Look at that car. No big deal, right? Just another vintage machine... okay, maybe better looking because of its raked grille and flowing fenders, but nothing to write home about perhaps. If that's what you're thinking, then turn the page.
But, if you're still reading this, you'd better recognise one of the most advanced cars in the history of mankind. I admit it may not look the part, but it was a technological tour de force nonetheless. You know that under their dumpy skins, other Citroens like the 2CV boasted a host of innovations, while the DS was actually as futuristic as it looked. But it is with the Traction Avant that Citroen started it all, and got into the habit of making highly innovative automobiles.
When it was launched in 1934, the Traction Avant was the first mass-produced car that featured monocoque construction with front-wheel drive – that's what it's famous for – but there's more to it. It came with independent front suspension, 'subframe' mounting for the engine, gearbox and front suspension, hydraulic brakes, 'Floating Power' engine mounts, a lower centre of gravity, and a gorgeous shape crafted by one of the finest designers of that era. Phew! And later in its life – in 1948, to be precise – it even moved on Michelin X rubber, the world's first radial tyres. However, what it didn't have, and what I would have dearly loved at this moment, was power steering. If only Citroen had invented that too, then wrestling with the spindly three-spoke steering on Chennai streets would have been effortless.
Traction Avant, as everybody knows, means front-wheel drive in French – imagine a car being known by that attribute. What that translated to for over 750,000 drivers was better road-holding and driving precision. It's something we are used to today, but in those days it was nothing short of phenomenal. Most of the vintage machines I drive need constant steering corrections even to keep them on a straight line. No such issues here. Though the steering was a bit tough while on sharp turns, it eased itself once on the move. And the Traction was much easier to control compared to other cars I have driven of this era. It had none of that vagueness in the steering, nor was the rest of the car trying to catch up with the front; the marvel of an integrated body, no doubt.
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