Description
Pavilion Gardens | Buxton, Derbyshire
Viewing: Tues 29th July from 12pm
Auction: Wed 30st July from 9am
Location: St John's Rd, Buxton SK17 6BE
1954 Citroen Traction Avant Light 15
No Reserve
Registration No: YFF 437
Chassis No: 532273
MOT: Exempt
British market Slough built ‘Light Fifteen' with original Jersey RF60 log book and current V5C
Full known documented history from new
Desirable big boot specification with RHD, wooden dash and red leather hide.
Displaying correct chassis and engine numbers
In exceptional 'pampered' condition
Citroen's most famous and unique pre-war model, the Traction Avant (front wheel drive) was launched in 1934. Known as the 7CV or simply 'Seven', this revolutionary vehicle was noteworthy not only for its front wheel drive, but for having its wheels positioned far out at each corner, as well as for having the gearbox ahead of the four cylinder engine. A subframe bolted to the monocoque steel bodyshell held the torsion bar front suspension, engine and gearbox. This unitary construction technique provided the basis for the advanced looking, low slung, rakish body design which before long became a favorite of European gangsters - both in real life and in movies. This design formed the backbone of Citroen's range (with larger engined variants) until 1955 and was not withdrawn until July 1957. Amazingly this was achieved with little change from its original form in either mechanical construction or appearance.
Citroens’ factory in Slough, England was wholly owned by the French company. It was formed to avoid British import duties and ensured enough British sourced materials and parts were used to achieve this. The key difference was the adoption of 12v Lucas electronics throughout including lights and components, Smiths instruments and chrome fittings and grill. It was also deemed more suitable for the English market to incorporate a wooden dashboard and leather upholstery as opposed to metal dash and cloth or velvet seats. It is noteworthy that many engine and body parts were entirely interchangeable with the French and Belgian built models. The light fifteen, a slightly shorter version of the mid-range 11B is more agile and in todays world fits more easily into car parking spaces and garages.
Built in 1954 this example was first registered in Jersey on the 11th January 1955 and sold by G. H. Pool & Sons to a Mr Raphael Fraydon of St. Helier. A fully documented Jersey version of the RF60 shows several different owners between 1955 to 1972 when it is believed to have been added to a collection (Coleman collection). We see three more registered keepers from 1980 to 1988 when it was re-registered with another Jersey number. In 1994 the owner moved to the UK mainland. From there we can see with the help of a thick sheaf of bills and documents that it was subject to a full bare metal respray and wax-oil in 1990. From then until the present and via different keepers this car has been pampered more than most with extensive work including another respray in 1998 and a full re-trimmed soft leather interior in 2011. In recent times it has had expansive work done all over by Citroen specialists including Mark Harding of Devon Tractions. Our vendor has overseen a number of sensible modernisations and the car now has power steering, 123 electronic ignition with polarity reversed, an oil pressure and water temperature gauge. There is also a useful 12v cigarette lighter power point. Now showing 67752 mles on the speedomeer this is assumed correct as it is documented at 43000 miles in 1996 and has MOTs supporting this since.
The car starts readily, runs and drives superbly. The interior is in remarkable condition. Our consultant drove this car, on belhalf of the elderly owner, some 30 miles to the hand car wash and to the photo shoot area and back. The car is fully sound and in remarkable overall condition possibly due to its first 40 years on the salt-free roads of Jersey. The engine runs really well and the modern upgrades really help make this ‘pampered’ example a joy to drive even in modern traffic.
** Bidding will take place live at the venue, online via our H&H website, by telephone and commission - T&Cs apply**
Parking and entry into the auction is free for auction attendees with a catalogue, available at the door.
Catalogues can be purchased for £20 (admits 2 people).
