1954 Citroen Traction Avant Light 15
No Reserve

Registration No: YFF 437
Chassis No: 532273
MOT: Exempt

• British market Slough built ‘Light Fifteen' with original Jersey RF60 log book and current V5C
• Full known documented history from new
• Desirable big boot specification with RHD, wooden dash and red leather hide.
• Displaying correct chassis and engine numbers
• In exceptional 'pampered' condition

Citroen's most famous and unique pre-war model, the Traction Avant (front wheel drive) was launched in 1934. Known as the 7CV or simply 'Seven', this revolutionary vehicle was noteworthy not only for its front wheel drive, but for having its wheels positioned far out at each corner, as well as for having the gearbox ahead of the four cylinder engine. A subframe bolted to the monocoque steel bodyshell held the torsion bar front suspension, engine and gearbox. This unitary construction technique provided the basis for the advanced looking, low slung, rakish body design which before long became a favorite of European gangsters - both in real life and in movies. This design formed the backbone of Citroen's range (with larger engined variants) until 1955 and was not withdrawn until July 1957. Amazingly this was achieved with little change from its original form in either mechanical construction or appearance.

Citroens’ factory in Slough, England was wholly owned by the French company. It was formed to avoid British import duties and ensured enough British sourced materials and parts were used to achieve this. The key difference was the adoption of 12v Lucas electronics throughout including lights and components, Smiths instruments and chrome fittings and grill. It was also deemed more suitable for the English market to incorporate a wooden dashboard and leather upholstery as opposed to metal dash and cloth or velvet seats. It is noteworthy that many engine and body parts were entirely interchangeable with the French and Belgian built models. The light fifteen, a slightly shorter version of the mid-range 11B is more agile and in todays world fits more easily into car parking spaces and garages.

Slough-built in 1954 this example was first registered in Jersey on 11th January 1955 and sold by G.H. Pool & Sons to a Mr Raphael Fraydon of St. Helier. A Jersey registration document lists several owners between 1955 and 1972 when it is believed to have entered the Coleman collection. Three futher registered keepers are recorded from 1980 to 1988 when it was re-registered with another Jersey number. In 1994 the owner moved to the UK mainland and a large quantity of invoices and documents evidence a bare metal respray and wax-oil in 1990. From then until now it has been pampered with extensive work including another respray in 1998 and re-trim of the soft leather interior in 2011 which remains in remarkable condition. In recent times much work has been completed by Citroen specialists including Mark Harding of Devon Tractions. The vendor has overseen a number of sensible modifications and upgrades including power steering, 123 electronic ignition and fitment of oil pressure and water temperature gauges. There is even a 12v cigarette lighter power point. Now showing 67,752 miles on the speedometer, it starts readily, running and driving well on inspection with the modern upgrades making this ‘pampered’ example a joy to drive even in modern traffic.

For more information, please contact:
Paul Diamond
Paul.diamond@handh.co.uk
07768 313001