25 December 2014

Citroën Car Production By Model : 1945-59

Citroën was the first mass produced car outside the USA and in the 1920's it became Europe's biggest car maker. It was known as an innovative company, with many unique features applied to the cars. During WWII, it was known a company that did all it could not to assist the German occupiers.

The development cost and new factory for the Traction Avant bankrupted Citroën, and it's largest creditor Michelin took it over at the end of 1934. They owned it until 1976. The founder of the company, André Citroën died from stomach cancer in 1935.

Below are the production numbers from 1945-1959. Then a model breakdown after that.



DS 2CV Traction Total




Avant Production

1945 - - 1,600 1,600

1946 - - 12,660 12,660

1947 - - 22,878 22,878

1948 - - 34,155 34,155

1949 - 876 48,478 49,354

1950 - 6,196 58,667 64,863

1951 - 14,592 63,571 78,163

1952 - 21,114 67,405 88,519

1953 - 35,361 66,718 102,079

1954 - 52,791 52,426 105,217

1955 69 81,170 45,760 126,999

1956 10,858 95,864 25,342 132,064

1957 28,590 107,250 4,552 140,392

1958 52,527 126,332 - 178,859

1959 67,099 145,973 - 213,072

Data source: Freyssenet.com
2CV picture: Philippe Boursin

Traction Avant: It was made from 1934 to 1957. It had advanced features such as a unitary body, four wheel independent suspension, and front wheel drive. It was a classic car of it's time, like the classic song 'Sous de Ciel de Paris' which I have always enjoyed played with an accordian.

The Traction Avant. 

2CV: It's cheap and simple design was to keep the purchase cost down and get more people into a new car. It was conceived in the 1930's but only made it into reality by 1950. It was ugly, but incredibly practical and superbly minimalist.

The 2CV in a classic setting. Photographie magnifique 

DS: Prononced in French it says goddess. It was advanced in styling and execution, providing exceptional ride quality. I recall a family we knew owned one here in New Zealand and he was very proud of it. In a car of the century competition for the most influential designs, it came third behind the Ford Model T and the Mini.

The very advanced for it's day DS

Summary: A company that showcased French ingenuity and flair, it had interesting cars that soon gave the brand a loyal following.

Other years: 1960-69, 1970-79, 1980-89, 1990-99, 2000-09.

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