The Traction Avant was the first mass-production car with front-wheel drive, monocoque body construction (without a separate chassis) and all-round independent suspension. It was even unofficially named after its propulsion: Traction Avant literally means ‘front-wheel drive’, though the official name was numerical and referred to the car’s tax horsepower. The result was a car that was so ahead of its time that it still felt contemporary more than two decades later. It was in production until 1957, and even sold alongside the legendary Citroën DS for two years. Most Traction Avants use a 1911cc four-cylinder engine, which is arguably the most conventional part of the car, and produced a heady 57bhp in the fifties models. All used a three-speed gearbox, whose lever in typical Citroen fashion protrudes vertically out of the dashboard.
The front-wheel drive layout and lack of a separate chassis means this big car is almost impossibly sleek and chic for the era – place it next to a conventional model of a similar age and it appears low-slung and downright rakish. There were practical advantages, too – the weightsaving from a separate chassis improved performance and economy, and the lack of a transmission tunnel meant the interior could have a low floor and absolutely bags of passenger space.

The example we are offering for sale is a 1952 version of the 11B. This car had a longer wheelbase and more interior space compared to the standard 11BL (L stands for "légère" or light). This originally French delivered Citroën is completely restored to original specification between 2010 and 2015, and still in as new condition. This restoration is documented with many invoices, and the car is finished in its original colour combination of Rouge Delage over Black which looks stunning. The interior is correctly finished in grey cloth, and offers plenty of space - certainly in the rear.

If you are looking for one of the best Traction Avants on the market, then this example should be on your list to consider. It drives beautifully, it's a real headturner in this colour combination and the restoration is from a high level. Charm and quality, all in one car.