Description
Imperial War Museum | Duxford, Cambridgeshire
Viewing: Tues 8th April from 12pm
Auction: Wed 9th April from 9am
Location: IWM Duxford Airfield, Cambridge CB22 4QR
1922 Citroen Type C 5hp Torpedo Tourer
No Reserve
Registration No: BF 6524
Chassis No: 6412
MOT: Exempt
Discovered languishing in a Hong Kong scrapyard
Subsequently restored to a high standard prior to being UK road registered in 2013
Used for a variety of VSCC events (running in the 'Champagne Class')
Entered from a small private collection
Designed by ex-Le Zebre and Amilcar engineer Edmond Moyet, the Citroen 5hp Type C was unveiled at the October 1921 Paris Salon. Priced aggressively at 8, 500FF and said to have given Louis Renault sleepless nights, the newcomer was powered by an 856cc four-cylinder side valve engine allied to three-speed manual transmission. Capable of some 60km/ h and featuring such niceties as an electric starter and headlights, the Type C was initially available as a boat-tailed Two-Seater Torpedo Tourer. Cabriolet, Three-Seater and even Van variants were later additions. Built in both left- and right-hand drive and sold around the globe, the little Citroen achieved some 80, 232 sales up until 1926 when it made way for the more profitable ‘all steel’ B14.
Reportedly found languishing in a Hong Kong scrapyard, work had already begun on chassis 6412 by the time it arrived on these shores. UK road registered as ‘BF 6524’ during July 2013 once the renovation had been completed, the Citroën was lightly modified such that its brake pedal operates the rear drums (the handbrake lever now activating the transmission brake). Converted from centre- to right-hand throttle too and said to have been treated to a professional engine overhaul, the Type C proved reliable enough for its previous keeper to place 4th-in-class on a VSCC Summer Rally. Advertised for £12, 000 prior to being bought by the late Garrett Burnett, one of life’s true gentlemen, the Tourer has formed part of his collection since 2019. Said to start readily on the handle or with a bump, it would doubtless benefit from some minor recommissioning. Cute as the proverbial button, it has Gallic charm aplenty!
** Bidding will take place live at the venue, online via our H&H website, by telephone and commission - T&Cs apply**
Parking and entry into the auction is free for auction attendees with a catalogue, available at the door.
Catalogues can be purchased for £20 (admits 2 people).
