Read below to learn more about the details of this Citroen Traction Avant for sale and what makes these cars so special!
The Traction Avant designed by Andre’ Lefebvre and Flaminio Bertoni in late 1933 pioneered front-wheel drive for the European mass car market. Front-wheel drive had first appeared on luxury vehicles manufactured by UK based Alvis in 1928 and the US car company Cord in 1929.
Most other cars of that era were built with the frame and body as separate units. The Traction Avant’s structure was Unitary Construction (called Uni-body in the US) with no separate frame resulting in a lighter vehicle. This is now the global standard for car modern car production. This Unitary body saved around 150 pounds in steel as well as allowing the Traction Avant to be very low-slung relative to its contemporaries. The Traction Avant was always distinctive for its time. The Suspension was very advanced with the front wheels independently sprung using a torsion bar and wishbone set up where most other cars of the period were using cart-type leaf springs. The rear suspension employed a Panhard rod, trailing arms and torsion bars. Considerably lighter than other designs of the era, it was capable of over 100km/h.
Originally ordered through Campbell Motors of South Pasadena in July of 1954, the first owner took delivery of his New Traction Avant in France while traveling through Europe in the spring of 1955. After returning home from his travels the car was shipped to California were it remained until 2012 when the current and second owner found it languishing in it’s desert garage. After having spent many years in dry storage it was purchased by the current owner who immediately undertook a comprehensive restoration to bring it back to as close to “as new” condition as possible. Now still California titled and wearing the original California plate issued new in 1955 and showing just over 2000 kilometers on the odometer since completion, this well sorted car is ready to take to shows or participate in driving events. Sale includes a dozen or so previous registrations from 1960 to the late 1970’s as well as the original owners manual and many photos and receipts documenting the $50,000 plus restoration. One of the finest examples in North America this Traction Avant is now ready for a new owner and caretaker.