Lot 180 - 1953 Citroën Traction Avant Decouvrable
| Lot Number | 180 |
| Registration | ESV 486 |
| Chassis Number | 631219 |
| Engine Number | AN14872 |
| Odometer reading | 37,989 km |
| Estimate | £38,000 - £45,000 |
- Nut and bolt restoration
- Modified to convertible (Decouvrable) in period post production
The Citroën Traction Avant was manufactured from 1934 to 1957 with about 760,000 units produced. French for 'front wheel drive', it was designed by André Lefèbvre and Flaminio Bertoni in late 1933 and was one of the world's first front-wheel drive steel unitary body frame production car. With a low-slung design relative to its contemporaries, the Traction Avant always possessed a unique and often rakish look. The original model was a small saloon with later models, like the '11' and the '15' following on with bigger engines. In addition to the four-door body, it was also produced as a two-door coupé with a rumble seat, as a convertible and as an extended length Familiale, (Family) model with three rows of seats, seating seven adults in comfort.
This lovely, Decouvrable example of this extremely rare model was the subject of a ground up nut and bolt restoration in 2009/10 (photos available in the history file) The engine was rebuilt, new full respray, brand new interior, new hood, rebuilt suspension, new chrome bumpers, door handles – the list of work carried out is too extensive to fully detail. Although this was not one of the original handful of models that came out of the factory as a full convertible, it was converted in period just post-production. This wonderful car has been used sparingly since its restoration and has always been garaged. French police used to use these vehicles as they were nimble in a chase and had a good turn of speed. Looking fabulous and extremely retro this is surely a must for the collector.
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