Description
This is a February 1957 Citroen Traction Avant 11B Big Boot imported from France by a Traction specialist I am the second owner since being imported. The car was constantly garaged by the previous owner who had it for two decades. Prior to me purchasing it he had a new clutch and stainless steel silencer fitted. In my ownership it has had five new tires, new 6 volt batteries, a proper heater, front seat belts fitted, new fuel pump, distributor and re-cored radiator. The water pump and the carburetor have been rebuilt. New boot rubber seals and filler cap seal. Door cards are good but there is wear to the seat and carpet fabric and water stain to the head lining at the corner of the rear window. The water ingress problem has been cured. The suspension rubber mountings are sound as are the engine mounting rubbers and springs. The gearbox is smooth and there is no lack of power in the engine. The brakes drums have been removed and the brakes serviced. There is some slight bubbling on the bottoms of the doors but the cards were taken off and anti- corrosive spray injected inside the door panels. The chassis is sound. The car has had a respray at some time in the past and is in good condition. The front wings suffer from a common complaint where the tip of the wings rust badly. These were patched with fibreglass before I purchased the car but I have new wing tips ready to be welded on. Altogether the car is solid and reliable and a pleasure to drive. The technological advance that the Citroen Traction Avant achieved has always impressed me and when the opportunity to purchase one arose I bought it. For me the car is not kept as a show piece but as a vehicle that one can get the joy of practical hands-on motor engineering. In that respect the car is not concourse but provides a solid base for someone who wishes to take it up to the next level. I have travelled to France on two trips totally over 2000 miles with no major problems. 1957 was the last year Tractions were made and remained 6 volt to the end. Many owners have changed to 12 volt electrics with an alternator. I have not done this as everything works well as it is.
I am prepared to drive it to France should a French buyer wish to check it over but this would have to be a specific date that I would arrange and located in the Charente.
