Citroen’s Le Conservatoire
Citroen is a brand with a rich and long heritage, with many innovations throughout its history. In order to ensure that this brand heritage is preserved properly, the company has established Le Conservatoire in Aulnay-sous-Bois, France. This facility houses more than 300 Citroen models, vast quantities of historical documents (up to 1,400 linear metres), and many souvenirs as well as other artifacts.
Unlike a traditional museum, Le Conservatoire is not open to the public. Its purpose is not to display Citroen’s history to the public – there are many other museums doing that – but to provide a secure place to keep important items, especially the cars, of the company’s history from its founding.
New items will be sent to Le Conservatoire continuously and according to a Citroen source, there is a steady flow of donations. Though not open to the public, it will still lend vehicles, when appropriate, to assist its business partners who may wish to have exhibitions or other activities.
ALL SIGNIFICANT MODELS
The vehicles housed in Le Conservatoire are, for the most part, definitive versions of the Citroen range offered since 1919. There are also variations of some models such as the Type A, 2CV, Traction Avant, SM and even the very first 5HPs (in C2 and C3 versions of the time). All the models are stored in a temperature-controlled section measuring 5,000 sq. metres.
Within the 6,500 sq. metre building is a section devoted to styling studies, concept cars and prototypes. This is an area which Citroen has often gained prominence and the models cover the period between the two world wars.
Citroen has also been active in motorsports as well as expeditions. Half-tracked models were used to make the first crossing of the Sahara Desert and expeditions from Europe to China; such achievements helped build the Citroen legend. There are also the special ZX models which won the Rallye Raids which won several world championship titles and came first in the Paris-Dakar events five times.
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