A convoy called “L’Aventure Citroën Terra America” is already under way, having set off from the Citroën Conservatoire in Aulnay-sous-Bois (France) at the end of last May.
Two adventurers, travelling in a 1956 Traction Avant 11B, are set to cross the American continent from Alaska in the USA to Ushuaia - in the legendary Tierra del Fuego - in Argentina, following the world’s longest road: the Pan-American Highway.
A Pan-American expedition in the spirit of the Citroën Crusades
In keeping with the spirit of the Citroën Crusades (expeditions led by André Citroën from the 1920s onwards), this is billed as an unprecedented journey intended to raise global awareness of the fate of 21 indigenous peoples living along the route. In total, the trip covers around 40,000 km and passes through 14 countries.
The departure point, as mentioned above, was the Citroën Conservatoire-an emblematic venue that houses 280 of the French brand’s most significant vehicles, including the Traction Avant and the cars that took part in the celebrated Crusades.
Traction Avant 11B: a raid-ready classic
Introduced in 1934, the Traction Avant earned its reputation thanks to its toughness and mechanical simplicity-qualities that still make it noteworthy for use in “raids” more than 80 years on. Even in its day, it offered what were considered modern solutions, such as a steel monocoque structure, hydraulic brakes and independent suspension on all four wheels. Now, it is taking on another major mission.
Alaska: the start
The Traction Avant for this epic journey is currently being shipped by boat to Alaska, where Fanny Adam and her navigator, Maéva Bardy, will collect it on 20 July. Only then-on North American soil-will the first stage begin, running from July to September this year.
After that, the schedule is as follows: Central America will be covered between September 2021 and January 2022; Latin America will be crossed between January and May 2022; and South America between October 2022 and January 2023.
The entire journey can be followed live via a satellite relay, which you can access through this link.
This Traction Avant has already been to Portugal
Built in April 1956, this Citroën Traction Avant 11B already has decades of history behind it and many miles under its wheels. Bought by Robert Muller in 2005-a supplier of parts for rally cars-it was modified for so-called Great Raids.
Below is the extensive list of changes:
- Structure: body reinforcements
- Engine and gearbox: DX2, 5 bearings, CV 5
- Large-capacity radiator and twin ventilation
- Electrical system: 12V, alternator, electronic ignition
- Electric fuel pump and 70-litre stainless-steel fuel tank
- Reinforced triangulation of the front end
- Power steering
- Front disc brakes + servo assistance and silicone fluid, stainless-steel lines
- Original torsion-bar suspension, uprated dampers
- BX velvet seats with headrests
- Miscellaneous: seat belts, lighting, laminated windscreen, thermal and acoustic insulation, warning systems
- Windscreen and headlamp guards
- Storage cases bolted to the body
- Auxiliary heating
Between 2006 and 2017, it was used to explore the world, clocking up trips across many countries and regions: Australia, Morocco, Russia, Italy, Northern Europe, Argentina, Malaysia, Thailand, the Andes, Greece and… Portugal.
After all these journeys, the car was fully overhauled and its engine rebuilt. Now in its best “shape” ever, it is ready to “take on” its biggest adventure yet.
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