Vehicle model
Citroën Traction Avant
The Citroën Traction Avant is a sedan produced from 1934 to 1957, famous for popularizing two major innovations together: front-wheel drive and the unibody (monocoque) construction. Nicknamed "the Queen of the Road" in France, it is now a prized collector's vehicle with more than 750,000 units produced.
History
History of the Citroën Traction Avant
The Citroën Traction Avant is a sedan produced from 1934 to 1957, remembered for popularizing two major innovations brought together: front-wheel drive and the unibody (monocoque) construction (with no separate chassis). With its low center of gravity and superior road holding, it was nicknamed in France "the Queen of the Road." It established itself as a car ahead of its time and remains inseparable from the imagery of France from the 1930s to the 1950s, notably in period films. More than 750,000 units were produced. Paradoxically, its launch contributed to the financial difficulties that led Citroën under Michelin's control. It is today a prized collector's vehicle. In Quebec, an example on the road must comply with winter tire regulations, with specific period-correct sizes to be sourced.
Technology
Technologies, engines and platforms
The Traction Avant combined a self-supporting unibody, front-wheel drive, independent-wheel suspension and overhead-valve four-cylinder engines, an architecture ahead of its time that durably inspired the automotive industry.
Tires and wheels
Tire and wheel compatibility
Les Citroën modernes (C3, C3 Aircross, C5 Aircross) sont surtout des citadines et VUS compacts. Les jantes y vont généralement d'environ 15 à 19 pouces selon le modèle et la finition, les plus petits diamètres équipant les versions d'entrée de gamme et les plus grands les VUS et finitions hautes. L'entraxe (bolt pattern) le plus fréquent chez Citroën est de type 4 trous sur les petites voitures et souvent 5 trous sur les VUS plus récents partageant des plateformes Stellantis. Au Québec, des pneus d'hiver homologués sont obligatoires : pour ces véhicules à traction et au confort soigné, des pneus hiver bien dimensionnés améliorent nettement adhérence et sécurité. Vérifier toujours les dimensions exactes inscrites sur le flanc du pneu et l'étiquette du montant de portière.
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