Citroen Traction Avant 11B Normale Big 15

Hello and welcome to my auction for my very nice Citroen Traction Avant 1954. 11B

1953 model year

I purchased this Citroen in France just over three years ago from the son of the first owner. I have always wanted a Traction Avant and when i was put in touch with the owner of this car it was like it had been waiting for me. It was completely original which is exactly what i was looking for. It had covered a genuine 56000 kms. was dusty under the bonnet and smelt old inside. But it was very solid and in sound condition. I had the frenchman put it through a Controle Technique where it was found to have a leaking petrol tank so i had a new one fitted and i decided i would bring it back to England to enjoy it - which i have every minute!

 After driving it around for a few months the valves sounded "fluffy" so i had the cylinder head removed and it was discovered to be in quite an oily state. it was assumed the valve guides were worn. The cylinder head went off for new valve guides and whilst off i thought i better have it converted to unleaded valve seats and skimmed. I also had a new rocker shaft installed. Before refitting the head the tops of the pistons were cleaned up and this was when we found out what was causing the oil to come into the combustion chamber. A small piece was missing out of the side of number 1 piston (it was later diagnosed with excessive ring land wear leading to piston ring breakup and piston damage - cause - over fuelling) 

So the engine and gearbox were removed and the engine went in for a rebuild. This comprised of: Conversion to DS/11D con rods. high compression done top DS pistons and liners. Liner seats recut and block refaced and heights reset. Flywheel lightened. Crankshaft polished and balanced to the flywheel. Con rods and pistons weighed and balanced to matched set. All then rebuilt with a new timing chain and sprung loaded tensioner and head refitted with Payen gaskets. Reconditioned water pump fitted.

 The original carburettor which is a less common Zenith 32 IN was sent off for and overhaul and came back reconditioned. I also had the distributor completely refurbished and new HT leads. The radiator was flow tested and flushed and the petrol pump refurbished.

The engine now runs like a swiss watch and has plenty of power. I change the oil every 3000 miles and it has now covered 76000 kms.  

The gearbox which was ok. was stripped. had new bearings fitted and set up again. The crown wheel and pinion were in fine condition as you can feel when you drive it. I also had a new clutch fitted. The pair were bolted back together. repainted and set to one side as i was waiting for the drive shafts to come back. I sent them away to have all new UJ's and gaiters fitted. rebuilt with new wheel bearings.

Engine and box refitted and running soundly i was happy so off to france i went in it to visit friends in the Vendee. No Problem.  

Since then i have had 5 new Michelin X tyres fitted. a new 6 Volt battery and windscreen seal as well as complete brake overhaul and better. bigger Marchal yellow headlamps.

The interior is completely original and in very good condition apart from a tatty piece of trim just inside the passenger door where people drag their feet across the sill. The seats are still very springy and very comfortable. Everything on the dashboard works as it should and the steering is very precise. Wiring is original and in very good condition retaining the original Citroen colour coded ends.

The bodywork is very sound. There are a number of stone chips on the front grill again from driving in france. The paint is original and polishes up lovely. the rear wheel arches letting it down slightly as age has set in but i didn't mind this as it was part of the vehicle and anyway i only use it when the suns out or dry weather anyway. It is out very day at the moment covering 40-50 miles a day and achieving around 30mpg.

It is MOT's until May 2014 and taxed (free) until June 2014 and insured. The original french registration number is behind the English number plates and the original Citroen tool kit and jack are in the boot.

I don't particularly want to part with this fine vehicle. It has bought much pleasure to me. my friends and my family. however i have just agreed to purchase a much older Citroen and i haven't the space to store both. I think i have put a very fair price on the car and hope more than anything that it goes to a good home.

I can be contacted anytime on 07939 219795 or 07701 088654. Viewing is very easy at the moment as i am using the car daily. Located in central Cambridge.

Thanks for looking - Advertised locally. Cash preferred. £500 via paypal immediately

Anyone with less than 10 good feedback scores. please contact me first or i will cancel your bid.

More pictures coming at the weekend.

Also published at eBay.co.uk

Want to buy this car?