1927 Citroën Type B14 F Torpédo
Restored to a very high standard

Registration No: BS 9698
Chassis No: SABTVR03522097295
MOT: Exempt

• French-built B14 F (with servo brakes) in single-family ownership since 1988
• Subject to an extensive, photographically documented restoration during the custodianship of the late owner
• Used by the late owner for annual trips from Essex to Prescott Hill-Climb and other destinations
• Supplied with an extensive history file

A clean-sheet design, the Citroën B14 was launched at the 1926 Paris Salon. Based round a very lightweight, ladder frame chassis, it featured quarter-elliptic leaf sprung suspension (single front, twin rear) and optional servo-assisted four-wheel drum brakes. Powered by a 1½-litre, sidevalve four-cylinder engine mated to a three-speed gearbox, it was reputedly capable of some 50mph. Manufactured on both sides of the English Channel (Citroen had operated factory premises in Slough since 1923) the B14 was available with a wide range of body styles including Torpédo, Coupé de Ville, Landaulet and Taxi versions. The B14 F was distinguished by its servo brakes, as the B14 G was introduced at the 1927 Salon de l'Auto with restyled bodywork.

The earliest records of this wonderful Citroën begin in 1988, when it was for sale with the well-known vintage dealer David Baldock, painted Yellow and Black and in need of some restoration. A French import, it had lost its chassis plate and had not yet been registered. It was bought by the late Gyles Cooper, who began a long-term restoration which saw the Citroën receive a DVLA identity and culminated with its registration in 2005.

An enormous amount of work was performed, as testified by the many invoices. The chassis and back axle were restored by Classic Restorations of London in 1990, with suspension refurbished by spring and shock absorbers specialists. Sutton Rebore Services attended to the engine in 1992. Mechanical work continued with Nigel Reilly Engineering between 1996 and 1997, and the bodywork was restored between 1998 and 2001 by vintage specialist S. R. Duncan, with Mr. Cooper opting for a repaint in British Leyland Tahiti Blue. The nickelwork was plated by the Classic Chroming Co. in 2002. Following registration in 2005, the Citroën has been enjoyed with the VSCC and the Vintage Citroën Register.

Between 2007 and 2013, £7,000 was spent with vintage engineer Keith Pointing, which included a new hood and tonneau in 2008, a new petrol tank in 2009, and a new clutch and steering box overhaul in 2013. Sadly, Mr. Cooper died in 2019, but the Citroën has continued to be looked after by his family. It is offered with a huge file including the current V5C; the 1988 sales invoice; an enormous pile of invoices for restoration work, maintenance and spares; correspondence, technical drawings and technical articles in English and French; a VSCC Eligibility Document; an original English-language 12-24hp instruction book, and the February 5th, 1926, issue of The Light Car & Cyclecar.

For more information, please contact:
Lucas Gomersall
lucas.gomersall@handh.co.uk
07484 082430