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.