- Rare Citroen Traction Avant Faux Cabriolet
- Fabulous ‘Art Deco’ styling and features
- One of an estimated 51 built in 1937
- Part of the FM Collection

Built on the longer 3090mm ‘Normale’ wheelbase, this 1937 Citroën Type 11B is one of only 51 coupes produced in 1937 (from only 126 built in total) on the 11CV chassis between 1936-1938. From various sources we understand only a handful of these cars remain, perhaps as few as twenty, making this one of the rarest and most desirable pre-war Citroëns in the world.

We understand the Traction Avant was purchased by the Late Owner from Alexander Scales of Mansfield, Victoria in 2004 but have no earlier history or knowledge of when or how the car came to reside in Australia. Finished in period correct Bottle Green with optional tan leather (cloth was standard) upholstery, the car presents as an older restoration and remains in left-hand drive configuration - unlike most of the Tractions here this Faux Cabriolet wasn’t built in Slough. We understand the engine was replaced with a similar unit after the original unit was damaged beyond repair. Whilst presentable enough, the cosmetics are only fair and the Citroën would really benefit from some refurbishment, particularly the paint. The minimalist interior is tidy enough, the seats showing minimal wear although there are a couple of marks evident and the car is showing just 12,146 miles on the clock.

Currently unregistered, the Citroën hasn’t been started or driven in preparation for sale and will need some mechanical recommissioning after an extended period of storage. A very rare and desirable Traction offshoot, this Faux Cabriolet may well be the only example of its type currently in Australia and is a model with worldwide appeal, one that would be welcome for a host of concours or club events.

Amendment:
New information has come to light that the Citroën was one of three Traction Avants imported from Vietnam by Peter Scales of Victoria (two of them replica Cabriolets and this replica Faux Cabriolet) in the early 1990s. The car is built from a mix of pre-war and post-war components and is not an original Faux Cabriolet built in 1937.