Description
We are pleased to offer this rare and beautifully driving 1955 Citroen Big 15 on behalf of a lovely GQ client.
The Citroen Traction Avant was the hugely innovative and successful brainchild of Andre Citroen, who had built a reputation for building advanced, reliable cars at scale that put Citroen at the forefront of European car manufacturing before WW2. The Traction Avant was an ambitious design, with front wheel drive, independent suspension and unitary body construction, making it highly advanced for the era (production ran from 1934 - 1956). It was so advanced and costly to produce that it actually bankrupted Citroen before production could start, who had to be rescued by Michelin in 1934.
With Michelins fiscal discipline behind the company the Traction Avant went into a long and successful production and was manufactured in a number of factories across Europe (France, Belgium, Germany, Denmark, UK). The UK version of the car was referred to as the Light 15 (with the short chassis) or Big 15 (with the long chassis), in recognition of the 15hp tax system and was constructed using 51% UK parts to avoid import tax, but remained aligned to the Citroen design and production philosophy.
The car we are delighted to offer comes from the end of production of cars in Slough and is therefore right hand drive. The car was bought by the current owner 6 years ago from Autostore in Cambridge. It was bought following an extensive restoration by the previous owner, who restored chassis, bodywork and running gear and rebuilt the car themselves. Since then the car has been used sparingly for highday and holiday trips out with the family.
In late 2023 the car had a major service, at a cost of over £3, 000, with Hadleigh Group, where the engine was removed and a new clutch was fitted. The chassis appears solid and the car drives beautifully, but the grey paintwork is now quite blemished and the car would benefit from a respray and chrome work to make the appearance match the driving experience. Inside the car is in generally good condition, but would benefit from a new headlining and some work on the wooden fittings. Beautifully patinated the car is ready to be used as is, or as the solid foundation for further cosmetic work.
The current owner has decided to sell the car as he simply isn't using it enough to justify keeping it. If anyone would like further information or to start with a video call please reach out via your preferred method.
