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1957 Citroen Traction Avant 11B Légère – 4 cylinders 1911 c.c.

In 1934, the firm André Citroën established its reputation for innovative technology with the Traction Avant. This was the world’s first car to be mass-produced with front-wheel drive, four-wheel independent suspension, as well as unibody construction, omitting a separate chassis, and instead using the body of the car itself as its main load-bearing structure.

 In 1934 Citroën commissioned the American Budd Company to create a prototype, which evolved into the 7 fiscal horsepower (CV), 32 hp (24 kW) 

This particular 1957 Traction, among the last production examples before the introduction of her replacement, namely the revolutionary DS-19/ID-19, is a rare just two owners from new- car. She was found for sale by its original owner in Bourgundy, France in October 1987. The first owner an elderly Citroën mechanic used the car to visit his cousin every now and then and this was the only use, hence an extremely low kilometrage and 100% original car. Otherwise the car was kept in her heated garage and receiving through the 30 years under his custody, all the love and care of her expert Citroën specialist mechanic owner.

When the owner reached 80 years of age and was not permitted to drive anymore, sold the -as new condition- Traction Avant to her present owners. After a fluids change the new owners drove the car from France to Athens, Greece, a 1.000 miles/1.650 kilometers trip through rough weather of February 1988. The only incident was a flat tire which was replaced at a local Michelin dealer. Since then the car was sparingly used for classic car events and concours d’élégance, adding no more than 1500 km to the real 80.000 km of the previous owner.

During all those years of ownership in the dry, sunny 🌞 Athenian weather conditions, except regular periodic services the only addition to the car was the missing heating hose which was an extra item that was never installed from new; in addition, the 2 front “bavettes” i.e. the mudguards plus a fresh period correct, black 6-Volt battery. A pair of period French Marshall spot lights were also added, in order to have a better visibility at night, and finally a new set of 4 Michelin X radial tires were imported from France, while the spare is still the replacement tire, which was bought in France in lieu of the flat we had at the start of our epic winter trip from Burgundy to Ancona, Italy and then via Ferry-Boat to Patras and eventually arriving without mishaps to our homes in Athens.

Except the 4 fenders painted by the original owner due to gravel damage, the car was never resprayed in or out, all rubbers are original and in perfect condition. There is no rust at all, since the car was never left out of a garage during its all of its life, the dry Greek climate being an ally for the last 32 years under our sympathetic custody. The original flannel gray upholstery material is spotless and no signs of use or décoloration are observed, since original covers protected them until recently. These covers accompany the sale.

Needless to say, the sale will include, (indicatively) a large inventory of spare parts [an itemized list will be prepared, estimated @1.000+€uros], plus a workshop manual, drawings, posters and other memorabilia.

The engine runs as new, no oil leaks, or over heating. The 3-speed gearbox, clutch disc, have also been professionally repaired during 1999.

The ride is comfortable and smooth due to the legendary Citroen suspension and no annoying sounds or rattles are observed. The all four drum brakes are very strong.

The car is accompanied by the original owners manual, several original documents, tools and jack and the very rare anti theft blocking the gearshift lever (a.k.a. Knife in the butter), a well known Robri accessory.

This is maybe the best unrestored, untouched, bearing a FIVA rare classification of A/2, best preserved, concourse condition & quality, easy to drive example of 11B Légère , which one can find.

A clear French title is easily transferable to the buyer. Free delivery to European buyer and a very attractive shipping fare for American buyers. This is also an fantastic opportunity for the new buyer to combine a classic car European tour before shipping to the US as for example participating to the “Tour du Péloponnèse” next October 2021. Possibility of keeping the car for an interim period in our Classic Car Center of Greece www.3cg.club.