1953 Citroën Traction Avant

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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

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