Highlights

Long wheelbase version of the Citroen Traction Avant
Rare model with only 3-4 believed to exist in the UK
In current ownership for over 20 years (since 2002)
Upgraded with DS 19 engine (1,911cc)
Numerous new parts and improvements including CV drive shafts and LED rear lights

The Appeal

Having garnered a reputation as the French byword for innovation, it's little wonder that Citroën's most iconic cars are often those with the boldest brief. There's little doubt that the Traction Avant is worthy of that status. While Auto Union had pipped them for front-wheel drive and four-wheel independent suspension, the Traction Avant factored it into a mass-production monocoque car, with rack-and-pinion steering and remarkable crash resistance for its time.

It's also a handsome, long-nosed, sweeping sort of car that came in lighter, faster and overall more efficient than its market rivals. A real box-ticking exercise for the clever boffins in Paris, that continues to garner a very appreciative fanbase.

This long wheelbase variant - the increasingly scarce 'Commerciale' - offers generous interior space while retaining the model's renowned road holding and stability. This particular example, manufactured in Paris in 1956, is a partically rare example. During its 23-year ownership, the car has been treated to plenty of mechanical work, including an engine donated from a DS19, a new clutch, a recored radiator, and modern CV drive shafts for improved reliability.

Originally intended as a restoration project, plenty of work has been done, but the project has sadly stalled - and many parts are included with the sale to facilitate completion.

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History and Paperwork

Manufactured in Paris, France in 1956
Long wheelbase version of the Citroen Traction Avant
Only 3-4 believed to exist in the UK
Imported to the UK in 1990
Used for weddings
Passed to second owner (a Citroën dealership in Liverpool) on 17/08/1995
Current owner acquired the vehicle on 07/09/2002
Current owner unable to complete planned work due to motor neurone disease diagnosis
Offered with many spare parts and manuals

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The Condition

Resprayed in 2003
Some blemishes and chips as expected with age, but presents well
Floor panels are solid and have been replaced in the past
Bottom panels have been brush-cleaned and repainted
New glass wind deflectors purchased (still boxed) for front doors
New door mirrors fitted to external door handles
New LED rear lights installed (replacing old bulbs) for improved visibility
Original cloth covers on seats
Original cloth on inner door panels
New sun visors fitted
Small folding seats available (need reupholstering) to fit between front and rear bench
Seatbelts fitted to front and back seats
Oil and temperature gauge fitted
All instruments and switchgear work
Original headlining shows a couple of holes, mainly at the rear
New tailor-made headlining from France included with sale
New tailor-made set of carpets from France included with sale
New springs for front seats included with sale
Original two-spoke steering wheel replaced with sought-after BLUE MELLS steering wheel

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The Mechanics

1,911cc DS19 4-cylinder engine
3-speed manual gearbox with synchromesh between second and third gear
Engine has shell bearings
The vendor reports that it's mechanically sound, runs well and starts easily
No gearbox faults, all gears engage correctly
No modifications to the engine
New clutch fitted
Radiator recored
Extra thermostatic fan fitted
Exterior drive shafts replaced with constant velocity drive shafts
New ball joint adjusters fitted to front bottom swivel arms (replacing old shims)
New shock absorbers fitted to front and rear
New starter solenoid and ignition coil fitted

BEFORE YOU BUY

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