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spotlight

We drove Citroen's greatest hits (2CV, Traction Avant and DS) back to back, but does reality match the legend?

Malcolm Flynn

Editor

22 Nov 2019

1 min read

Malcolm Flynn

Editor

22 Nov 2019

1 min read

At first glance, the Citroen Traction Avant, 2CV and DS might have you assuming France is on another planet, such is their relatively upside down and inside out approach to transporting humans on four wheels.

Which is great, because a world limited to the Ford, GM and Toyota approach to mainstream motoring would be pretty damn boring.

Each of the Gallic legends represents an excellence first, commercial return second approach to vehicle development, which largely explains why the brand went bankrupt for the first time just 15 years after it was formed, and again four decades later.

Despite two bankruptcies and ownership changes, this spirit of innovation and ingenuity, plus a healthy dash of French pride has helped the brand reach its 100th anniversary in 2019.

As part of the centenary celebrations, Citroen Australia teed up some very trusting owners who were willing to share their stunning examples of the 2CV, Traction Avant and DS during Motorclassica in Melbourne last month.

Thanks to Ted Cross with his 1987 2CV Dolly, Eric Bishop with his Traction Avant and Ian Downie with his 1974 D Special for this once in a lifetime experience.

Malcolm Flynn

Editor

Back when all cars burned fuel and couldn't drive themselves, Mal was curing boredom by scanning every car his parents' VB Commodore drove past. His childhood appreciation for the car world exploded during a three-year stint in the US, and serious questions were asked when he spent a good chunk of his uni career perfecting lap times at Wakefield Park. Mal got his big break scooping the VE II Commodore, before a stint at Overlander magazine and kicking off his online career with The Motor Report in its heyday. These days he's exactly the same height as Michael Schumacher and uses his powers for good at the helm of CarsGuide's editorial team. Mal proudly shuns brand allegiance and counts three young kids, an EH Holden, NA MX-5, KE20 Corolla, W116 Mercedes-Benz and the world's most versatile Toyota Echo among his personal stable. He also craves a Subaru Vortex, so get in touch if you know where to find one.

About Author

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