Vehicle Description
1952 Citroen Traction Avant
Andre Citroen and his war vehicle manufacturing plant needed to
have something to do after the war, so he decided to get into the
car manufacturing business. He was successful...however he did
bring the company into bankruptcy twice. Known for its innovative
designs and technical experimentation particularly with front wheel
drive and air ride suspension, the company has gone through several
iterations and is still in business today but does not sell in the
North American Market.
For consignment, a 1952 version of the Traction Avant. Despite
looking like it is from the late 1930's it has many innovations
including 4-wheel independent suspension, front wheel drive,
unibody construction and a very nicely appointed interior. Its
production run ran from 1934 through 1957 for this model, and now
right here at Classic Auto Mall is a 1952 Version.
Exterior
Leading the way is the essential dual chevron emblazoned grille
still used today on all models in some iteration. This is on top of
a vertical ribbed shoaled styled grille, exterior mounted fenders
that eliminate the running board but still give off the classic
vibe from the 30's. Perched on top of the front fenders are chromed
bullet style headlights and smaller turn signal lights. A curved
cowled hood and a simple curved front bumper complete the look for
the front. The car uses a two-tone paint scheme, with a beige color
for the body and red for the fenders. Doors have a trim spear on
them in red running just below the belt line. The doors also
utilize a common B pillar as their hinge point so the front doors
can be deemed suicide doors. On the back is a large "humpback
trunk" and some tail lighting framed below by another nicely
preserved bumper. Beige steel wheels have red moon caps that are
topped on the hub with a chromed center.
Interior
Swinging the doors, we see mohair uppers in tan and lower
broadcloth in maroon along with shiny handles and cranks. The sills
are painted in the fender matching red. Seats use the mohair as
their inserts and have smooth red vinyl bolster and upper toppers
which are all in good condition. This includes a rear bench with
more mohair and arms covered in the red vinyl. Nicely preserved
mohair is on all other vertical surfaces as well as the headliner
which is nice and tight above. Covering the floors is brown
carpeting. A black dash with a dash mounted manual shifter is seen
and all knobs and pulls are functional within this black dash front
field.
Drivetrain
Under the hood is a 116.7ci 4-cylinder engine which has a 1-barrel
carburetor on top. A 3-speed manual transmission is attached and
drives the front wheels so it is transversely mounted. A 3.44 ratio
final drive pushes power to the front wheels.
Undercarriage
The floor pan of this early unibody frame and floor is slightly
surface rusted and has a nice overall patina to the metal. All
simple with no drive shaft, and transverse torsion bars for the
front, and bringing up the rear are unequal length trailing arms
and a Panhard bar suspension. Drum brakes are operating on all 4
corners. A clean exhaust painted black is noted.
Drive-Ability
I had to drive this one because how many of these do you even see,
let alone drive. It started very easily with the pull of a lever,
and it was off to the test track with my decoder and proofer, and
me driving. Here the car performed beautifully, has smooth
acceleration without any hesitation, good braking, and shifting was
a breeze with the dash mounted lever. All functions are working
nicely.
A not too often seen model of car here in the US, and most are the
Maserati Air ride cars we know as the SM with their interesting
shape. This car, with the front wheel drive, unibody construction
and 4-wheel independent suspension was a nice departure and a
throwback to a simpler time. Pretty much the same design prevailed
from 1934 through 1957 with only minor modifications. So, we have a
true Classic in this Citroen Traction Avant. Avant, aptly named, as
it means culturally or stylistically advanced, in the Citroen
lineup even today.
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.