- DS, an icon of design

Citroën celebrates its centenary with a showcase of revolutionary vehicles

London Classic Car Show exhibits Citroën's influence over past 100 years

We’ve reached that stage in history where remarkable automotive brands are reaching important landmark anniversaries. This year, it’s the 100th anniversary of one of the most daring and revolutionary of manufacturers, Citroen.

Since its launch in 1919, Citroen has made a habit of producing iconic game changing vehicles. In 1924, it introduced the Citroen B10, the first all-steel body car in Europe, launched at the Paris Motor Show in an era when most vehicles were still using wooden structures.

In 1933 it introduced the Rosalie, the first commercially available passenger car with a diesel engine.

Then, a year later, the big one: it launched the Traction Avant, a vehicle that firmly established its reputation for innovation and technology, remaining in production until 1957. Amongst its many revolutionary aspects, it was the first mass produced car to incorporate a monocoque chassis and the first to introduce front wheel drive. The Traction Avant also became the first car in the world to lose the running board, changing the way you entered the car.

Twenty years later, in 1954 Citroën developed the world’s first hydropneumatic self-levelling suspension system. Initially incorporated in the rear suspension of the Traction, it became a core feature in the futuristic looking DS, launched in 1955. Perhaps one of the most instantly recognisable hallmarks of French design, the DS also became the first mass produced car to incorporate modern disc brakes and, in 1968, a pioneer of swivelling headlights, designed to improve visibility on winding roads.

As if the DS and Traction Avant weren’t enough to stamp its mark on the revolutionary design front, it also launched the French farmer’s favourite, the 2CV. Introduced in 1938, the 2CV pioneered a soft interconnected suspension system in an affordable package, that remained in production until 1990.

Having produced over 300 models in a daring romp through automotive history, ten of Citroën's most prominent vehicles will be on display at the London Classic Car Show in ExCeL, as part of a celebration of its centenary. The vehicles will include:

1926 Citroen B12 Taxi – the only surviving example of its kind in the UK and one of a few left in the world .

Citroen Traction Avant

Citroen Traction Avant

Citroen Traction Avant – the car at the show was built in 1939 and registered 15 days after the outbreak of the Second World War, making it one of the last cars to leave the factory.

Citroen Type H Van

Citroen Type H Van

Citroen Type H Van – the first front wheel drive van in wide circulation. Launched in 1947 and remaining in production without major change until replacement by the C25 in 1981

Citroen 2CV

Citroen 2CV

Citroen 2CV – the show model will be a 1964 2CV AZAM, one of only five of its specification left in the UK.

Citroën DS

Citroën DS

Citroen DS – nicknamed the Flying saucer on account of its futuristic design, the hydropneumatic suspension coupled with power steering gave the car irs famous handling, allowing it to ride on only three wheels. In fact, the DS19 of General de Gaulle was able to save the President during the attack of the Petit-Clamart, in spite of its punctured tyres.

Citroën Méhari

Citroën Méhari

Citroën Méhari – launched on 1968 , it was the first French production vehicle with a body created solely out of thermoformed plastic. As a result, the car could withstand scrapes, small bumps and corrosion as well as spray washable, both inside and out.

Citroën BX

Citroën BX

Citroën BX - In production from 1982-1994, the Citroën BX set a new standard for the brand; it’s one of the best-selling Citroën cars of all time and credited with saving the company from bankruptcy during the ‘80s.

Citroën SM

Citroën SM

Citroën SM - Unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in 1970, the SM was the first Citroën to have a five-speed gear box. The model on show was one of 1,500 vehicles that were exported to Italy, one of the best export markets for the model.

Citroën CX

Citroën CX

Citroën CX - Launched in 1974, and named after the symbol for drag coefficient to draw attention to its aerodynamic design. it was voted Car of The Year in 1975. Famed for its curved windscreen and a boot without a tailgate, it sold nearly 1.2 million units during its 16 years of production. On display will be a 1985 eight-seater Citroën CX Familiales in full ‘Prestige’ specification.

2019 New Citroën C5 Aircross SUV - bringing the exhibit up-to-date, an SUV that incorporates a value-driven range of driver assistance and connectivity technologies.

Click here for further details on the London Classic Car Show and to buy tickets. Use the code "DRIVETRIBE" to get 2 tickets for £40, a 20% saving on the advance ticket price.

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