1953 Citroen Traction Avant

Description

• UNSOLD at auction
• Rare Slough built Citroen Traction
• Right hand drive
• Newly refreshed Two Tone paintwork
• Realistic Reserve

The term ‘classic car’ is a broad one. There are classic cars, then there Classic Cars like the one we are lucky enough to have here.

When the Traction was launched, it was revolutionary.

• Front wheel drive
• Independent suspension
• Monocque chassis
• Rack and pinion steering

Many of the innovative features first introduced on the Traction are still in existence today

Background

This model is very desirable is a 1953 1911cc Traction Light 15 Big Boot model. It is a manual gearbox version in  RHD. With it’s amazing ‘suicide doors’ and quintessentially striking Gallic charm it is hard to believe these models were actually built in England.

The rare RHD British built cars can be distinguished by key features:

• That inspiring chrome
• The iconic chevron behind the grille
• Wooden dash
• All leather seats as opposed to cloth on the French cars.

Exterior

• Paintwork recently refreshed
• Two-tone Rouge Excelsior coachwork
• Excellent chrome and brightwork

In striking two-tone Rouge Excelsior, this Citroen Traction looks a picture. The acres of chrome are all in good condition even down to the hubcaps which you can see your reflection in.

The bumpers appear to be in pristine condition. The chrome around the windscreen, the headlamps, mirrors, even the original aerial are also in smashing condition.

The eagle eyed amongst you will have seen this Traction with us before. The car has had a paintwork refresh since then. The new owner may want to go a stage further with the paintwork, of just enjoy this 1953 classic as it is. Please note that the main image shows the two-tone paint refresh – ALL other images show the car prior to this refresh. Our vendor has also now reduced his reserve.

The exterior body appears sound. The vendor has even taken the time to show quality images of the very good panel gaps on the suicide doors. That is rare in our experience. It is very good evidence the car is healthy, solid and been well looked after. The marvellous period semaphore style trafficators work too.

Interior

The beautifully preserved art deco interior is an absolute delight. The British built cars are complete with wonderful burr finished wooden dashes as opposed to plain functional metal ones produced on the French side of the channel, and how much better they are for it.

The switch gear is all good. The classic combination of chrome, ceramic and bakelite touch points complement each other perfectly. It is all original and very, very nice. With the unobstructed view of that long low louvered bonnet it is hard to tear yourself away. More so because you are cosseted on that amazing red leather bench seat in the front. Again, all original. The seats in delightful condition. They have the aged feel, look and smell of a properly manufactured classic car.

Our vendor has provided a second video showing the interior : Traction Interior

Mechanicals

• 1911cc OHV 4 Engine with 3 speed Gear box
• Capable of 70mph cruising
• Drives well

The Citroen Tractions are great fun to own and drive. The three speed column changes works fine. The 1911cc four cylinder engine pulls well. Because the Tractions were so far ahead of their time, even today, they are very manageable on modern roads. A “delight”, we are told. You can see the attention to detail this Traction has had even down to the dovetail shaped chrome tailpipe extension. That is a very rare sight and sign of a genuine car. Even the hub caps are in exemplary condition. The tyres are all good too.

We are told that on the road the innovative but simple suspension system delivers first-rate road manners and handling. Citroen Tractions are well known for the ability to just waft the owners and passengers along purposefully and comfortably from one destination to another with the minimum fuss and effort.

Our view

The Tractions have it all really. Style, comfort, panache. With an art deco interior and a charm like no other. If you asked a six year old to draw a classic car, it would be this. If you want maximum fun provided in an all-round package at outstanding value, buy a Citroen Traction Avant.

Although reports suggests nearly 750,000 Tractions were built between 1937-1954 they do not come to market very often. That is probably because owners just hang on to them, they are that good. When they do, there is always a lot of attention. We expect this one will be no different. Our vendor has reduced his reserve.