£9,000 - £12,000
1956 CITROEN TRACTION AVANT 11BL ‘MALLE BOMBE’
Registration Number: LSU 513
Chassis Number: TBA
Recorded Mileage: TBA
Citroën introduced the Traction Avant to a stunned world in 1934. Its name (effectively French for front wheel drive) was actually a relatively minor part of the story, and gave little clue to how technically advanced a car this was. In fact, the Traction Avant pioneered the mass-production of unitary construction, the mode of manufacture that would slowly but surely become universal. The effect was dramatic, for by forsaking a conventional chassis, Citroën was able to achieve the low, wide stance that visually separated the Traction Avant from every other car on the road. In addition, it featured independent front suspension, the aforementioned front wheel drive and hydraulic brakes. Over time, the model was powered by a range of engines varying in capacity from 1.3 to 2.9-litres, all of which drove through a three-speed manual gearbox with column/dash shift. Production continued until the mid ‘50s, when the Traction Avant was replaced by the equally revolutionary DS.
The post-war ‘Malle Bombe’ version was known to be the most comfortable variant available, with a larger rear boot area and plenty of additional leg room. This smart left-hand-drive Traction Avant ‘Malle Bombe’ was first registered in 1956, having had we understand just three owners since that time. The body is said to be in very good condition, the interior clean, and the car mechanically sound with no known faults. We understand the Traction has been serviced and as such starts easily, runs well, and drives nicely on recently fitted Blockley tyres. The battery has been replaced with an uprated 160 amp unit, the braking improved with new hydraulics and hand brake cables. Cosmetically the Citroen has been improved with powder-coated wheels, replacement bumpers and brackets. Complete with a history file, this nicely maintained Citroen was advanced beyond its years when new, and still impresses today.
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