Highlights

An exceptional French-built example
Extensively restored by the previous keeper over five years
Recent professional underseal and cavity protection treatment using Dinitrol
Serviced in late 2023, with an accompanying invoice present

The Appeal

Regarded as some of the most usable classics of their era, the pioneering Citroën Traction Avant was a technological tour de force. Over its 22-year lifespan, this humble saloon showcased rack and pinion steering, monocoque construction, independent suspension and as the name suggests, front-wheel drive. Some late examples even trialled hydropneumatic rear suspension in readiness for the launch of the DS.

This French-built, left-hand drive 1956 Traction Avant 11BN 'Normale' has been in the UK since December 1973. This body style provides extra passenger space. It was subject to a comprehensive restoration to a very high standard carried out by its previous keeper over five years. It has also been recently serviced and has undergone professional underseal and cavity protection. The vendor points out that it would make a great wedding car, and fittingly it incorporates several discreet upgrades to make it more usable like LED interior lighting and inertia reel front seatbelts.

History and Paperwork

First registered in 1956
Chassis records indicate this is an early 1956 model
Serviced in late 2023 (invoice available)
Underseal and cavity protection professionally done in 2023 (invoice available)
Extensively restored over five years by the previous registered keeper
Exempt from road tax and MOT testing
The last MOT expired in January 2023 and had no advisories recorded
Seven British registered keepers since import in 1973
Only used in dry weather and for short distances by the vendor

The Condition

Larger 'Normale' with versatile ‘big boot’ model
The bodywork appears very straight and solid, with good door alignment
Bare metal strip and respray carried out by the previous owner
Very few blemishes to the paint finish which retains a glossy finish
No obvious signs of corrosion to the body or underside
Period-correct Michelin X tyres reportedly in “as new” condition
Impeccable chrome trim
New windscreen wipers
New windscreen seal installed
LED interior light and dash illumination conversion
The restored pale leather upholstery is in excellent condition
Immaculate headlining
Three-point inertia reel front seat belts fitted with static lap belts with old-style buckles at the rear
The controls and switchgear present beautifully
Dashboard instrument panel renovated (new glass, gasket, rubber bolsters etc)
Extras include a large roll of window seal, spare rear light and indicator lamp covers, wheel spanners and the original jack
The carpets are reportedly in “almost new” condition
Rear view door mirrors installed for improved visibility

The Mechanics

1,911 cc four-cylinder petrol engine
Three-speed manual gearbox
Front-wheel drive
Rack and pinion steering
An electric petrol pump is installed
Presents really well under the bonnet
The vendor informs us that it runs and drives exactly as it should, with no apparent issues

BEFORE YOU BUY

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✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies.

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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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