1953 Citroen Traction Big 15
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HIGHLIGHTS
• Original Slough-built UK car
• Genuine low mileage
• Very smart condition
• Amazing interior
THE APPEAL
Introduced in 1937, the Citroën Traction Avant was a true innovator. It was a pioneer of unitary construction with a monocoque body, it was front-wheel-drive, had rack-and-pinion steering and fully independent suspension – all things that many other car manufacturers wouldn’t adopt for another 20-30 years.
It was produced both pre and post-war with production in France and also in Slough, Berkshire. This one is a UK-built car and is a Big 15 – a model introduced in 1952 with a longer body and extended boot for greater practicality.
The past three owners have all been friends and Traction Avant enthusiasts, who have maintained it diligently. It’s a lovely old thing.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
• UK-built car
• Exported to New Zealand and reimported
• Enthusiast-owned with last three keepers
• Lots of invoices
• UK V5C
• Tax and MOT exempt
Built in Slough in 1953, the Big 15 spent the early part of its life in the UK but at some point in the 1980s it was exported to New Zealand, where it remained until 2004. There are photos of the car in the history file displaying its NZ licence plate.
It was reimported by a well-known Traction enthusiast and club member, who kept it for a decade before selling it to a fellow club member, who sold it to another club member a few years so, so it has been enthusiast owned for all of its life. The 47,000 miles are believed to be genuine. The car was also once featured on the hit TV show, Car SOS.
There are lots of bills and receipts for parts and repairs over the past decade.
THE INTERIOR
• Rare wood-rimmed steering wheel
• Beige leather trim
• Immaculate headlining
• Modern stereo, CD changer and USB sockets
The cabin of this car is absolutely beautiful, your eye immediately drawn to its gorgeous wood-rimmed steering wheel which is a rare option and highly sought-after by Traction Avant fans.
The wooden dash and delicate dials are equally charming, while the twin bench seats have been retrimmed in piped beige leather. The carpets are great and the headlining is absolutely immaculate.
THE EXTERIOR
• Older partial restoration
• Some minor marks
• Very smart and solid overall
• Rare Big 6 badge
Overall, the paintwork is in good condition. As with many cars painted red years ago, there are signs in a limited number of areas when you get close of the pigment fading but from six feet away it all looks beautiful.
There are some very slight rust bubbles on the detachable wings and a couple of minor blemishes and chips elsewhere, but overall it’s a fine looking car in lovely, solid condition and with no dents or damage.
There are some very slight rust bubbles on the detachable wings and a couple of minor blemishes and chips elsewhere, but overall it’s a fine looking car in lovely, solid condition and with no dents or damage.
It has never been welded and comes with some nice additional features, such as the original Big 6 badge on the grille.
THE MECHANICS
• DS 1911cc OHV 4 Engine with 4 speed Gear box
• Capable of 70mph cruising
• Additional cooling fan
• Used regularly
For a car fast-approaching its 70th birthday, the Big 15 is quite remarkable and advanced to drive, capable of motorway cruising and with surprisingly agile handling.
According to the vendor, a number of Traction enthusiasts have driven the car when at rallies and they all say it drives better than their own car.
He adds that it pulls away from junctions comparatively (for its age) quickly and accelerates smoothly up to speeds in excess of 70mph. The brakes are strong, benefitting from being servo assisted and the gear change is reported as excellent.
SUMMARY
This is a lovely and mostly original example of one of the truly great milestone classics, finished in a terrific colour scheme and utterly unspoilt. It’s in really good, usable condition and looks fantastic, and has been well-loved by a succession of Citroen enthusiasts
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1953
- Make Citroen
- Model Traction Big 15
- Colour Maroon
- Odometer 46,858 Miles
- Engine size 1911
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Location West Midlands
- Country United Kingdom
35
bids
- ne•••• £20,250 03/06/22
- du•••• £20,000 03/06/22
- du•••• £19,750 03/06/22
- ne•••• £19,500 03/06/22
- du•••• £19,250 03/06/22
- pa•••• £19,000 03/06/22
- pa•••• £18,750 03/06/22
- ne•••• £18,500 03/06/22
- pa•••• £18,250 03/06/22
- ne•••• £18,000 03/06/22
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