Lot Ended
Description
Desirable Paris-built
example of Citroen’s groundbreaking Traction Avant; achingly usable and
appealingly original example; 'Normale' wheelbase; driven 25 miles to the
sale
Produced from 1934 until 1957, the Citroën Traction Avant was
one of the most innovative cars of its era, featuring front-wheel drive,
independent suspension, and unitary body construction at a time when such
engineering was highly advanced. Today, the Traction Avant remains an important
and recognisable example of post-war French motoring, admired for its
distinctive styling and usability.
This smart, Paris-built Traction
Avant, believed to have been manufactured on 4th September 1953 according to
club records, is finished in its original specification of black over grey
upholstery and is the larger ‘Normale’ wheelbase model, offering improved
comfort and greater interior space. The car has had just six keepers, including
our vendor, over its 72-year life and is displaying only 81,054
kilometres.
Accompanying the car are numerous invoices for regular
maintenance and parts, many sourced from the Traction Owners’ Club themselves,
including radiator hoses, a fuel pump rebuild kit, and various rubbers and
gaskets, suggesting the car has been well maintained. This is further supported
by invoices for engine and gearbox servicing, along with a rebuilt carburettor.
The car was also driven by the vendor over 25 miles to the sale on a warm day
without issue and has been running and driving well on site for photographs and
videos.
Given its age, the car presents well. The black paintwork retains
good depth and shine, with no significant dents or scratches to note. There is
some localized fading on the roof and minor cracking on the boot panel paint,
but these features do not detract from the car’s overall appeal; if anything,
they add character and emphasize its achingly usable nature.
The grey
upholstery appears to have aged particularly well, showing no major rips or
tears and provides a pleasing contrast to the deep black bodywork. The
headlining and carpets are also in refreshingly fine condition, contributing to
the car’s well-preserved interior.
Keenly estimated, this presents as a
smart and desirable example of the breed, accompanied by good documentation of
maintenance and servicing. Equally at home as a highly usable and characterful
example, it appears the car could be taken to the next level with seemingly
minimal cosmetic improvements.
Contact - jack.kenneally.perrin@brightwells.com