Like its successor the DS, the Citroën Traction Avant represented a quantum leap in automotive design with it monocoque construction and, as the Traction Avant name suggests, front-wheel drive.

Affectionately dubbed “la reine de la route” or “the queen of the road” at the time, André Citroën’s genius shines through especially brightly on the late Traction Avants, of which this 15/6 is a lovely example.

Featuring a 2.8-litre, six-cylinder engine that produced 77 horsepower, this sympathetically restored 1953 Citroën has enough performance to keep up with modern traffic, with previous owners having used it on a regular basis.

Built in Citroën’s Slough factory in 1953, this Traction Avant was originally painted in Regal Red and is now finished in similar Delage Red. Supplied to the Dorset area, the car eventually moved to Hertfordshire in 2001 and now resides in Hampshire.

Having been subject to extensive restoration and servicing work over the past twenty years, invoices from London based Citroën specialist Classic Restorations total in the region of £44,000.

The car has also been subject to some sensible upgrades, including EZ power steering and an electric fuel pump, making this Citroën eminently usable in the 21st century.

The current owner purchased the Citroën in January 2022 but, owing to a change in circumstances, the car is now in need of a new home.

 
Upon opening the “suicide” front doors, the first thing you notice is the sumptuous leather bench seat with centre armrest. The luxury continues for the rear passengers and all of the upholstery, door trims and fittings appear free of any significant damage. The wool headlining is also in great condition and, despite some wear up front, the carpet presents well overall.
 
The UK factory specification continues in this spacious cabin with a wood dash and door window frames which certainly add a touch of class. The internal chrome door handles and window winders all operate correctly and the hinged windscreen is a fun period feature.
 
Another fascinating peculiarity of the Slough built Citroëns is that they had to consist of 51% British parts in order to avoid hefty import taxes. Therefore, a Jaeger speedo and ammeter/fuel gauge (with a very discreet clock) are accompanied by additional Smiths temperature and oil gauges. In fact, the entire 12 volt electrical system came courtesy of Lucas and the seats were covered in opulent Connolly leather.
 
Classic Citroëns are well known for their perhaps eccentric controls, and this Traction Avant is no exception. The handbrake is located by the driver’s knee and the dash mounted gear lever protrudes almost unnaturally, yet falls easily to the left hand.
 
A previous owner added a few practical upgrades including windscreen washers, a Clayton barrel heater / demister and matching red inertia seat belts. Switches and warning lights for the front spot lights sit below the dash. All the electrical equipment is reported to be in working order.

 
Having been subject to an ongoing restoration since 2002, the bodywork is very smart and looks to be straight beneath the lustrous Delage Red paintwork. The exterior glass is also in good condition, although the windscreen rubber is splitting at the corners.
 
This Avant benefits from the later, larger boot and, once the spare wheel is removed, access is good. Although not in perfect condition, it is clean and tidy and also houses a fairly new Hardi electric fuel pump.
 
The original colour-coordinated steel wheels with shiny hubcaps have been fitted with a set of Michelin 185 R 400 X tyres, which have a good amount of tread remaining. 
 
Underneath, the flat floor looks clean and structurally sound with some slight surface corrosion evident under the sills, commensurate with having been used frequently by previous owners.
 
The fantastic B-pillar indicators are backed up with newer ones mounted on the rear bumper.

 
Mechanically, this Traction Avant is very sound and more than capable of being used regularly, despite its age.
 
The original UK advertising stated that “the remarkable road holding Citroën takes the rough and the smooth with equanimity” and we are assured by the vendor that this example drives very well indeed.
 
The engine bay is clean and presentable and houses the gorgeous sounding 2,866cc straight-six, offering around 73bhp and a maximum speed of 80mph. The longitudinal block and front wheel drive layout provides a low favourable weight distribution, which helps with the handling characteristics.
 
Mechanical features include a single Solex carburettor, 12-volt Lucas dynamo and starter, a three-speed gearbox (with synchro on 2nd and 3rd) and servo-assisted hydraulic brakes. An electric fan has also been installed.   

 

Few cars from the 1950s, let alone those with pre-war design origins, are so usable today as this Citroën 15/6. This is testament to the vision and engineering prowess of André Citroën and his engineers.

This beautifully restored 15CV Avant Big Six has obviously been well loved and has had a great deal of money spent upon it in recent years. It is sure to attract attention wherever it goes and should be a reliable and comfortable joy to drive for many years to come.

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