The Citroën Traction Avant debuted in 1934 and remained in production until 1957. The Traction Avant has gained recognition for its innovative design including all-steel monocoque construction, rack-and-pinion steering, and a front-wheel-drive configuration. This 1952 11BL example has been refinished in black over matching upholstery and has been fitted with a new Solex carburetor, fuel pump, and master cylinder. This iconic French automobile is now being offered for auction by its seller out of Oklahoma.
The Traction’s striking art-deco design is characterized by a low-slung profile, a slanting front grille, a butterfly hood, suicide front doors, curvaceous fenders, and sweeping lines. This example is said to have been disassembled and refinished in black with matching steel wheels and chrome hubcaps. Details include polished accents, rounded protruding headlights, fender-mounted rearview mirrors, and a pop-out windshield. The seller notes minor paint imperfections, and additional images are provided in the gallery.
The reupholstered interior presents black leatherette upholstery with red stitching along the front bucket seats, rear bench, and door panels. Details include a painted dashboard, a matching three-spoke steering wheel, chrome accents, a black cloth headliner, and deviating red carpets. The seller notes that the clock is currently inoperable.
Power is derived from a single Solex-carbureted 1,911cc inline-four engine which sends power to the front wheels through a 3-speed manual transmission. Features include rack-and-pinion steering and torsion bar suspension. The seller adds that a new carburetor, fuel pump, and master cylinder were installed. No outstanding maintenance items have been reported.
This sale will include a clean title.
The seller would like you to know: “This little Citroen is an all-original sheet metal car with its original floors and body structure. It is in almost unheard-of condition for a vintage Citroen, and it is a hit at any car show or Cars and Coffee event. While in my ownership in rural Oklahoma, we used the car for Brunch/Dinner runs, Car Shows, and trips to our boat house on our local lake. I have set a very fair reserve on this car, and I really do hate to see it go, but I have no room and replaced it with a 1958 Fiat 1200tv Spyder. This Citroen is a lot of bang for the buck, and you really won’t have to worry about seeing another one at any car event you attend. All parts are readily available in the US for ease of maintenance/service.”
Comments (60)
I thought I had it at $15250 when clock was at zero for several seconds. Jim came in and crushed me! ;)
Sold for $19,000
Heard Steve Matchett ) F1) crew chief talk about his favorite car. This was it. Charlotte, NC will be the new home. Now I have to go back to work and pay for it. Thanks to all.
Congrats @jimcomer
Thanks for the fun guys. Congrats to the high bidder.
Bid in the amount of $19,000
Bid in the amount of $18,250
Bid in the amount of $18,000
Bid in the amount of $17,250
Good going, car deserves more.
Bid in the amount of $17,000
Authority Bid time. Lol
Bid in the amount of $15,750
Bid in the amount of $15,500
Bid in the amount of $15,250
Bid in the amount of $15,000
Bid in the amount of $14,250
Reserve is Off at $15k
Bid in the amount of $14,000
Bid in the amount of $13,250
Bid in the amount of $13,000
Bid in the amount of $12,500
Bid in the amount of $12,000
Bid in the amount of $11,250
Bid in the amount of $11,000
Bid in the amount of $10,750
Guys, I have a super fair Reserve on this car, which is far below refresh cost not including the car itself, and just try to find a nice survivor rust free body.
Dropping the Reserve a bit, but I can’t see this thing not selling as it is a Bargain, and too Quirky Cool not to own
Bid in the amount of $10,500
Thanks for the bids guys, glad to see there are some people who love Quirky Cool
Bid in the amount of $10,000
Bid in the amount of $8,200
Bid in the amount of $7,750
Ok guys, we are in the closing hours, so do let me know if there are any last minute questions or details needed, and also do remember I am more than happy to help setup economic shipping arrangements
Bid in the amount of $7,500
Bid in the amount of $7,000
Bid in the amount of $6,700
Bid in the amount of $6,350
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Bid in the amount of $5,650
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Bid in the amount of $5,150
This thing is so cool!
Additional content has been added to the gallery for this listing.
Just uploaded a few pics from early today, e which may help with sizing perspective if anyone is unfamiliar with the size of a Citroen.
Most people who are unfamiliar assume it is a larger car as our American big fender cars are.
Ok guys, we are in the closing 24 hours of the auction, and I would like to let everyone know that I am more than happy to help with optimal shipping logistics if necessary, along with store the car in my climate controlled building if quick delivery is inconvenient at the time.
Bid in the amount of $4,900
Bid in the amount of $4,500
Bid in the amount of $4,200
Bid in the amount of $3,800
@Rupes The speedometer is in MPH and reads up to 100mph. I am sure the mirrors are aftermarket as I have not seen them on others, but they are a very nice quality with good vision.
What a beauty. I believe these usually have 150 km/h speedometers. Is this the one in this in mph? Also I believe the side mirrors are usually on the a-pillar. Are the mirrors aftermarket. Thanks and GLWA.
Bid in the amount of $3,300
Bid in the amount of $3,050
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Bid in the amount of $2,222
Additional content has been added to the gallery for this listing.
@cascadia Title is Oklahoma and in my name, as the Nevada Tag came with the car’s paperwork, so I wanted to sport that to explain is lack of rust.
The tires are Michelin X Radial that I cannot seem to find a date code for, but they run out great with no issue. I’ll add pics.
Bid in the amount of $1,952
Love it! These are great cars. I see NV plates, is the title in your name, or previous owner? Also, could you post what the date code on the tires are? Thanks.
Bid in the amount of $900