Letter from Roland Meignan to Paul Magès on his retirement (1974)

In this document

This handwritten letter, dated 20 September 1974 p. 1, is addressed to Paul Magès on the occasion of his retirement. It is signed by Roland Meignan p. 2.

Tribute to the founder of the hydraulic group

The author writes on behalf of "all my colleagues, from the hydraulic group that you founded" p. 1. He recalls his own career path: "At the end of 1942, I chose to come and work with you" p. 1, attracted by the idea of using "a new technique, rich in possibilities" p. 1.

He describes the development of the department, "embryonic" at the beginning, which became significant "under your leadership, over the years" p. 1.

Portrait of Paul Magès

Meignan praises "your dynamism, your perfect knowledge of automotive problems, your stubbornness" p. 1, comparing him to "the devil's advocate" going "to war in the manner of Don Quixote" p. 1. He quotes a motto attributed to Magès: "Everyone thought it was impossible, except for a fool who didn't know it and who did it" p. 1.

He asserts that Magès "contributed significantly to the brand's image through his innovative side, particularly aiming for comfort and safety" p. 1.

Hydraulic energy and the collective adventure

On page 2, the author describes the use of "high-pressure hydraulic energy" as "exceptional", specifying that it "was and still remains exceptional" p. 2. He pays tribute to "all those who contributed within the company" to this success, and mentions colleagues who "shared your beginnings in the Design Office" with "the deep feeling of having been pioneers" p. 2.

The letter ends with well wishes and the image of a "torch" passed on, which the colleagues promise to carry "despite the vicissitudes and constraints of the modern world" p. 2.

Context

Paul Magès is the Citroën engineer behind the hydropneumatic suspension, a flagship technology used notably on the Traction Avant, the DS (1955) and then the CX. The use of high-pressure hydraulic energy for suspension, braking and power steering was indeed a notable innovation in automotive history, associated with the innovative image of the Citroën brand in terms of comfort.

1974 corresponds, in the company's history, to a period of deep financial difficulties for Citroën (takeover by Peugeot), a context which is however not mentioned in the document. This date coincides with Paul Magès's actual retirement, after a 49-year career at Citroën, as evidenced by the photographs of Paul Magès's retirement.

Archivist's perspective

This letter has a value that is primarily human and testimonial: written by a close collaborator who says he joined him as early as 1942, it provides direct and personal testimony on the beginnings of the hydraulic department and on the personality of Magès, perceived as stubborn but fascinating p. 1.

It illustrates the team's attachment to its founder at the time of his departure, an event also documented by the photographs of Paul Magès's retirement, and the collective feeling of having lived through a "precedented" technical adventure p. 2. The red line annotations on page 1 suggest a later review or highlighting of certain passages, perhaps by Magès himself or by an archivist.

This document usefully complements the more technical items in the collection, by providing biographical and emotional insight into the recognition Paul Magès enjoyed within his own department.