Before the war, Citroën developed a revolutionary car, with a self-supporting body and front-wheel drive, which was soon popularly called the Traction Avant.

Over time there were various models, from 7CV to 15CV, in 4 and 6 cylinders. Even an 8-cylinder was developed at some point, the 22CV, which never came onto the market and is surrounded by mysteries.

The body shapes also differed. From a light Légère, via the larger Normale, to convertibles and coupes and also the very large models; the Familiale for 6 people and the Commerciale for 4 people and cargo.

Just before its successor by the DS, some 15CV models were equipped with a hydraulic-pneumatic rear axle suspension, the system that subsequently provided great driving comfort on many Citroëns.

This Traction Avant is from the last model year, has a 4-cylinder 11CV engine and conventional suspension. It is the Commerciale model, with a folding rear seat and a large tailgate into which a wine barrel can be rolled. 

In ’74 the car was sold and not re-registered, so it probably disappeared into the shed and was put to rest. It came to the Netherlands in 1985, where it was meticulously restored by a specialist in 1999. In 2000 it got a Dutch license plate and hit the road.

We don’t know much more about its history than that it came into the hands of one of our customers a few years ago, for which we are now selling it. It is clear that a lot of work has gone into the bodywork during the restoration, it is in beautiful condition and has been carefully painted top and bottom.

According to the import documents, it was black at the time, but as most of them were already black another original color from its year of manufacture was chosen, the beautiful Gris Bruyère, with an purple-ish glow. The wheels also got the corresponding color combination.

A lot of attention has also been paid to the technical aspects, resulting in a car that drives exceptionally well and smoothly. The interior has been completely renovated and looks great. Exactly what you are looking for if you want to turn heads with stately, spacious and nice-driving classic transport.