The day Citroën tried to fit a V8 into the Traction!
- Published on 28/12/2025 19:02
- Modified on 28/12/2025 19:07
On November 27, 1934, Citroën presented the experimental prototype Traction 22 HP equipped with a V8 at the Paris Motor Show.
Some cars become legendary without ever being produced in series. This is the case with the Citroën Traction 22 HP, an ambitious project from the 1930s that embodies both innovation and the constraints of the era.
In 1934, Citroën was already recognized for its significant technological boldness. The Traction Avant revolutionized the industry with its monocoque body, front-wheel drive, and hydraulic brakes. In this context, the brand aimed to create an even more powerful version: the Traction 22 HP, equipped with a large 3.8-liter V8, intended to compete with the luxurious touring cars of the time.
A big engine to aim for the elite
The project aimed to offer a prestigious, comfortable, and high-performing car, capable of traveling long distances with elegance. The fiscal power of 22 HP reflects the intention to position this model in the high-end segment, above the classic Tractions… and there the mystery deepens. Prototypes are said to have been built, but the records are vague and no unit was ever marketed. Production was jeopardized by Citroën’s fragile financial situation and the economic crisis that hit Europe.
Technically, the Traction 22 HP represented a significant step in automotive innovation. The combination of the V8 with front-wheel drive technology would have provided a unique driving experience at the time. Unfortunately, this model remained in the realm of ghost cars in automotive history.
Today, the Traction 22 HP remains a symbol of boldness and innovation. It showcases Citroën’s ability to push the limits of technology, even when economic circumstances demand caution. For enthusiasts, this project is a fascinating illustration of what could have been: a grand French touring car ahead of its time, ambitious, elegant, and technologically advanced.
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Only about twenty test units are said to have been produced, but despite various rumors and the passionate searches of collectors and historians, all appear to have definitively disappeared… The Traction 22 HP thus represents an unknown but essential chapter in French automotive history, a project that continues to evoke curiosity and admiration nearly a century later.
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This page is translated from the original post "Le jour où Citroën a essayé de caser un V8 dans la Traction !" in French.
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