1952 Citroen Traction Avant (11BL)

Description

Appealing French built 11BL variant that was hidden away for 20+ years; running and driving following a sympathetic overhaul including a rebuilt engine; wonderfully solid and original example

Andre Citroen came from a different mould. He was the gifted but enigmatic engineer who founded what was soon to become Europe’s largest car manufacturer in 1919.

Wilfully ambitious, he was so far ahead of his time that he went bust in 1934 only to be rescued by the mighty Michelin tyre company before tragically dying a year later. What pushed him and his firm over the edge was the extraordinary Traction Avant which positively bristled with new-fangled innovations.

Launched in 1934 it was not only the world’s first mass-produced front-wheel drive car, but also one of the first to feature a welded steel monocoque body, rack-and-pinion steering, hydraulic brakes, synchromesh transmission and independently sprung front suspension.

It was of course a sensation. By the late 1930s, the engine had grown from the original 1,300cc to 1,911cc, putting the car into the 15hp tax band in the UK, hence they were known as Light 15s here, although techically this example is a 11BL - the 11 refering to the French fiscal rating, the B its series number and the L for Legere, or Light in English as apposed to the larger Normale....

This stylish French-built example left the Quai de Javel plant in 1952, a French sales receipt showing it had been living way down south near Pau, the transfer to the UK taking place in 1984, after which is was occasionally used.

It changed hands a few times before joining a private collection in 1999 having been purchased through an Olympia sale. It was in fine order and was enjoyed for a few years before being put into dry storage. The odometer shows 49,030Km which may well be correct given the wonderfully original interior and exceptionally sound body, but we'll let you decide.

Our vendor (a retired engineer) purchased the car from the private collection where it had been in dry storage for at least 20 years and set about a sympathetic overhaul and service.

The engine has been rebuilt with new liners, pistons, new head gasket, new seals and the valves re-seated and set. The petrol pump was replaced with new delivery system, filters and gauge. The brakes were overhauled with replacement slave cylinders, front brake shoes, flexi pipes and fluid.

The coolant hoses, radiator cap and fan belt were also renewed, the carb cleaned and overhauled with new pan type air filter, new spark plugs, leads and coil along with a complete fluid lubrication service with all grease points and bearings re-packed. A replacement Ducellier type electronic distributor/ignition is included but not fitted.

A new traditional 17 AH 6V lead battery was fitted, additional earth straps fitted, other wiring was also overhauled with partial replacement, new rear light lenses and front indicators fitted with partial conversion to LED and a useful hazard light circuit also installed.  The underside and internal sections have been treated with Bilt Hamber protection products to safeguard the car for the future.

The history file includes the V5C, a stack of invoices for parts purchased, information on the model, original repair manual, some spare parts, the spare wheel, wheel brace and tools plus fire extinguisher.

Much work has evidently been done with the car running and driving well, the engine sounding very sweet with good oil pressure.  These cars are popular, still look very smart and are well catered for in terms of spares from the very active owner’s club and parts providers.

For more information contact - will.daniels@brightwells.com