Highlights
- Rare right-hand drive, Slough-built example
- From the penultimate year of Traction Avant production (1934–1956)
- Extensive restoration by the previous owner covering chassis, bodywork and running gear
- Major service in late 2023 including engine removal and new clutch
- In current ownership for approximately six years
- Runs and drives well
The Appeal
The Citroen Traction Avant Big 15 was one of the most important pre-war cars on the market, and survived well into the post-war era thanks to its impressive array of top-notch tech. With its pioneering front-wheel drive, independent suspension and monocoque construction, the Traction Avant was decades ahead of its contemporaries and cemented the French marque's legendary reputation for innovation. Examples like this long-wheelbase Big 15, built at Citroen's Slough factory with right-hand drive and using 51% UK-sourced parts, are bound to attract attention - it's a scarce variant of the winning European innovator.
This 1955 example has been in the current owner's hands for approximately six years, during which time it has been used sparingly for occasional family outings. Prior to that, it underwent an extensive restoration covering the chassis, bodywork and running gear. In late 2023, it received a major service costing over £3,000 with Hadleigh Group, during which the engine was removed and a new clutch was fitted.
The vendor reports that the car drives well and that the chassis appears solid. Whether the lucky new owner opts to bring the car up to rare cosmetic order or to keep it as-is for an eminently drivable classic, it's bound to prove rewarding.
The vendor reports that the car drives well and that the chassis appears solid. Whether the lucky new owner opts to bring the car up to rare cosmetic order or to keep it as-is for an eminently drivable classic, it's bound to prove rewarding.
Key Information
- Mileage: 62,394 miles
- Country of registration: United Kingdom
- Technical inspection status: MOT-exempt
- Technical specs: 1.9-litre 4-cylinder petrol, three-speed manual, front-wheel drive
- Paperwork: no specific documentation mentioned by the vendor
The Detail
- Major service carried out in late 2023 by Hadleigh Group at a cost of over £3,000
- Engine removed and new clutch fitted during the 2023 service
- The vendor states the chassis appears solid
- Grey paintwork is blemished with micro blisters
- Chrome work would carries some patina
- The vendor states the interior is in generally good condition
- Headlining would benefit from replacement
- Wooden interior fittings are looking a little careworn
- Used sparingly for occasional trips during the current ownership period
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