Citroen Celebrates 80 Years Of The Traction Avant

FRENCH car maker Citroen is celebrating 80 years of its iconic Traction Avant in 2014 with a series of events dedicated to the famous model.

Launched in April 1934, the new model – originally christened 7A - revolutionised the automotive world with its low centre of gravity, all steel monocoque body, light weight and radical aerodynamics. As a result, the front-wheel-drive Traction Avant boasted standard-setting characteristics for handling and road holding.

Citroen kicked off the celebrations at the famous Paris-based Retromobile show in February, and until June a unique Traction Avant is being displayed in the My Citroën Adventure exhibition at the C_42 showcase on the Champs-Elysées in Paris.

This particular 1955 Traction Avant Sans Frontières 11BL belongs to the Traction Sans Frontières association, which travels the world taking part in vintage vehicle rallies and events.

The same car will also be on show at various locations in France for the remainder of the year, including Ferté Vidame on 13 - 14 September, which is expected to be the biggest event of its kind this year, with almost 800 Traction Avants expected to attend.

By Press Association reporters