Explanation Of The Paris-Moscou-Paris Rally 2009
In the year 1934 , a real revolution took place in the world of the
car technology.
André Citroën was the first car producer who started on a LARGE
SCALE the production of cars without contained bodywork and without
backwheel drive.
The production of the Citroën Traction Avant was an example of courage and
intelligence. André must have had many nights without sleep. Levebvre , a genius
engineer , met André Citroën in 1933. Lefebvre had a different vision towards
car production. A vision that was ignored by Renault. Lefevbre could
develop his revolutionary ideas at the firm of André Citroën.
As a result a team of engineers could present a brand new car with the following
characteristics :
- Self – contained bodywork
( monocoque construction )
- Front wheel drive
- Independent torsion-bar front suspension
- Torsion – bar – sprung rear axle
- Much comfort for it's passengers
- Comfortable access
These characteristics were at that time impressive but not sufficient enough to
persuade the market.
Especially from the car industry , Citroën received sceptical comments
about the strength / ruggedness of the monocoque construction.
To overcome this sceptism , Citroën produced a film in which the contrary
was proved.
A Traction Avant was thrown from a mountain into a valley ! After the enormous collapse 2 gentlemen stepped out of the car without any injuries. They put the parts
back together and continued their journey pretending nothing had happened.
This part of the film in particular can de seen in the famous Citroën film :
“Si la TRACTION m´était contée….
There were also doubts about the front wheel drive technology and the
independent suspension.
André Citroën came to terms with the critism and decided to test the Traction Avant
during a non stop rally from Paris to Moscow , returning to the motherland of
the Traction Avant.
The car world was convinced and the production of the Traction Avant could
finally start.
In 2009 , it is exactly 75 years ago , that the test driver Francois Lecot competed in this
rally. For years , the significance of this rally has been underestimated. Without this
rally Michelin probably would never have turned up as the saving angel … but that
of course remains a mystery …..
To commemorate this historical fact we will participate with our Traction friends
in the Paris – Moscow – Paris rally , in July and August 2009 !
¡VIVA ANDRÉ, VIVA LA TRACTION AVANT!
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