The Traction Avant was introduced in 1934, it was the most succesful front wheel drive car at that time. Citroën used many innovative solutions, like the front wheel drive, independent front suspension and a lighter chassis. These made the Traction Avant lighter, faster and more manoeuvrable than other saloon cars of it's time. The last models were producted until 1957, in total few hundred thousands were made. At flat out it could reach more than 100 km/h (62 mp/h), which was ashtonishingly fast for a 4 door car back in the 1930's.
Citroën Traction Avant on Wikipedia