Citroen Australia remembers the 5CV that lapped the nation in 1925
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Citroen 5CV during 'the lap'
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18th August, 2015
- Citroen 5CV believed to be the first ever vehicle to lap Australian continent - 90 years ago
- Journey left Perth on 4th August, 1925 and concluded on 30th December of the same year – 17,220km later
- The vehicle was a second hand Citroen 5CV with 48,000km already on the clock
- Historic Citroen currently on display at the National Museum of Australia
Citroen Australia has marked the 90th Anniversary of the first circumnavigation of the Australian continent by a
Citroen and most likely by any vehicle.
Ninety years ago, West Australian, Nevill Westwood left on a journey that at the time was considered amazing - in
completing his journey it is believed he is the first person to drive around Australia.
His car, a 1922 Citroen 5CV, was second hand and already had 48,000kms on the clock.
The 5CV marked the commencement of popular motoring in Europe - it was cheap car to run and simple to handle – it was
a huge success.
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Introduced at the 1921 Paris Motor Show it was produced for four years, first in a two-seater open tourer version,
with most painted bright yellow.
It was also produced as a convertible and a three-seater open tourer.
It was known as the 'petit citron', which translates to 'little lemon' – owing to its bright yellow paint.
Four years after its debut at the Paris Motor Show Nevill and his travel partner Greg L. Davies left Perth in their
bright yellow 5CV.
Their adventures included passing the burnt wreckage of a car abandoned by adventurer and explorer Francis Birtles on
an earlier trip to the Northern Territory.
Along their journey, punctured tyres were filled with grass and cowhide, and in one incident, the car was carried
across the Fitzroy River by local inhabitants.
By Albury on the border of New South Wales and Victoria, Greg Davies had had enough and quit the trip.
Westwood continued and went on to Melbourne and Adelaide, completing his trip in Perth on 30th December, 1925 – during
which time he had amassed a total of 17,220km.
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Today, the significant piece of Australian transport history is displayed in the main hall of the National Australian
Museum.
General Manager of Citroen Australia, John Startari said that the milestone and the historic vehicle demonstrate the
importance Citroen has played in Australia’s motoring history.
“For the past 95 years, Citroen has had a presence in Australia and in this time the marque has launched unique
product, achieved great feats and always remained true to its French heritage,” said Startari.
“At a time when roads and support services were essentially non-existent, Nevill Westwood’s 1925 journey around
Australia in his Citroen 5CV was ground breaking.” said Startari.
E&OE.
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