Citroen Traction Avant 11CV Normale Berline (1951)
INSTRUCTIONS AVAILABLE
The Citroen Traction Avant is notable for being one of the singularly most innovative cars in history. Unfortunately it is overshadowed in this respect by its immediate successor, the equally innovative Citroen DS - a car with arguably more radical appearance.
The Traction Avant, as the name implies, was one of the very first front wheel drive (FWD) vehicles. Not the very first, but the vehicle that largely popularised the configuration to the marketplace.
The configuration placed the engine inline, behind the front axle, with the gearbox ahead of the axle (this layout was also used on the Citroen DS and Renault R4, R16 and first generation R5).
The Traction Avant was also one of the first monocoque (or unibody) cars - a method which allowed mass reduction and a lowering of the vehicle profile.
The Traction Avant was first launched in 1934 in the 7CV and 11CV taxation classes with 4-cylinder engines. Over time further versions were added. Long wheelbase. Wagon, convertible and Coupe bodystyles. Six-cylinder, and prototype V8-engine editions.
The Traction Avant was updated in the 1950s to the version shown here, which modified the bumpers, turn signals and rear luggage door.
Citroen Traction Avant 11CV Normale Berline (1951)
INSTRUCTIONS AVAILABLE
The Citroen Traction Avant is notable for being one of the singularly most innovative cars in history. Unfortunately it is overshadowed in this respect by its immediate successor, the equally innovative Citroen DS - a car with arguably more radical appearance.
The Traction Avant, as the name implies, was one of the very first front wheel drive (FWD) vehicles. Not the very first, but the vehicle that largely popularised the configuration to the marketplace.
The configuration placed the engine inline, behind the front axle, with the gearbox ahead of the axle (this layout was also used on the Citroen DS and Renault R4, R16 and first generation R5).
The Traction Avant was also one of the first monocoque (or unibody) cars - a method which allowed mass reduction and a lowering of the vehicle profile.
The Traction Avant was first launched in 1934 in the 7CV and 11CV taxation classes with 4-cylinder engines. Over time further versions were added. Long wheelbase. Wagon, convertible and Coupe bodystyles. Six-cylinder, and prototype V8-engine editions.
The Traction Avant was updated in the 1950s to the version shown here, which modified the bumpers, turn signals and rear luggage door.