A curious mixture of romantic visionary and practical businessman, André Citroën was determined that economic depression and a contracting car market would not prevent him introducing a revolutionary new model, which he was convinced would ensure the future of his company. It did just that, but not until after Citroën had lost control of his empire when a minor creditor commenced legal proceedings against him. Within two years, new owner Michelin had paid off all of Citroën’s debts. Citroën’s brainchild, the 7C 'Traction Avant', broke new ground in almost every aspect of production car engineering on its launch in 1934. Unitary construction of the body/chassis, front wheel drive, all-independent suspension sprung by torsion bars, hydraulic brakes, synchromesh transmission and a four-cylinder, overhead-valve, wet-liner engine were all incorporated in the new car at a time when the majority of its rivals employed a separate chassis, cart springs, sidevalve engines and mechanical brakes. This ground-breaking specification would have counted for little had the result not worked in practice, but the Traction soon gained a well deserved reputation for exceptional stability and exemplary handling that endures to this day. The 1.3-litre original was soon superseded by larger-engined versions, the 1.9-litre 11 Legère model being known in Britain from 1938 as the 'Light Fifteen'. Production resumed after WW2 and lasted until 1957, when the Traction Avant was replaced by the equally revolutionary DS. The Citroën Traction represents a very precious memory for Victor Ribeiro. During his childhood, the father of one of Victor’s friends would collect his son from school every day in his Traction. Ever since that time, Victor has cherished the image of this well respected French car, ‘discrete, effective and comfortable’, a car for the middle classes. For this reason, a Traction had to form part of his collection. Victor bought this Traction in 1999. In poor condition when purchased, it was subsequently completely rebuilt. The car was completely dismantled and the body restored, the engine overhauled and the interior reupholstered in correct grey fabric, specially sourced by Victor from France. Finished in grey metallic, the car is in superb condition and is without doubt one of the best Citroen Traction that we are aware of at the present time. La Traction de Citroën concrétise un souvenir cher à Victor Ribeiro. Dans en enfance, le père d'un des amis de Victor venait chaque jour chercher son fils à l'école avec sa Traction. Depuis, Victor chérissait l'image de cette voiture française si respectée, “ discrète, efficace et confortable ”, la voiture des classes moyennes. C'est la raison de la présence d'une Traction dans sa collection. Victor l'acheta en 1999. En mauvais état, elle fut ensuite totalement démontée et restaurée en carrosserie, moteur révisé et intérieur regarni avec le drap gris conforme à l'origine spécialement trouvé en France par Victor. Peinte en gris métallisé, la voiture est dans un magnifique état et sans doute la plus belle Traction 11 de Citroën dont nous ayons connaissance.
A curious mixture of romantic visionary and practical businessman, André Citroën was determined that economic depression and a contracting car market would not prevent him introducing a revolutionary new model, which he was convinced would ensure the future of his company. It did just that, but not until after Citroën had lost control of his empire when a minor creditor commenced legal proceedings against him. Within two years, new owner Michelin had paid off all of Citroën’s debts. Citroën’s brainchild, the 7C 'Traction Avant', broke new ground in almost every aspect of production car engineering on its launch in 1934. Unitary construction of the body/chassis, front wheel drive, all-independent suspension sprung by torsion bars, hydraulic brakes, synchromesh transmission and a four-cylinder, overhead-valve, wet-liner engine were all incorporated in the new car at a time when the majority of its rivals employed a separate chassis, cart springs, sidevalve engines and mechanical brakes. This ground-breaking specification would have counted for little had the result not worked in practice, but the Traction soon gained a well deserved reputation for exceptional stability and exemplary handling that endures to this day. The 1.3-litre original was soon superseded by larger-engined versions, the 1.9-litre 11 Legère model being known in Britain from 1938 as the 'Light Fifteen'. Production resumed after WW2 and lasted until 1957, when the Traction Avant was replaced by the equally revolutionary DS. The Citroën Traction represents a very precious memory for Victor Ribeiro. During his childhood, the father of one of Victor’s friends would collect his son from school every day in his Traction. Ever since that time, Victor has cherished the image of this well respected French car, ‘discrete, effective and comfortable’, a car for the middle classes. For this reason, a Traction had to form part of his collection. Victor bought this Traction in 1999. In poor condition when purchased, it was subsequently completely rebuilt. The car was completely dismantled and the body restored, the engine overhauled and the interior reupholstered in correct grey fabric, specially sourced by Victor from France. Finished in grey metallic, the car is in superb condition and is without doubt one of the best Citroen Traction that we are aware of at the present time. La Traction de Citroën concrétise un souvenir cher à Victor Ribeiro. Dans en enfance, le père d'un des amis de Victor venait chaque jour chercher son fils à l'école avec sa Traction. Depuis, Victor chérissait l'image de cette voiture française si respectée, “ discrète, efficace et confortable ”, la voiture des classes moyennes. C'est la raison de la présence d'une Traction dans sa collection. Victor l'acheta en 1999. En mauvais état, elle fut ensuite totalement démontée et restaurée en carrosserie, moteur révisé et intérieur regarni avec le drap gris conforme à l'origine spécialement trouvé en France par Victor. Peinte en gris métallisé, la voiture est dans un magnifique état et sans doute la plus belle Traction 11 de Citroën dont nous ayons connaissance.
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.jpg "Source: Christie's")
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
