a true cinematic myth.
The film industry contributed greatly to the legend of the Traction, particularly the 15-Six model, whose elegant silhouette and characteristic six-cylinder sound were ideal for police scenarios. This car thus became the embodiment of an era , that of reconstruction and the years of growth that followed the war.
Even today, the mere mention of the grey Traction immediately evokes this pivotal period in French history, a mixture of technical sophistication and popular romanticism which gives this exceptional model its eternal charm.
Complete your collection of French model cars
This Citroën Traction Avant 15-Six naturally finds its place within a collection dedicated to French model cars . It harmonizes perfectly with other emblematic models like the Citroën DS or the other versions of Traction to constitute a complete panorama of French automotive innovation.
Collectors with a passion for the 1930s and 1940s will particularly appreciate this piece, which sits alongside classic models from the same era. Its transparent case makes it easy to display and highlights the finishing details characteristic of quality model cars.
This Traction Avant 15-Six also represents an excellent entry point for newcomers wishing to discover the world of classic sedans , offering a perfect balance between historical value, timeless aesthetics and accessibility for all collector budgets.
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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