The chance that you will come face to face with a rare bird on a sunny day Citroën from the 30s is very small. The fact that you also get to talk to the owner about the history of pre-war models makes such a meeting particularly valuable. The Citroën The 4 AC 1930 F Familiale is one such venerable veteran that you simply cannot ignore.
Venerable Veteran
Your gaze is automatically drawn to this remarkable automobile. Its exceptionally beautiful condition and authentic appearance make it a real eye-catcher. This French beauty could be described as a technical wonder for its time, captured in wonderful shapes. The RDW data describes it as an “AC 4 F sedan in the color orange-yellow”. But that description does not do this car justice. A fitting addition would be: “shiny orange-yellow”, because its radiant paint immediately catches your attention. It shines towards you, and just seeing this car brings a smile to your face.
A bit of history: rear-wheel drive and innovation
De Citroën AC 4 was introduced in 1928 as a successor to the Citroën B14 and was in production until 1932. The model was intended to offer affordable luxury and comfort to a wide audience. Equipped with a 1628 cc side valve engine with approximately 30 hp, this Citroën a top speed of 90 km/h. That was impressive for a family car in the 30s. The “F” in the name indicates the Familiale version, a popular choice for larger families who needed a practical but stylish car.
The AC 4 was rear-wheel drive, as was common at the time, and had a sturdy chassis that offered both comfort and stability. What Citroën What made it unique, however, was the drive for innovation. Every year new technological gadgets and body styles were introduced. For example, this model was equipped with hydraulic brakes, a revolutionary addition in its price range. These constant improvements were part of Citroëns strategy to surprise and entice customers again and again.
Driving a pre-war car like this takes some experience. The non-synchronized gearbox requires attention and precision, and the heavy steering can be challenging. But that's exactly what makes this car so charming. As the owner put it: "Driving a car like this takes practice, but the more you drive it, the more you get the hang of it."
The charm of driving an 'oldie'
The current owner of this beautiful Citroën AC 4 F did not want to reveal his name, but was willing to share his love for this vehicle:
“In my youth, cars such as the Fiat 127, Renault 5, Minis, VW Golf, Opel Ascona and Ford Taunus populated the roads. My interest in pre-war cars often arouses surprise among my peers. But for me, the Citroën an eye-catcher of the purest water. On summer days I like to look for beautiful spots to let the car shine and share stories with fellow enthusiasts. Other road users always react enthusiastically, often with a smile, a wave or a thumbs up. It is my great wish to participate in the London-Brighton Veteran Car Run one day. Touring around with this old 'shicht' on country roads without haste... that is the ultimate enjoyment for me.”
A quest for history
Owning a pre-war car like this Citroën means more than just driving. It is a journey through time, where you discover more and more about the car and its place in history. Citroën AC 4 played an important role in the rise of Citroën as a pioneer in mass production and innovation in the European automotive industry. The model was a precursor to the Traction Avant, which in 1934 would surprise the world with its front-wheel drive.
The owner of this AC 4 not only enjoys driving it, but also the search for historical details. “I search the internet, browse through old magazines and contact other enthusiasts. It is fascinating to learn more about the origins and history of this car. It provides a nostalgic ecstasy and makes me want to share this passion with family and friends. Who knows, I might inspire them to choose the path of the classics as well.”
Why do we cherish these cars?
The preservation of pre-war cars such as the Citroën AC 4 F is more than just a hobby; it is a way to keep heritage alive. These cars are moving works of art that remind us of an era when craftsmanship and innovation went hand in hand. Fortunately, there are still enthusiasts who cherish these icons, and rightly so. Because once you come into contact with a car like this, you inevitably fall in love.
A must for enthusiasts
Want to read more about classics like this one? Citroën AC 4 F? A subscription to Auto Motor Klassiek is certainly worth it. Every month a glossy copy is on the doormat, filled with stories about eye-catching classics, youngtimers and oldtimers on two or four wheels. Request a sample copy? This could be the start of your own classic car hobby!
This is a fantastically beautiful car, top.
Coincidentally, we have a traction in the same colours, brown with beige.
I have overhauled 24 of these Citroen. That hydraulic brake system is unknown to me. Even the Rosalie bj 30 to I think 40 had cable brakes and just like the c4 and c4 torpedo these had a vacuum controlled brake boost. So I think something has been changed on this beautiful one which was also done a lot, mounting an alternator and switching from 6 to 12 volts
Vr gr p bead
Together with my father we restored an AC4 (built in 1928) in the 70s. The body was identical to the one in the picture. A friend of ours had a C4 familiale, the body of this car was a bit longer. This was clearly noticeable at the doors, the style between the two doors was wider and also visible with closed doors and the rear doors were also wider. The familiale was equipped as standard with two strapontins, these are folding seats that can be folded closed and open and were mounted in front of the rear seat. In my opinion the car depicted is not a familiale but a standard C4.
Only the first versions of the C4 had the designation AC (André CitroënThe car shown is from the 30s and has a different instrument panel than the first version, which still had the B14 instrument cluster.