This Citroën Traction Avant 22 faux-cabriolet from 1934 represents one of the most revolutionary models in the history of French automobiles. Reproduced in its original green shade, this 1/43 scale collectible piece perfectly captures the elegance and technical innovation that made this exceptional vehicle renowned.
A true symbol of French engineering in the 1930s, this miniature stands as a must-have for any classic car enthusiast and serves as a centerpiece in the world of French collectible cars.
Miniature Features
- Model: Traction Avant 22 faux-cabriolet
- Brand: Citroën
- Year: 1934
- Scale: 1/43
- Color: Green
- Protective case included: Yes
The Revolutionary 1934 Model
The Citroën Traction Avant 22 made its debut in 1934, marking a complete break with the automotive conventions of the time. This revolutionary sedan introduced major technical innovations: front-wheel drive, a monocoque body, and an engine placed in front of the drive wheels. The 22 model stands out for its extended wheelbase and faux-cabriolet body, offering a more elegant style than traditional sedan versions.
The technical characteristics of the original vehicle were impressive for the era: a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine developing 36 horsepower, a three-speed gearbox, and rack-and-pinion steering. This configuration provides the Traction with exceptional road holding and remarkable stability, revolutionizing the driving experience of motorists in the 1930s.
The commercial success of the Traction Avant quickly surpassed French borders. Produced until 1957, over 760,000 units were sold, demonstrating the relevance of the bold technical choices made by André Citroën and his team of engineers.
Citroën in the 1930s
In 1934, Citroën was undergoing a crucial period in its history. André Citroën, a pioneer of the French automotive industry, placed everything on innovation with the revolutionary Traction Avant project. This period marked the peak of the brand’s technical boldness, which was not afraid to invest heavily in cutting-edge technologies.
The history of Citroën began in 1919 with André Citroën, a visionary industrialist who quickly revolutionized French automobile production. Inspired by Ford's methods, he developed mass production while prioritizing technical innovation. The brand distinguished itself from the outset with accessible and reliable vehicles, such as the Type A, the first mass-produced European car.
Subsequent decades confirmed Citroën's reputation as an innovator with iconic models: the 2CV in 1948, the DS in 1955, and later the CX and XM. This philosophy of constant innovation, initiated with the Traction Avant, became the DNA of the brand and has had a lasting influence on the global automotive industry.
The Epic of the French Resistance
The Citroën Traction Avant holds a special place in the history of the French Resistance during World War II. Its robustness, reliability, and especially its discretion made it the preferred vehicle for clandestine networks. Resistance fighters particularly appreciated its ability to navigate all types of terrain thanks to its revolutionary front-wheel drive.
One of the most famous episodes involves Jean Moulin, an emblematic figure of the Resistance, who regularly used a black Traction Avant for his secret travels between Lyon and Paris. The vehicle quickly became a symbol of clandestine mobility, allowing resistance fighters to escape German checkpoints due to its unremarkable bourgeois sedan appearance.
This dramatic period firmly established the legend of the Traction in the collective French unconscious. After Liberation, numerous testimonies highlighted the crucial role these vehicles played in the fight against the occupier. This historical dimension partly explains the lasting fascination the Traction Avant holds for collectors and automotive history enthusiasts.
Even today, gatherings of Traction Avant attract many visitors sensitive to this particular emotional charge, transforming every piece into a true witness of 20th-century French history.
Complete Your Miniature Collection
This Citroën Traction Avant 22 faux-cabriolet fits naturally at the heart of a collection dedicated to iconic French cars. It harmonizes perfectly with other historic Citroën models, notably the DS of the 1950s-60s, creating a continuity in the technical innovation characteristic of the brand with the chevrons.
Car collectors passionate about the 1930s will particularly appreciate this miniature alongside other revolutionary models of the time, such as the Peugeot 402 or the Renault Vivaquatre. This prosperous period of French automobiles offers a particularly rich collection ground for enthusiasts of exceptional vehicles with timeless design.
Beyond Citroën enthusiasts, this miniature will appeal to collectors specializing in classic cars and anyone interested in the technical evolution of the automobile. Its 1/43 scale format facilitates integration into display cases while preserving the fine details characteristic of this legendary model.
