Highlights
- RHD built in Slough for export
- Electric power steering fitted
- Exported to new Zealand and owned by French Embassy
- Re-imported and fully restored in the UK in 2004
- Owned by a Traction Owner’s Club committee member, a well known and genuine car
- Power steering upgrade
The Appeal
Over a 23 year production period 759,111 Traction Avants were built, 26,400 of them in the UK at Slough. This was essentially a way round paying import taxes. The Slough built cars were nearly all right hand drive and had to have 51 percent UK sourced parts to qualify as “Made in Great Britain”. The Slough-built cars, referred to as Light 15s or Big 15s, used 12-volt Lucas electrics, headlights, dynamo and starter.
The interior had a walnut dash board with Jaeger instruments, Connolly leather seats and door panels and a wool headlining. The exterior was fitted with slightly different bumpers and a revised chrome grille. The Big 15 had a slightly lengthened wheelbase and a larger boot giving far more rear legroom and better luggage capacity even with a properly stowed spare wheel.
The interior had a walnut dash board with Jaeger instruments, Connolly leather seats and door panels and a wool headlining. The exterior was fitted with slightly different bumpers and a revised chrome grille. The Big 15 had a slightly lengthened wheelbase and a larger boot giving far more rear legroom and better luggage capacity even with a properly stowed spare wheel.
Technically ahead of its time in period, and now recognised for their driveability, simple mechanics and Gallic charm, Slough built right hand drive Traction Avants are the pick of the bunch.
History and Paperwork
- Built in June 1953 in Slough as RHD for export
- Sold and first registered in New Zealand in 1954
- First purchased by the French Embassy in New Zealand
- Purchased and imported to the UK in 2004
- Power Steering installed
- UK Registered 17th may 2004
- Fully restored by first UK owner
- Passed first UK MoT in May 2004 at 13,338 miles
- Driven extensively by the first UK owner, a committee member of the Traction Owners Club
- Purchased by the Seller (third UK owner)in July 2022
- V5c In Seller’s name
- Used sparingly, 50mile trips, shows and locally
- Some old Mot Certificates on file
- Certificate of Authenticity from the Traction Owners Club
- Large history folder of invoices and receipts
- Invoices from first UK owner
The Interior
- Cream leather bench seats with armrests all in excellent condition
- Clean Beige carpets in rear (matching new front carpet with car ready to be fitted)
- Clean and tidy roof lining
- Smart walnut dash with no damage
- Correct Jaeger instruments
- Additional oil and temperature gauge mounted below dash
- USB socket
- Sony CD/Radio with removable fascia
- Bluemel’s Brooklands banjo type steering wheel
- Front seat belts
- Tidy boot fitted with period storage box (complete with July 1973 newspaper lining!)
- Spare wheel and jack plus tools
The Exterior
- Presentable black paint with minor micro bubbles in places, particularly on boot
- All glass and lenses in excellent condition, with additional working driving lamps
- Correct black painted steel wheels
- Fitted with Michelin tyres, part worn on rear, new on front
- Correct chrome Slough grille and chrome bumpers with overiders
- Flashing indicators
- Reversing lamp
The Mechanics
- Power Steering
- Recent full service including engine and gearbox oil changes
- Fitted with electric power steering
- New brake master cylinder and servo
- Twin carburettors cleaned and retuned
- New battery
- Exhaust replaced in 2021
- Impressively clean and corrosion free underside
- Presentable engine bay with evidence of new parts and wiring
- Starts easily and runs well, easy to drive
Summary
Amongst the various models built at Citroens Slough factory the “Big 15” Traction Avant is probably the most practical and attractive of the series.
The enlarged boot allows a decent amount of luggage to be carried and the lengthened wheelbase vastly improves rear legroom.
Attractive and stylish they are popular as wedding cars as there is space for the biggest of wedding dresses! With the advantage of right hand drive and the convenience of the power steering, they are easy and fun to drive on British roads and an ideal family classic.
The enlarged boot allows a decent amount of luggage to be carried and the lengthened wheelbase vastly improves rear legroom.
Attractive and stylish they are popular as wedding cars as there is space for the biggest of wedding dresses! With the advantage of right hand drive and the convenience of the power steering, they are easy and fun to drive on British roads and an ideal family classic.
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