Vendor supplied images

Highlights

Stunning model with great potential
Unique history to the model with much documentation
Seemingly a complete car

The Appeal

Throughout its history, Citroën is a brand that likes to change things up. That is exactly what it did by bringing out the Traction Avant all the way back in 1934. As the name would suggest, this is a front-wheel drive model that released when every other manufacturer was getting its head around rear-driven models.

Much like it did in its day, this particular example presents its occupants with a plush interior cabin. However, this model is only just emerging from its long-term storage. Indeed, it is a barn find. A seemingly complete car, it has lots of potential and will make one enthusiast very happy.

This is the perfect project for the upcoming winter and will make for an interesting piece to display at car shows come the return of the sun next spring.

History and Paperwork

First registered in the UK 1983
Believed to be an originally South African car
Thought to have been imported to the UK by a Senior British Naval Officer in 1964
May have been shipped on one of Her Majesty’s vessels
With current owners since 1994
Dry stored for many years
Just recently emerging as a barn find
Extensive history file with lots of paperwork
Old MOT certificates
Original repair manual
Many invoices from previous work
Several letters from the current owner attempting to contact the car’s original owner
Many club rally badges
V5c included

The Interior

Red upholstery and wood trim make up the interior
Bright red carpets present in surprisingly good condition
Wood trim on the dashboard is presentable
Red leather seats will need some TLC
Red door cards also look to be in good condition
Patina throughout the instrument cluster
Steering wheel appears to be in one piece
Chrome window winders
Dashboard controls all seem present
Large tear in the front passenger seat

The Exterior

Traction Avant shape is stunning, still today
Finished in black
Paint work looks good as a whole
Body work appears to be in good condition
Some scuff marks to the wheels but overall in good shape
Chrome bumpers do look weathered
Some surface corrosion underneath
Vendor assures us the chassis is solid
The car appears to be complete

The Mechanics

1.9-litre inline-four, 57hp
Three-speed manual transmission
Engine reportedly turns over despite sitting for so long
Will certainly require a good mechanical overhaul
Good service history prior to storage
Revolutionary front-wheel drive layout

Summary

Despite spending many years garaged and now presenting as a barn find, this 1951 Citroën Traction Avant looks to be in a very approachable condition. It is certainly going to require some work over the winter months, but the restoration job does not appear at first glance to be overwhelming. Not only will it provide something to do through the colder months, it will also make for a wonderful classic to show off come the spring.

Notice to bidders

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