The Citroen Traction 7A, also known as Traction Avant, represents one of the most innovative and significant automobiles of the 20th century. Introduced in 1934 and produced until 1941, the Traction Avant marked a series of technical milestones. Designed by the visionary designer André Lefèbvre and the famous bodywork director Flaminio Bertoni, the vehicle combined radicality and elegance. The introduction of the self-supporting body, front suspension, and hydraulic braking systems made this sedan a pioneer in automotive technology. The four-cylinder engine with 32 horsepower, found in the 1.3-liter engine, offered impressive performance at a time when most vehicles still used much more primitive powertrains.
This 1/43 scale model car is a detailed replica of the original Citroen Traction 7A and was made by Universal Hobbies. The model's material consists of high-quality die-cast, which is a crucial feature for model car enthusiasts – it ensures stability and impresses with a high level of detail. The collector "viper64" from the Modelly community added this piece to his remarkable collection. As seen in the photos, the model showcases precise details such as chrome bumpers, authentic headlights, and a spare wheel holder at the rear. The combination of black and white on the body is just one example of the manufacturer's dedication to historical accuracy and completion of the model. The shiny finish particularly highlights the classic design of the Citroen Traction 7A.
The 1/43 scale offers an ideal balance between detail depth and manageability – a must-have for any serious collector. Universal Hobbies has brought this historic vehicle to life in miniature form, allowing enthusiasts around the world to hold a piece of automotive history in their hands. The model's wheels are painted in black, with no brand of the wheel manufacturer visible. Additional details like window panes and side trims are meticulously crafted, doing justice to its historical original. The roof with its matte texture and the clear depiction of the front and rear doors are a testament to the high craftsmanship poured into this model. In 1934, the year of the Citroen Traction 7A's launch, significant historical events such as the formation of the Soviet Union as a federal state or the release of iconic jazz standards like "What A Little Moonlight Can Do" by Billie Holiday offer a glimpse into the era from which this vehicle originates.
The Citroen Traction 7A was known for its innovative technology that went far beyond what was common in the 1930s. Remarkable technical features included independent suspension and the hydraulic braking system, which significantly contributed to safe driving dynamics. The four-cylinder inline engine with a power output of 32 horsepower propelled the vehicle to a top speed of around 62 mph (100 km/h) – an impressive performance for that era. Furthermore, the vehicle was relatively heavy for its class, with a total weight of about 2,094 pounds (950 kg). Along with the low center of gravity, the Traction 7A offered superior road holding and driving stability compared to its contemporaries. The predecessor of the Traction Avant was the Citroen Rosalie, which was much more conventional in technical terms. The altered bodywork and surprising technical advancements made the Traction Avant a symbol of progress and modernity.