Today it’s exactly 120 years ago that the world-famous Eiffel Tower was inaugurated. Erected in honour of the World Exhibition in Paris, it took two years to built, from 1887 to 1889. Made to last only twenty years, it was soon discovered that the Tower was too valuable as a tourist attraction and as a means of communication. André Citroën also realised this and had his name put up on the Eiffel Tower in large illuminated letters. These could be seen from far away, much to the chagrin of Renault in nearby Billancourt who could read them only too well from his office.

To the Tower I would like to say: Congratulations on your birthday and may you last forever!


The photo -courtesy Citroën- shows a 1939 Traction Avant 11B Cabriolet

March 31, 2009