COBI 1938 Citroen Traction Executive Edition #2265

Cobi’s #2265 Citrogen traction executive edition is the historically significant automobile used by the French Forces of the Interior (FFI) during the second world war.  This set is uniquely marked with the ominous (FFI) on the door and comes with not only a french resistance mini soldier but also the well known general Charles Delestraint.

In 1934, this accurately nicknamed “Reine de la Route” (Queen of the Road) revolutionized French car production. The monocoque chassis, front-wheel drive, and four-wheel independent suspension not only contributed to the Citroën Traction Avant’s uniquely low and slender shape, but these techniques also gave the vehicle better handling than other sedans. According to French law, all cars made under French production were named from the vehicle’s taxable-horsepower rating, including the 11CV BL. Due to its lightness compared to other vehicles of the time, the Citroën Traction Avant could reach 62 mph (100 km/h) while only using 24 mpg (10L/100 km) of fuel.

Originally, the French army was unimpressed with the Citroën Traction Avant because they believed it was too low to the ground. However, by September 1939, around 250 were being utilized in military service. As more cars were lost at the frontier, Citroën supplied 570 Traction Avants between the mere 3 months of February to May 1940. However, the French army lost, and their vehicles were requisitioned by the German military. The German army registered their Citroën Traction Avants with license plates with WH (Wehrmacht Heer/Army command). However, the Resistance also favored the Citroën Traction Avants. As the German forces cleared from France, the Citroën Traction Avant ruled her French roads. The reclaimed Citroën Traction Avants were proudly inscribed on the doors with FFI (Forces françaises de l’Intérieur/ French Forces of the Interior), representing the Free French Army. The history of the Citroën Traction Avants tells how a unique car can become a symbol of horror to being reclaimed as a symbol of hope.