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
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ 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.
✓ A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for details.
✓ 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.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check, to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing.
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