Lot Ended
Description
Pretty and honest example of Citroen's Traction Avant in short
wheelbase 'Light 15' form; previosly owned by Citroen main agent who
completed a 'body-up' restoration upon import c.1986; approximately £2,000
expenditure at Citroen Classics; desirable Paris built car
The Citroën Traction Avant remains one of the most important and
innovative cars of the 20th century. Introduced in the 1930s, it was
revolutionary for its time, featuring front-wheel drive, unitary construction,
and independent suspension — technologies that would go on to define the modern
automobile.
This very sweet example finished in
white, is the shorter and narrower wheelbase ‘Light 15 model. What it traded in
size and passenger space with its big brother the ‘Normale’, it gained in
performance and was seen as the more spirited and spritelier of the
two.
Believed to be a desirable Paris built car
manufactured in 1953, and originally delivered in black, this rather sweet
example was imported to the UK in 1986 where it fell into the hands of Citroen
main dealer Kevin Odlum. Accompanying paperwork states that the dealership
carried out ‘extensive work’ including a ‘body up restoration’ and an ‘engine
overhaul’ and will even run on unleaded fuel. It’s believed the colour was
changed during the restoration.
Documentation
states that the car sat for the next 5 years seeing very little use before the
next owner carried out further work including new carpets, headlining, wheel
bearings and drive couplings before putting the car back to use.
In more recent years the car has received
further upkeep and maintenance with around £2,000 having been spent at
specialists Citroen Classics including serviceable items, trims and a new fuel
tank.
The car presents as a smart and usable
example with the only notable imperfections being a small amount of bubbling
along the bottom of the doors as photographed. Something many cars of this era
appear to suffer with although this doesn’t take away from the overall
appearance of the car. The interior also presents as equally useable and the car
has been starting and driving on site.
Prospective bidders are to note that the car did have a scrapped
marker applied in 2008. Unfortunately, the next owner purchased the vehicle as a
deceased estate at this time and any information regarding this has been lost so
bidders are to satisfy themselves as to the vehicles
condition.
In summary, this presents as a
characterful and useable example of one of Citroen’s most iconic models which
appears to have been well maintained throughout its life. Keenly estimated, a
great opportunity to acquire historic French motoring at an appealing price
point.
Contact - jack.kenneally-perrin@brightwells.com