Vendor supplied images
Highlights
- Used regularly throughout 26 years of current ownership
- Very well presented having undergone a great deal of work in the past
- Substantial history file including a photographic record of past restoration work
The Appeal
André Citroën was an early advocate of front-wheel drive; championing the benefits of keeping cabin space separate from a bulky gearbox and propshaft, as well as the inherent roadholding advantages it offered. So proud of this technology was Monsieur Citroën that in 1934, he named his new car after it. The ‘Traction Avant’ was pioneering in other ways too, utilising unitary construction and independent front suspension. The result was immensely successful and remained in production across the globe until 1957.
This 1952 French-built Onze Legere has been in the UK since 1991, and in present ownership for an impressive 26 years. The vendor informs us that the Citroën has been in regular use throughout their ownership and now that they’re finding less time to drive it, the time has come for a new owner to take over its continued preservation.
The History and Paperwork
- Left-hand drive, French built example
- First UK registered in July 1991
- In present ownership since June 1997
- Wears an age related UK registration
- Supplied with one of its French plates as well as a small selection of spare / original parts
- Exempt from road tax and MOT testing
- Accompanied by a photographic album showing some older bodywork restoration
- UK V5C present
- Collection of invoices from various specialists and the Traction Owners Club Ltd
- Copy of an original repair manual in English
- 41,832 kilometres indicated, although the true figure is unknown
- Mileage might increase slightly through use before end of auction
The car was believed imported into the UK in 1987, bought by the previous owner in 1991 and subsequently bought by the vendor 1997. The mileage when imported showed 3,417km. The car has been maintained mainly by the vendor during their ownership.
The Interior
- Grey jersey upholstery with subtle pinstripes
- Minimal wear to all the soft furnishings
- Original, unmodified dashboard
- Ancillary water temperature gauge neatly installed beneath the dash
- Retains the remnants of the original lubrication / tyre pressure chart in French inside the glove box lid
- Practical ‘big boot’ model
- Retains boot carpeting, still in great condition
- Three-spoke H Van steering wheel fitted - (original two-spoke item to be found amongst the spare parts)
- The instrument cluster presents well and reads clearly
- All the door trims appear in good condition
- Correct rubber matting fitted - (spare provided also)
- The headlining looks to be in excellent order and correctly affixed throughout
When the vendor bought the car, it came with a roll of the original fabric used for the seating and door cards. The seats were professionally reupholstered using this material as were the door cards. New windscreen rubbers and door rubbers were also fitted at this time. A new headlining from Depanoto in France was fitted and new carpets were custom-made and fitted throughout the car. Front seatbelts were fitted, as was a laminated windscreen.
The Exterior
- Presented in fantastic, usable condition
- Lightly patinated with a few marks
- Archive photographs show some repairs to the door skins
- Handsome black paintwork in great order overall, having been refinished in the past
- Slight damage to the nearside rear light unit, although it is still eminently usable
- Very straight bodywork
- No evidence of structural corrosion or any accident damage
- All looks to be in very good order underneath
- Painted silver wheels with cream hubcaps
- All chrome trim in nice order with some light patina in places
- The bumpers appear straight and in nice shape
- Opening windscreen still working well
- Re-silvering of headlamp reflectors carried out professionally - (fitted 6v halogen bulbs)
The sale includes four extra wheels and tyres (photographed) and a number of items (also photographed) belonging to the car but not fitted at present. These include original steering wheel, mudflaps, sun visors, heater, overriders, number plate, windscreen and handbook.
The highest bidder shall also have the option to buy a number of special tools and spares at a reasonable price.
The highest bidder shall also have the option to buy a number of special tools and spares at a reasonable price.
When the vendor acquired the car in 1997, there was some light corrosion in the bottom of some of the door skins. This was cut away and fresh metal welded in place. Images of this work are included as well as images showing the doors as they look today, twenty six years later with no corrosion. Images of the car with its original registration as it was when imported show it to have been in good solid condition.
There is a small amount of bubbling in the rear NS wing just to the right of the rear lamp. This was evident when the vendor bought the car and it has not developed over the years. The vendor believes this to be a reaction between the filler and the topcoat. There is also some rust in a small section of the boot frame, this is as was in 1997 and has not developed since then.
Underside of the car, including all axle and cradle mounting points, are very solid and have not been welded. The underside has been liberally WaxOyled. The paint is peeling slightly on the rear section of the exhaust which was fitted recently.
Some of the bonnet catches are showing a little rust, but certainly nothing excessive.
The Mechanics
- 1911 cc four-cylinder engine
- Three-speed manual gearbox
- Beautifully presented engine compartment which has been restored to original specifications
- Said to be running and driving as it should
- Benefits from regular use
- Well sorted mechanically as a result of long-term present ownership
- Replacement radiator fitted in 2009
The engine was built and fitted by Jonathan Howard, a well-known and respected Citroën Traction Avant engineer. The engine block is from the Citroen ID (the successor of the Traction) and the block is outwardly similar in appearance. ID shell bearings for the mains and big ends are also used in place of the earlier white metal bearings of the Traction block.
The flywheel has been lightened and the conrods, crankshaft and flywheel have been balanced. The cylinder head is the 11D cylinder head as fitted to the later models of the Traction. The engine reportedly starts well and runs very smoothly as would be expected. The vendor says it goes well and easily traverses mountainous roads.
The flywheel has been lightened and the conrods, crankshaft and flywheel have been balanced. The cylinder head is the 11D cylinder head as fitted to the later models of the Traction. The engine reportedly starts well and runs very smoothly as would be expected. The vendor says it goes well and easily traverses mountainous roads.
We're informed that the car has not required anything more than general and regular maintenance over the years and has given years of trouble-free motoring.
Summary
Traction Avants are regarded as some of the most usable cars of their era, making them a great choice for those who want to drive their classics on a regular basis. This well sorted and delightfully original example is ready for its next owner and we hope it continues to embark upon motoring adventures for years to come.
BEFORE YOU BUY
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✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is highly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.
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