1938 Citroen Traction Avant
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Year of manufacture1938
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Car typeOther
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Lot number159
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Reference number2gvD7jTDynGfjheQ8FtrTh
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DriveLHD
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ConditionUsed
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Location
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Exterior colourOther
Description
Designed by André Lefèbvre, the Citroën Traction Avant was introduced in 1934, and was the end of an era for André Citroën. Having exhausted his funds and energy completing the project on an extreme deadline, he passed away soon after the launch of the Traction Avant. After the death of André Citroën, the company was taken over by their creditor, Michelin. The Traction Avant was the world’s first mass-produced front-wheel-drive automobile with a steel monocoque body.
The Citroën 11 was built in two versions: the 11BL (Light), which was the same size as the 7CV, and the 11B (Normal), which had a longer wheelbase and wider track. This Traction Avant is one of only four 11Bs built in 1938, and one of only 15 in total, making it a very rare model. In addition, coupe versions with a rumble seat were only built prior to the war; therefore, this 11B Coupe is exceptionally rare. According to the Citroën’s file, it was subject to a high-quality restoration in France in 2008. Prior to the restoration, the car was missing a front fender. Although this Traction Avant’s earliest provenance is not known, it was registered to Lionel Vanbergue in France in 2013. This special 11B was acquired by The Mullin Collection via Jack Braam Ruben in 2015, and it has been on display at the Mullin Automotive Museum in Oxnard, California, since that time. This exceedingly rare and elegant Traction Avant Coupe deserves your close inspection and serious consideration.