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Highlights

Paris-built, left-hand drive example
Just one former registered keeper
Supplied with both UK registration and French Carte Grise
Gearbox overhaul and suspension refresh carried out by marque specialist
Recently returned from five years of regular use in France

The Appeal

The Citroën Traction Avant's long-nosed, traditional silhouette defies just how advanced it really was for the period. When these cars hit the market, they represented a stunning new future - a pioneering front-wheel-drive monocoque saloon boasting independent front suspension and hydraulic brakes. What seems standard now was brand new, then, to a production car. It's little wonder they're still so beloved.

This Paris-built 1953 example, affectionately known by its vendor as "Lucie," is a left-hand drive car that has recently returned from five years of regular touring around the Dordogne and Aquitaine regions of France.

Acquired by the current owner in late 2020, this Traction Avant has since benefited from considered mechanical attention by marque specialists Devon Tractions, with key work carried out to improve reliability and usability. A later "perfo" engine, reportedly from around 1956, is fitted in place of the original unit, and the car has previously been converted to 12-volt negative earth.

Ready and waiting to drive away, and a great starting point for a cosmetic refresh, this handsome mid-century classic is bound to attract plenty of attention.

Key Information

Mileage: 73,000 km (indicated)
Country of registration: United Kingdom (also supplied with French Carte Grise)
Technical inspection status: MOT-exempt as a pre-1977 vehicle, latest CT from France only expired this October
Technical specs: 1.9-litre four-cylinder petrol, three-speed manual, left-hand drive
Paperwork: UK V5C and French Carte Grise, small batch of invoices and paperwork

The Detail

Gearbox overhauled by Devon Tractions
SilentBloc suspension bushes replaced
Updated clutch plate fitted
Electronic ignition fitted
Previously converted to 12-volt negative earth
Electric power steering added
Recently subject to work on the fuel pump
Later "perfo" engine (reportedly circa 1956) fitted in place of the original unit
The vendor states the car is mechanically sound
Paintwork peeling in a couple of areas; the vendor believes a previous coat was applied without proper preparation
Some chromework could benefit from refurbishment
Rear headlining is torn
Interior door trim requires replacing

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:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.

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✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.

✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection

or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand. It is the bidders responsibility to confirm import eligibility prior to purchase.

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