Car : Citroën 5 CV Type C
Year : 1922
Engine : 4 cylinders in line
Bore and stroke : 55×90 mm
Cylinder capacity : 856 cc
Gears : 3 forward
Brake horse power :11
Maximum speed : 38 mph
Wheelbase : 7 ft 4½ ins (2.29 m)
Suspension : front and rear : 4 semi-cantilever leaf- springs
Citroën’s great novelty appeared in 1934. André Citroën’s specifications to his engineers were peremptory: the car was to be a light machine, revolutionary in concept, capable of reaching 62 mph and of carrying four people and economical with a fuel consumption of 28 miles per gallon. The two main features of the new car were front-wheel drive and its redesigned body. These innovations, particularly the front-wheel drive were not well received by the public and initially the 7 A was more criticized than praised. From then on all Citroëns have had front-wheel drive and because of this feature the 7 A, as the first in the line, and its followers simply bear the title ‘traction’. The sheet (metal) monocoque body was very low, making it easy to get into and the inside was very roomy. It was, however, poorly received because there was no running board. The 7 A’s engine developed 32 bhp at 3,200 revs and its maximum speed, in accordance with André Citroën’s specifications, was 62 mph (recommended maximum : 58 mph at 3,800 revs). In the 7 C the capacity was increased to 1628 cc and its power to 36 bhp at 3,800 revs. A total of 83,789 of the 7 A and its derivatives (B, S, C) were built. The basic design remained in production until July 1957.