Many people know about the famous founder and genius André Citroën. But only a few realized that within 2010 now 75 years have passed that the world lost this outstanding man!

Time to remember, time to reflect: On 25-26 September 2010, the French “Automobile Club André Citroen” (www.club-a-citroen.fr) will celebrate a weekend related to this anniversary.

Since it is also the 150th anniversary of the famous 15th arrondissement, the Saturday will start off with an exhibition at the mayor’s place, a corso and Concours d’Elegance at Javel resp. Parc Andre Citroen will be held. Sunday 26th September will go on with a corso tour across Paris to the tomb of Andre Citroen at “cimetière Montparnasse” and to honor Mr. Citroen’s life, followed by a visit of the Conservatoire at Aulnay-Sous-Bois.

Inscriptions for participation are possible via the forms attached, resp via. the club website, or by email to acac@club-a-citroen.fr.

There are limited seats for a VIP part of this event – more details in the inscription form – and any applications must be filed before 15th August 2010.

The forms (please note that there is still a typo, it is 25-26 not 26-27 September of course):

Worlds leading vintage car trade fair, the “Technoclassica” in Essen, has been in 2009 a great place to show off both historical anniversaries as well as activities of German Citroen car clubs to the almost 170.000 visitors.

Well-known as the “Citroen-Strasse”, the 20-year-old association of all major clubs from Germany was showing off double-fold. 75 years of Traction Avant were celebrated with a TA Gauloises cabriolet, a Faux Cabriolet, Commerciale, Normale and Legere. On the other half of the booth, the 90 years of Automobiles Citroen retrospective started with a chassis number #189 Type A 1919, Panhard DB Le Mans cabriolet, DS19, CX Prestige, SM, and not to forget the well-beloved 2CV Charleston.

Supported by the new brand claim “Creative Technologie”, Citroen Germany presented three cars from the Conservatoire, a 1919 Type A Chassis “#1″, the original 1934 “salon de l’Automobile” Traction Avant 7A display with its separate engine, C-Sportlounge prototype (2005), as well as the newest model, the C3 Picasso Exclusive (2009).

On TC, overall more than 230 amateur clubs of almost all car manufacturers have presented their activities and celebrated worlds largest “family reunion” of the club scene. “The clubs are the foundation of the vintage car scene“, says Horst Brüning, chairman of the world association of vintage car clubs (FIVA, Fédération des Véhicules Anciens). “At the Technoclassica they make a significant contribution to creating an automotive journey through the last century“. Amongst them are the 12 leading German Citroen clubs.

In cooperation with the German subsidiary of Automobiles Citroen over more than a decade, the show has once more confirmed the successful partnership between the clubs and the manufacturer on joint public activities involving the history of the famous brand.

Thomas Albrecht, head of press at Citroen Germany, says: “I am delighted that there is such good co-operation between the German Citroën Clubs. TechnoClassica is really an international showcase. Especially the German brands like to show off here, and we’re proud to fly our flag on this occasion. Heritage gets ever more important if you want to appeal to people’s emotions, and we have such a lot to say on that account. Thanks to the excellent teamwork with and between the Clubs, our brand is able to put up a worthy display year after year.”

As one of the great takeaways from that show, Citroen Germany has launched a retrospective brochure about the anniversary which you will find attached to this report (PDF download). It’s been distributed in Austria and German-speaking Switzerland as well, and the Dutch, Norwegian, and Swiss subsidiary are preparing or have prepared translations of this document for their markets.

The spirit of creating results by working together as a team has been the basis for “Citroen-Strasse”. Lets quote the head of the “Citroen-Strasse” organisation: “Club separation has not been an issue for us for almost 20 years now. Since many years it does not matter whether eg. a CX must be presented by a CX club member – when its the right car we strive to bring it to the show, regardless from which club it is. Organized by a great team of friends, we share common resources and celebrate a good time – not to forget some “savoir vivre” with “Vin Traction Avant” or “Chateau DS”, cheese, baguettes and alikes, and all that in front of a French bistro scenery. Did I mention there were some cars?”

Similar says organizer Leon Franssen from SIHA, the Techno-Classica show owner: “Despite hard basic conditions, our exhibitors noticed a heavy demand and respectable sales conclusions. Customers have more expertise than they used to have, they are also more demanding and critical, they check and compare more intensely than before. But they also accept adequate prices for decent quality“.

Next TC will take place 7-11 April 2010 at Messe Essen. Why not already plan for your next trip to Germany in spring 2010, and have a look?

Contact the Germany delegates for more activities around the double chevron: info@amicale-citroen.de

On behalf of the ACI Germany delegates, Stephan Joest, who is also the project manager of the Technoclassica Citroen club stand.

On the “Traction Avant!” club Germany homepage you can find a selection of pictures in their gallery, please check out:

http://tractionavant.com/

On the same website you will also find the PDF download of the “90 years” anniversary brochure (German language though).

This unforgettable event in Arras, in the North Pas-de-Calais region, to celebrate the 75th birthday of the famous Citroën Traction Avant, has brought together more than 1000 Tractions from all over Europe and many more visitors from very distant countries.

Walter Homberger, ACI Event Manager, shares his impressions with you:

“It was without a doubt a big success and will be remembered by every Tractionist who was present in Arras. The organizing team, consisting of members from NL-TAN, B-BOCC, GB-TOC and F-TU, under the guidance of their president André Jacquemain, has done a wonderful job. Congratulations to all of them!

Everyone was impressed by the professionalism of the organization, the exceptional quality of the cars shown in the Museum and all other animations which were offered. The program which was presented during the three days was so varied and full of highlights that every visitor could fully enjoy his stay.

It started on Friday evening with the grand garden party for over 1000 persons at the Pré Fleuri Restaurant, continued on Saturday with lectures by well known Traction Avant historians and the endurance trail in memory of Lecot. The Gala Dinner on Saturday evening was fully booked out with over 450 guests. Unfortunately space was limited, as many more people would have liked to be there. Another highlight on sunny Sunday afternoon was the Grand Parade, representing Traction history since 1934, together with traditional costume groups and local musical bands.

During the three days the two city squares, Grand’ Place and Place des Héros, were blocked of for Tractions only. It was absolutely fantastic to see hundreds of different Traction models parked in long rows on the cobble stone squares and watch local visitors by the thousand stroll between the cars and admiring them.

“75 hours for 75 years” was a superb celebration and will long be remembered by everyone! Arras demonstrated in a very positive way the true spirit of friendship between Traction- and Citroën enthusiasts from all over the world.”

There are many pictures and videos on the web about this great event. Find some eg. on the website of the Traction Avant Owners Club, UK:

http://www.traction-owners.co.uk/social/2009/75-4-75/75-4-75.htm

Enjoy!

The 2009 ACI Event Of The Year is 75 Years Of Traction Avant. We kindly ask all interested visitors to register on the event site now – with your registration, you help the project team to prepare a good event! Thank you.

Find all event information at:

www.75heurespour75ans.com