This Citroen Traction Avant is one of three vintage cars available for hire. She is a closed sedan which seats 4.

Colour : Silver exterior, Red leather interior.

The Citroen speaks for herself and probably remains one of the most appealing cars ever built.  Were she to have chosen the human form, promiscuity would have been her delightful destiny. She ignited a simmering passion for old cars which is growing stronger by the day. I have and will continue to improve her in memory of her previous owner and friend, Joe Franken who tragically died in an "accident" in 2005. I acquired her from Joe in 2004.

Joe had a Mercedes Benz in his front yard that Errol Schwegmann wanted, so they traded. Errol had done quite a bit of work on her including respraying, rewiring, new trim rubbers. Unfortunately she stood unprotected on Joe's front lawn for about three years which allowed the elements , albeit slightly, to take their toll on a freshly painted car.

Citroens next dose of loving attention came in May 2007 when for Cars in the Park (PMB), her entire interior was expertly redone with a darkish red leather by New Germany Auto Trimmers (peruse picture gallery carefully for Anesh's contact details!) This was quickly followed by the removal of rust in her boot which obvioiusly needed to be resprayed. Thanks to Johann - Citi Centre Panelbeaters for his expedience in getting the job done in time and under pressure. The boot was resprayed 10 am on the Saturday, fitted in the afternoon and I spent the night polishing and fiddling and drove to Maritzburg with heavy yet gleeful eyelids.

General History

The Citroen Traction Avant was the first successfully mass produced front wheel drive. So reliable that from their introduction in 1934 they were produced until 1957 (interrupted by the war).  They were revolutionary when introduced, incorporating unitary construction (chassis-less), torsion bar suspension and hydraulic brakes. They were one of the first cars crash tested. In 1935 M. Lecott drove a Traction 400 000km in a year, a record which still stands today. The Traction also becoming synonymous with the FFI resistance movement. It is however for their tenacious road holding abilities that they are fondly remembered here in South Africa.

For me her body shape and style captures that 30's and 40's look more beautifully than any of the other car manufacturers of that era. She was built in 1955 which was also the last production year of light fifteens in Slough, UK, her place of birth.

cats-citroen.net
other citroen links