1955 Citroen Traction Avant
auctions.single.seller.popular
auctions.single.seller.view-count
auctions.single.seller.images
Highlights
- Historical significance French saloon
- Innovative engineering
- Restored to a high standard
The Background
No surprise that Citroen produced one of the World’s most innovative cars back in the 1930’s, independent suspension, monocoque construction, front wheel drive in a production car, hydraulic brakes combined to put the French manufacturer at the forefront of car design.
The car was lighter than most rivals, and the looks to this day make this car a stand out at any event or venue. The car was extremely spacious inside and although a big saloon car was nimble to drive around the Parisian back streets. With over 750,000 sold, the majority of them built in Paris, smaller numbers were assembled in four other factories in Europe.
The Traction Avant also made its name in the Tintin comic book strip, French politicians and even the Gestapo used them making it one of the most iconic cars of the era, and even to this day it needs no introduction.
The History
This Citroen Traction Avant was purchased around five years ago by the current owner, it was in his words a wreck and he has had it completely rebuilt.
The car has been restored by Hillary’s In Tunbridge Wells to a high standard, the owner resides abroad now and after the work was carried out on the vehicle it has remained in dry storage.
The car has been restored by Hillary’s In Tunbridge Wells to a high standard, the owner resides abroad now and after the work was carried out on the vehicle it has remained in dry storage.
The Paperwork
The car comes with a wealth of paperwork, charting its more recent history where it has been rebuilt, had a full respray and brand new interior.
Paperwork shows recent MOT and servicing carried out in January, alongside this there is a wealth of invoices showing the restoration process that has taken place.
Paperwork shows recent MOT and servicing carried out in January, alongside this there is a wealth of invoices showing the restoration process that has taken place.
The Interior
The car has had a completely new interior, the light Ivory leather is new and front and rear seats are to a high standard. All door cards have also been replaced, along with handles and window winders.
The carpets are clean as are the instrumentation and stalks. The glasswork is clean inside, the only wear is on the rear view mirror which has some cracks oil the edges, showing an air of authenticity to this charming French saloon car.
The carpets are clean as are the instrumentation and stalks. The glasswork is clean inside, the only wear is on the rear view mirror which has some cracks oil the edges, showing an air of authenticity to this charming French saloon car.
The boot area is like new and holds a full size spare wheel which is brand new, tools are also included and again like new.
The Exterior
The black paintwork has just had a full respray and has been completed by Hillary’s Coachworks of Tunbridge Wells, a classic car restorer with a proven reputation in the UK since the 1800s.
Tyres are matching Michelin period tyres and new, centre chrome caps are clean as are the front and rear chrome bumpers. The chrome work as you would expect from a restoration is like new, all window glass is clear of any damage and headlights are also in great condition.
The only area we spotted in terms of very light marks are on the off side rear arch, these are
superficial and may polish out.
The Mechanics
The car has had an engine rebuild, with its recent service, and has a fresh MOT with a first time pass, this runs until January 2023. The car runs well and has been housed in dry storage since it has been completed of the restoration.
The car has had a full service alongside the MOT and has had a carburettor clean as well.
The Appeal
French artistic flair, one of the most innovative cars ever produced, a comfortable saloon and with a ride that oozes class and character this is your alternative to a modern saloon that blends in to mediocrity.
This car has a place in history and this beautifully restored example is your chance to own a car that still has its place on the automotive landscape.
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 1955
- Make Citroen
- Model 11BL Traction Avant
- Colour Black
- Odometer 87,418 Miles
- Engine size 1911
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Town Tunbridge Wells
- Location Kent
- Country United Kingdom
20
bids
- le•••• £19,850 03/02/22
- da•••• £19,250 03/02/22
- le•••• £18,799 03/02/22
- le•••• £18,500 03/02/22
- le•••• £18,000 03/02/22
- da•••• £17,000 03/02/22
- le•••• £16,250 03/02/22
- da•••• £15,500 03/02/22
- le•••• £15,250 03/02/22
- le•••• £14,000 02/02/22
The Gallery
About Max Bids
The max bid process allows you to bid without any hassle.
Enter your maximum bid and we will then bid on your behalf to ensure you're the highest bidder - just enough to keep you in the lead and only up until your maximum.
Anti-sniping
Car & Classic prevent auction snipers from bidding in the last seconds to win an auction.
Auctions are extended by 3 minutes if anyone bids within the last 2 minutes to allow other bidders to react and counter-bid.
Auto-bidding increments
- If your maximum bid is equal to or below the reserve price, your maximum bid will be applied in full if you are the highest bidder.
- If you are the highest bidder and place a maximum bid above the reserve, we will automatically put in the reserve as your first bid.
-
- Once the reserve has been met, Car & Classic will make sure you are the highest bidder using only the bidding increments stated below.
- We will keep you in the lead up until your maximum bid OR the increment closest to your maximum bid, providing your maximum bid is enough to cover the increment value.
| Bid Amount | Increment |
|---|---|
| £0 to £9,999 | £100.00 |
| £10,000 to £49,999 | £250.00 |
| £50,000 to £99,999 | £500.00 |
| £100,000 + | £1,000.00 |
Automatically outbid immediately
When you place a max bid and are outbid immediately that means that another bidder has placed a max bid limit which is higher than yours.
You can bid again and we will use our automatic bid system to try and get you as the highest bidder.
Matching max bids
When there are two max bids of the same value, the one placed first remains the lead bidder.
Pre-authorisation
We may hold a pre-authorisation charge on your card until the end of the auction when the hold will be cancelled. If you win, we'll take a security deposit which counts towards the payment for the vehicle and isn't any extra cost to you.
What are pre-bids?
A pre-bid means you're able to place a bid before the official start of the auction.
You will be notified whether or not you are the highest bidder when the auction starts.
Problem with your bid
Bids are contractually binding. To help protect you, we have some rules in place if we think it's been mistyped. Please check and amend what you have entered.