Citroen Traction Avant 11B

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Andre Citroen came from a different mould. He was the gifted but enigmatic engineer who founded what was soon to become Europe’s largest car manufacturer in 1919.

Wilfully (indeed suicidally) ambitious, he was so far ahead of his time that he went bust in 1934 and had to be rescued by Michelin before tragically dying of stomach cancer in 1935. What pushed him and his firm over the edge was the extraordinary Traction Avant which positively bristled with new-fangled innovations.

Launched in 1934 it was not only the world’s first mass-produced front-wheel drive car, but also one of the first to feature a welded steel monocoque body, rack-and-pinion steering, hydraulic brakes, synchromesh transmission and independently sprung front suspension.

This stylish French-built example left the Quai de Javel plant in 1955, arriving on these shores from France in 1986. Sadly nothing is known of its early life, but it was acquired by the vendor in 1995 for £5,300. It has seen very little use since, having covered barely 2,000 kms in his ownership and has spent the last 10 years in dry storage.

The owner has recently had the car professionally recommissioned, reporting that it goes nicely. In sound condition, the bodywork has recently been rust treated underneath, the car just begging to be put into regular use once more.

At the budget end of the Light 15 market, this car would make a practical everyday classic, eminently suitable for the whole family to enjoy.