The day Citroën tried to fit a V8 into the Traction!
- Published on 27/11/2025 16:34
- Modified on 27/11/2025 16:34
On November 27, 1934, Citroën presented the experimental prototype Traction 22 CV equipped with a V8 at the Paris Motor Show.
In the history of French automobiles, some cars become legendary without ever being mass-produced. This is the case of the Citroën Traction 22 CV, an ambitious project from the 1930s that illustrates both innovation and the constraints of the era.
By 1934, Citroën was already recognized for its major technical advancements. The Traction Avant revolutionized the industry with its monocoque body, front-wheel drive, and hydraulic brakes. In this context, the brand planned to create an even more powerful version: the Traction 22 CV, equipped with a 3.8-liter V8, intended to compete with the luxurious grand touring cars of the time.
A big engine to target the elite
The project aimed to offer a car that was both prestigious, comfortable, and high-performing, capable of covering long distances with ease. The fiscal power of 22 CV reflected the desire to position this model in the high-end market, above the classic Traction models. Prototypes are said to have been built, but the archives remain vague, and no examples were ever commercially released. Production was hindered by Citroën’s fragile financial situation and the economic crisis affecting Europe.
Technically, the Traction 22 CV represented a further step in automotive innovation. The combination of the V8 with front-wheel drive and advanced suspension would have provided an unprecedented driving experience at the time. Unfortunately, this model remained in the realm of ghost cars in automotive history.
Today, the Traction 22 CV remains a symbol of boldness and innovation. It reflects Citroën’s ability to push the boundaries of technology, even when economic circumstances impose caution. For enthusiasts, this project is a fascinating illustration of what could have been: a French grand tourer 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 research of collectors and historians, all seem to have definitively disappeared… The Traction 22 CV is thus an unknown yet essential chapter in French automotive history, a project that continues to provoke 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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