1955 Citroen Traction Avant 11B
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HIGHLIGHTS
- Imported from the Netherlands
- Presents well
- Excellent underside
- Original features
THE APPEAL
Mixing technical innovation and modern styling, André Lefèbvre and Flaminio Bertoni created one of the most influential cars ever produced. With its all-steel unitary monocoque body shell, there is no separate chassis, meaning the Traction Avant or (AV) could sit much lower to the ground giving a more appealing sleek look. The car was also front-wheel drive which meant inside the car was completely flat, allowing more passenger room. Independent torsion bar suspension ensures there is a comfortable ride with excellent handling.
This 1955 11BL example was restored in the Netherlands several years ago before being purchased by the vendor. At the time, the car had the interior retrimmed and an LPG gas conversion fitted. Currently, the LPG is bypassed, but it was reported to be working before this. The car presents well and looks to be in excellent shape mechanically and structurally.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
- V5 is present
- UK Registered 24th September 2019
- Originally registered 30th June 1955
- Original registration document
- Supplied by Victory Classic Cars, Netherlands
- Invoices for parts purchased by the vendor
- Copy of the original handbook present
- Parts catalogue present
- Parts can be sourced from the Citroen Traction Owners Club
THE INTERIOR
- The Interior presents very well
- The seats were retrimmed in the Netherlands several years ago but are in excellent condition.
- Door cards match the interior and are excellent
- There is some light wear to the carpets
- The headlining is excellent, with no sagging
- The switchgear looks to be original and is reported to be working correctly
- The instruments work as they should, with the only issue being the ammeter reads backwards, showing - voltage when it's really + voltage
- Odometer shows a reading of 19,652 kilometres
- Inside the boot is mainly taken up with the LPG tank
- From what is visible, the boot floor looks to be in good condition with no issues
- Spare wheel is present
THE EXTERIOR
- Finished in the original colour, thought to be Maroon or Rouge Excelsior
- Bodywork presents well. There is a small ding on the rear wheel arch
- The car has been restored in the Netherlands
- Paintwork does now show some patina. There have been a couple of places which have been repainted several years ago, and there is a small amount of micro blistering in some places
- Doors open and close nicely and have an equal panel gap
- Bonnet opens correctly on both sides, and the boot aligns well
- Headlights are free from any damage, and the chrome surrounds are in nice condition with no tarnishing
- Front and rear bumpers have a bright finish
- The cranking handle is attached to the front bumper
- The large centrepiece Citroen grille is in good condition
- Rare Riviere roof rack fitted to compensate for lack of boot space
- Door mirrors are in good order
- There is some age-related tarnishing to the door handles
- Windows are in good condition with a minimal amount of scratches
- The wheels are in good condition with the original centre caps
- Period Michelin tyres are fitted, which have a good amount of tread, but there is a small amount of age-related cracking
THE MECHANICS
- 1.9 litre engine
- Uprated twin carburettors
- LPG conversion
- The gas conversion was working, but there is a fault reported with a solenoid, so it has been bypassed by the vendor and now just runs on petrol
- Three-speed column shift
- New coil fitted
- New battery
- The fuel tank was replaced in March 2020
- New fuel pump in September 2020
- Offside driveshaft and brake drum were replaced with genuine parts
- The Citroen fires up quickly with no untoward noises coming from the engine
- It is reported to go through the gears as it should and come to a stop as you would expect
- The underside is very well presented on the floor, and suspension components
SUMMARY
It is a true French classic that changed the way of the world where front-wheel drive and unibody construction were concerned. A small amount of tinkering should see the LPG running again. It sounds great and is said to drive nicely; the interior is excellent, and the underside is very clean. Whilst the paintwork is not a perfect paint finish, it shows some patina and a lot of character, just like a French classic should.
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies.
✓ A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for details.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is highly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check, to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection or delivery.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1955
- Make Citroen
- Model Traction
- Colour Red
- Odometer 19,652 Kilometres
- Engine size 1911
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Town Telford
- Location Shropshire
- Country United Kingdom
10
bids
from 4
bidders
- as•••• £10,500 21/12/23
- re•••• £10,250 21/12/23
- as•••• £10,000 21/12/23
- as•••• £9,000 21/12/23
- as•••• £8,800 21/12/23
- as•••• £8,600 21/12/23
- as•••• £8,400 21/12/23
- as•••• £8,200 21/12/23
- as•••• £8,000 17/12/23
- Ma•••• £5,500 14/12/23
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|---|---|
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