Discover this stunning 1951 Citroën Traction Six Cylinder Slough Green miniature, a model that captures all the elegance of this unique English version of the legendary Traction Avant. This faithful reproduction is a testament to the successful adaptation of the French icon to the British market, with its unique specifics making it a sought-after model by collectors.
This miniature is a true collector's item for enthusiasts of French automobiles and industrial history, representing a pivotal time when Citroën exported its expertise beyond French borders.
Features of the miniature
- Model: Citroën Traction Six Cylinder Slough
- Brand: Citroën
- Year: 1951
- Scale: 1/43
- Color: Green
- Protective case included: Yes
The 1951 Traction Six Cylinder Slough
The Traction Six Cylinder Slough represents a British adaptation of the famous French Traction Avant, produced at the Citroën factory in Slough, Berkshire, between 1934 and 1957. This English version was distinguished by several technical and aesthetic specifics, notably the adoption of a six-cylinder engine and right-hand drive suited to the British market.
The 1951 model benefited from the latest technical advancements of the Traction, with a 2.9-litre engine developing a respectable power for the time. Its body, while retaining the revolutionary lines of the French Traction, showcased specific details for the English market, such as reinforced bumpers and instrumentation tailored to British standards.
This automobile embodied accessible luxury of the post-war era, attracting a British clientele seeking modernity and technical sophistication, at a time when the European automotive industry was rising from its ashes.
Citroën in the early 1950s
In 1951, Citroën was undergoing a period of reconstruction and international expansion. The company, then led by Pierre-Jules Boulanger, was betting on the export of its models to ensure its growth. The Slough factory represented a bold strategy for direct implantation in foreign markets, allowing avoidance of customs barriers while adapting production to local tastes.
This period also marked the last years of production for the Traction Avant, which would soon give way to the revolutionary DS 19 in 1955. The Citroën brand was consolidating its reputation as an innovator, boosted by the success of the Traction and secretly preparing future technological revolutions that would mark the following decades.
The year 1951 represented a strategic turning point for Citroën, which was simultaneously developing its operations in Europe, Africa, and overseas territories, positioning the brand as a truly international automotive player.
A unique Franco-British production
The story of the Traction Slough holds a fascinating anecdote related to World War II. When Germany occupied France in 1940, the Slough factory continued to produce Traction for the British war effort, notably to equip Her Majesty's Secret Services. These vehicles, known for their reliability and discretion, were used by SOE (Special Operations Executive) agents for missions in occupied Europe.
The production in Slough also featured remarkable technical specifics. British engineers adapted certain components to local suppliers, creating a unique Franco-British hybrid version. The seats, for example, used springs specially designed by English manufacturers, while the upholstery embraced leathers treated according to British methods.
A fun detail concerns the characteristic green color of many Slough models. This shade, referred to as "British Racing Green" in some versions, was actually a compromise between British tastes for deep greens and Citroën's French color palette. This color became so popular that it even influenced some shades offered on Traction produced in France.
The Slough factory closed its doors permanently in 1957, marking the end of a unique industrial adventure that saw the birth of more than 25,000 Franco-British vehicles, witnesses to an exceptional automobile cooperation between two nations with such different traditions.
Complete your miniature collection
This Citroën Traction Six Cylinder Slough holds a special place in the world of automobile miniatures, representing a rare and overlooked model that considerably enriches any collection dedicated to Citroën miniature cars. Its British specificity makes it an ideal complement to the traditional French versions of the Traction Avant.
Collectors passionate about 1950s automobiles will find in this miniature a valuable testimony to the international expansion of the French automobile industry in the post-war period. It pairs perfectly with other French miniature cars from the same era, creating a coherent and representative set of this pivotal time.
This miniature is particularly aimed at discerning collectors and automobile history enthusiasts who appreciate rare and authentic models. It also provides an excellent starting point for a thematic collection on Citroën Traction or Franco-British industrial collaborations, offering many possibilities for expansion into other iconic models from this fascinating era.
