1950 Citroen Traction Avant

1950 Citroen Traction Avant

Highlights

Featured in films including "Frankie Starlight" and Disney's "Miracle at Midnight"
Accompanied by a comprehensive service history
Equipped with rare Lambert Nivelles wheels and hubcaps
Numerous awards at classic car events in Ireland
The Appeal
Designed by Andr Lefbvre and Flaminio Bertoni, the Traction Avant hit the market in 1934. It was immediately something very special - this was one of the company's first true innovators. The Avant's impact on the industry is hard to overstate - the car pioneered mass-market monocoque bodywork, independent suspension, and, of course, the mass-production of front-wheel drive.

It wasn't so much that it invented these, of course - no, what the Traction Avant did was wrap them together into a uniquely appointed package. The Avant was accessible and attractive, with a sweeping, wide-stance, elegant profile that perfectly hit the increasingly fashion-oriented thirties zeitgeist. The resulting car was beyond successful - and still felt contemporary when the legendarily space-age DS followed it in 1957.

This particular example is an original Paris-built car that has been in the same ownership for thirty-two years, having been purchased from Citron specialist Steve Southgate in 1992. Since then, this beautiful example has seen plenty of work completed. It's garnered plenty of awards at multiple Irish car events and has even featured on-screen.

It's not every day we see a car that's carried the likes of Mia Farrow (you'll see this in Disney's Miracle at Midnight) - and we're confident it's amongst the finest, most storied surviving examples on the market.

History and Paperwork
Registered in 1950
Original Parisian market car
Particularly notable for its Lambert Nivelles wheels and hubcaps
These were fitted at factory due to a strike at the Michelin wheel factory in 1950
As a result alternatives were sourced from the Lambert Nivelles company in Belgium
Original French registration 853 E 59
Restored in 1976
Imported circa 1992 to the UK, leaving a 16-year ownership
Purchased by the current owner in 1992 from Citron specialist Steve Southgate
Appeared in 1995's Frankie Starlight
Appeared in TV movie, Miracle After Midnight, in 1998 - in which Mia Farrow was a passenger
NCT (MOT) exempt in Ireland
Numerous awards won at shows and rallies
Many invoices on file covering parts and work
Indicates 44,635kms on a five-figure odometer

The Condition
In May 1976, the car was fully sanded down and treated against corrosion, repainted with 3 coats of black & 2 of varnish
Beautifully presented long wheelbase bodywork with a dramatic, sweeping poise
Excellent condition for the car's venerable years
Paintwork presents well with light signs of wear
Minor paint cracks on one lower wing, minor rust marks on one lower door
Some light wear to the brightwork and trims
All badges and branding are present and correct
Very rare Lambert Nivelles wheels and hubcaps
2 Marchal spot lamps
Underside is solid and well-kept, with a stainless steel exhaust
Roomy interior is very well presented
Upholstery, carpets, and headlining appearing in smart condition for its age
Light patina, though very light for the car's advancing age
All dash instruments in working order except the clock
Quillery steering wheel
Advance/retard ignition in working order
The Mechanics
2.0-litre (1,911cc) four-cylinder engine
Manual transmission with a three-speed gearbox
Engine bay recently completely refurbished and in excellent condition
Complete with period oil-filled ignition coil
Complete re-wiring and brake overhaul by Citron Traction Avant specialist
Recent work includes new dynamo, radiator, starter relay, water pump, petrol pump, battery, and tyres

We understand the car to be in fine working order
We've no reports of any significant mechanical issues
This ultimately appears to be a superb example through-and-through
The vendor notes that the car is a smooth runner and comfortable for both driver and passengers
They also highlight the car's robust build and that it's very dependable