Footnotes

"When it appeared at the Paris Motor Show in 1934, the Traction was received with rapture by the press and public alike and 20,000 advance orders were taken, there and then." – Sparrow & Kessel, Classic Marques Citroën DS.

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.

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.

The 1.3-litre original was soon superseded by larger-engined versions, the 1.9-litre 11 Legère model being known in Britain from 1938 as the 'Light Fifteen'.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.

Unfortunately, nothing is known of the history of this example, other than having been on static display with the owner for the past circa 10 years. It will therefore require a degree of re-commissioning prior to road use.

Please note that if this vehicle remains within the Netherlands the reduced rate of Import VAT at 9% will be charged on the hammer price. Please note that if you purchase as an EU Company, the VAT amount will be calculated based on your registered country's rate. Import rates to other EU Countries may vary and an administration fee will be charged to prepare the necessary customs clearances. If you have any questions regarding customs clearance, please contact the Bonhams Motorcar Department or our recommended shippers.