1956 Citroen Traction Avant

86,500 Miles
Same Enthusiast Owner Since 1977
Maintained By Specialist
Very Late Production 11BL Model
Serial: 673681
We purchased this lovely Traction Avant from a local gentleman who is an avid Citroen enthusiast. He has actually owned this particular example since 1977, and sent us a photo of the car from when he bought it, sitting alongside his SM and 2CV. We have known of this car for some time now, as it has always been maintained by a good friend of ours, a highly skilled vintage Euro specialist in Chicago, who just recently passed away. The car is a regular show-goer in the Chicago area, and has been regularly exercised throughout the summer months in recent years. In the last couple years, the car has had a transmission rebuild, a new clutch and throwout bearing, fuel pump, distributor, voltage regulator, and engine mounts. As it sits, this car is in reliable running and driving order
Exterior
- Exterior imperfections are all shown close-up in the video accompanying the listing. Imperfections include a small dent on rear of body, on the passenger side. It's hidden behind the chrome rear bumper, but the dent is there. There is also some chipping along the passenger front fender, as well as a few small touched-up scratches scattered about the car. Again, please defer to the video and photos
- Polished pieces (bumpers, handles, trim pieces) are all in excellent shape. Shine bright and with no damage
- Made-in-France Michelin tires are in great shape. White wheels show minor chipping. Chrome hubs are very nice
- Glass is all clear and crack free. Signal lenses are all intact, though a bit faded in color
Interior
- “Suicide” style front doors, regular rears. All open and close with ease
- 3spd manual shifter located on the dashboard frees up interior space, as there's no center console or floor-mounted shifter. Interesting shift pattern, with first being down right and second up left. See video for in-car driving clips
- White/grey seats are in very nice shape both front and rear. No major scuffs, tears, or damage
- Door panels show some wear by way of stains and a fraying spot on driver's side
- Rubber floormat up front, carpet in rear
- Wipers, lights, signals, and handbrake are all functional
- Odometer reads 86,508 and is functional and believed to be accurate based on known ownership history and overall condition of the car
- Glass and lenses all clear and crack-free
Under the Hood / Underbody
- Correct 1.9L inline-4 engine. 11D block. Engine number: 11701722 4MPVV78
- Underbody is in quite good shape. No damage, no through rust. Please see photos/video for detail
- Car runs and drives very well. Starts right up, idles cool and steady, winds through the gears without hesitation, tracks straight, and brakes straight and effectively with its 4-wheel drums. This car has seen routine use in recent years, as it has been driven to shows and events on a biweekly basis throughout the summer months
- This car has been maintained and driven regularly by an extremely knowledgeable and capable mechanic who sadly just passed away, owner of The Sports Car Store in North Chicago, having been in business for 40 years