1939 Citroen Traction Avant LIGHT 12

For us at Motodrome, the Citroen Traction Avant remains one of our favourite classics, and this one, as a Slough-built RHD pre-war example, ticks every box

What can you say about these legendary cars? The first mass-produced car with front wheel drive, and one of the first with monocoque construction rather than a separate chassis, they were an absolute sensation when they first arrived in the mid 1930’s.

WW2 saw the progess of car development put aside, but, by the time production stopped, in 1955, it was still one of the most advanced cars of it’s age, with hydraulic brakes and independent torsion bar suspension giving a superlative ride. They were only supplanted by the even more impressive DS which replaced them.

This one is a rare pre-war example, first registered in Truro Cornwall on 29th June 1939, so the original owner probably got little use out of it for the first six years of it’s life, when petrol rationing was introduced with World War 2. And it still retains it’s original registration number.

It’s the smallest of the 4-door saloon range, known as ‘Legere’ in France, or ‘Light 12’ in the UK. And, being a pre-war one, it’s the desirable ‘small boot’ version.

It has been tastefully modified for use in the present day, with electric power steering,

upgraded electrics including alternator and fuel pump, and is consequently lovely to drive without having lost it’s intrinsic character.

It seems to have been discovered semi-derelict in the Cotswolds in the early 1980’s, and was then saved and restored. The original engine was beyond economic repair, so a later-spec 1911cc engine from a 1955-66 Citroen ID19 was fitted. This engine is basically the same, but with more modern and long lived internals and oil system, so far easier to maintain. No more oil changes every 1000 miles as per the original engine.

It then underwent a lot of structural work by Mike Wheals Traction Restorations in 1999

History-wise we have two box files and photographs back to 1985.

A very enthusiastic owner 1999 to 2018 carried out a huge amount of further work on it, including a respray in the current colour scheme of beige over black.

History highlights in his tenure include new uprated driveshafts in 1999 sills in 2005, engine top end rebuild in 2007, carburettor rebuild 2009, uprated modern clutch conversion 2009, new crown wheel and pinion 2011, and new radiator 2013.

It’s in lovely condition, runs and drives beautifully, is an absolute doddle to drive with the electric power steering. and gets admiring glances wherever I park it. There’s a good reason why they remain one of the coolest classics you can own. And, being a pre-war one with all it’s early features intact give it extra kudos.

On our own website, you'll find our usual 2 videos – a walkaround appraisal, and driving impressions, which form part of the description.

nb the photos above, and the walkaround video on our website, show the sunroof not closed properly. I've finally worked out that an additional turn on the locking knob shuts it properly - see pictures on our website

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