We have just learned today, after funeral services took place at a cemetery this afternoon in Villers-sur-le-Roule, France, that Etienne Christian passed away a few days ago.
For decades Etienne was the president of the “Citroën Club France” and for more than 50 years one of the great activists on the French enthusiast scene. At this year’s Paris Retromobile he presented and autographed his last book: “André Citroën – Souvenirs d’une Collaboration 1922-1934” which is a new edition of the book written in 1935 by Charles Rocherand about his friend Andre Citroën.
Etienne’s commitment to Citroën has led to the creation of several books, one of the last being a book about the 2CV and its derivatives.
Etienne was also one of the great connoisseurs and specialists on the Croisières and Kégresse vehicle (also referred to as half-tracks). He was a close friend of the daughter of Croisière director Audouin-Dubreuil – who has also published some books about them.
His contribution to Citroën history in North America must be noted as he authored two books about La Croisière Blanche, the Western Canada crossing attempt with Kégresse vehicles that occurred from July 1934 – October 1934, and was the fourth car raid organized by André Citroën on the initiative of Charles Bedaux.
In 2019, Etienne’s wife Marie, who had been handling much of his activities, handed over the management of the Citroën Club France to Alain Lassalle, who was secretary of the “Amicale Citroën & DS France” until Retromobile 2019 (and who is known to some people through his restoration project of the famous 1933 Rosalie 15 CV Speedster).
This picture of Etienne was taken this year’s Retromobile.
