2024 is an important year for Citroën. In addition to the launch of the new C3 and C3 Aircross, the chevron brand is also celebrating the 90th anniversary of one of its most emblematic models: the Traction Avant. To mark the occasion, an exceptional meeting was held from 9 to 11 May at the Charade circuit in Puy-de-Dôme, bringing together more than 1,000 Traction cars from all over Europe.
A return to a revolutionary model and timeless design
Unveiled in 1934, the Traction Avant was a bolt from the blue in the automotive world, shattering established codes and ushering in a new era of motoring with its cutting-edge technologies - front-wheel drive, monocoque construction, hydraulic brakes and independent suspension on all four wheels.
Its exceptional handling, unrivalled comfort and streamlined aerodynamic design made it a symbol of innovation, modernity and elegance, and the Traction Avant quickly became a benchmark adopted by wealthy families, professionals and even celebrities.
With more than 760,000 units produced up to 1957, the Traction Avant defined its era and remains a powerful symbol of the Citroën spirit: daring, design and comfort at the service of mobility.This centenary event was an opportunity to rediscover this model in all its forms, from the most popular black versions to the rarer coupés and cabriolets that bear witness to the know-how of the pre-war coachbuilders.
At the heart of the event were extremely rare models such as the 1934 7 and 11. If the legendary V8-powered 22, which was studied but never marketed by Citroën, was absent, the numerous 15 six-cylinder cars, aptly nicknamed the "Queens of the Road", captivated visitors.
A shared passion and a promising future
For three days, the Charade circuit vibrated to the rhythm of the Traction Avant. Enthusiasts who had come from France and elsewhere were able to admire these exceptional cars, share their knowledge and anecdotes and, above all, enjoy themselves at the wheel of these legendary models.
The programme included exhibitions, conferences, track debuts and even a gala dinner: a convivial and family affair to celebrate the heritage of this legendary model. The atmosphere was one of celebration and conviviality, proving that the passion for the Traction Avant has never waned.
Far from being a car of the past, the Traction Avant continues to fascinate and arouse enthusiasm, as evidenced by the presence of young enthusiasts among the participants of this meeting.In 2034, on the occasion of its centenary, the Traction Avant will undoubtedly still have a lot to tell us.
"We had three objectives in organising this meeting: to pass on this passion to young people so that they can keep Traction alive, to keep this car on the road so that it is not confined to museums and, finally, to show that it has real enthusiasts beyond the borders of France. Of the 1,050 cars registered, 370 came from other European countries, most of them by road! "Jean-Michel Crombez, Vice-President of the Traction Universelle Club and in charge of organising the event.ent.
A reunion of the Citroën family
Over the course of four days, two of which were open to the public on Saturday and Sunday, collectors and enthusiasts took part in enriching conferences on the model, camped out in a special retro camp and attended a gala dinner. The event also included regional presentations and the baptism of the traction engine, organised for the benefit of the Habitat and Humanism association, which helps people in difficulty by providing them with accommodation in Puy-de-Dôme and Allier.
The atmosphere of the event was one of conviviality and passion. Participants shared moments of mutual support and good humour, strengthening the bond between fans of the brand. The presence of Michelin, a historic player in traction, the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, the Puy-de-Dôme department and the Charade circuit, demonstrated the local significance of this celebration.
One of the highlights of the event was the participation of descendants of the Citroën family, in particular Henri-Jacques Citroën, whose resemblance to his grandfather André Citroën is as striking as ever. Their presence added an emotional dimension to the celebrations and underlined the heritage and family character of the Traction Avant.
This great celebration showed that Traction still has a bright future ahead of it. Participants left the event talking enthusiastically about the upcoming centenary in 2034. This anniversary was not just a celebration of a car, but also of an important part of French automotive history, demonstrating that the Citroën Traction Avant continues to inspire dreams and bring generations together around the same passion.