Citroen celebrates its Centenary – was the first vehicle to circumnavigate Australia

Talking of French car maker Citroen’s centenary this year. The company founded by industrialist Andre Citroen who made his money during World War 1 building armaments. The company has a long history in this country and in the early 1920’s a small 5CV Citroen was the first vehicle to navigate mainland Australia – an incredible feat over inhospitable country – the car fortunately preserved in the National Museum of Australia in Canberra. And of course over the years Citroen has given us some milestone cars – the small 2CV or Deux Chevaux, of which 8.8 million were produced between 1948 and 1990, the Traction Avante – the car that pioneered front wheel drive, unitary body construction and four wheel independent suspension – and then in 1955 the introduction of the DS range – the first full use of Citroen’s hydro-pneumatic self levelling suspension system. Today it’s part of the PSA Peugeot Citroen Company, the local importer suggesting it now has product supported by a new brand focus with a return to comfort and design. I’m David Berthon
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