1934 CITROEN Traction 7 S Roadster 1.9

Vehicle Overview

Based on the same platform as the Citroen TA 7B, the S version featured a larger, more powerful engine.

The Citroen Traction Avant was not the first vehicle with front-wheel drive, but it was the first that combined that with a unibody bodywork. Due to that technological difference, it was 70 kg (154 lbs) lighter than a similar vehicle with a chassis. After Citroen installed bigger engines, the French carmaker changed the designation, so the 7S roadster became RPVS.

Its sleek and low height made the Citroen TA different than other cars on the market. The long hood and rakish windshield were ahead of its times. It still kept the flared fenders both front and rear and but without side pods. At the front, the rakish grille featured the big Citroen logo, with two inversed V-letters (double-chevron). To make easier access in the cabin, the carmaker installed rear-hinged doors (suicidal doors).

Inside, the car featured two individual seats for the front passengers and a rumble-seat in the back, behind the canvas-top. The latter was completely retractable and covered with a piece of fabric.

Citroen TA featured an independent front suspension with torsion bars and double A-arms. In the back, it featured a semi-independent suspension with an aluminum twisting axle, Panhard-rod, and trailing arms. It was quite an advanced system for those times. The 2.0-liter engine was paired to a 3-speed manual gearbox.