COBI 1934 Citroen Traction 7A Set 2263

COBI's 1934 Citroën Traction 7A is a 1:35 model built from 222 blocks under licence from Citroën, with a figure of a French Resistance fighter carrying a Sten gun and his unit's armband printed on his sleeve. All markings are pad-printed; the set contains no stickers.

The car that cost Citroën the company

The Traction Avant was years ahead of everything around it: front-wheel drive, a welded monocoque body with no separate chassis, independent suspension and hydraulic brakes, all in a mass-produced saloon in 1934. Almost every car built since works on those principles.

Getting there ruined the company. André Citroën had rebuilt his factories from scratch for the new production method and spent beyond what the business could carry. Within months of the car's launch Citroën was bankrupt, and Michelin — the largest creditor — took control. André Citroën died the following year, of stomach cancer, having lost the firm that carried his name to the car that proved him right.

The 7A itself was built only from April to July 1934 before a bigger engine replaced it, which is why the underpowered first version is now the one collectors chase. The Traction stayed in production until 1957.

In the COBI range

Part of the 1:35 historical vehicle series alongside the Horch 830 BL (2261) and the Sd.Kfz 10 tractor (2273).

Specifications

Pieces: 222 · Figures: 1 Resistance fighter · Scale: 1:35 · Licensed by Citroën
Model dimensions: 12 × 5.5 cm (4.7 × 2.2 in)