Rebuilt 116.7ci I4/3-Speed Manual/New Brakes & Lines/Front Wheel Drive

1954 Citroen Traction Avant Normale Additional Info:

1954 Citroen Traction Avant Normale
For consignment, a 1954 version of the Traction Avant Normale. Despite looking like it is from the late 1930's it has many innovations including 4-wheel independent suspension, front wheel drive, a unibody construction and was owned by the previous owner for the past 60 plus years. Our consignor has stated that it has been treated to an engine rebuild, new brakes, new brake lines, a new fuel tank and new tires in the recent past. Its production run ran from 1934 through 1957 for this model, and now right here at Classic Auto Mall is a 1954 version.
Exterior
Leading the way is the essential dual chevron emblazoned grille still used today on all models in some iteration. This is on top of a vertical ribbed shoaled styled grille, exterior mounted fenders that eliminate the running board but still give off the classic vibe from the 30's. Perched on top of the front fenders are chromed bullet style headlights and smaller turn signal lights. A curved cowled hood and a simple curved front bumper complete the look for the front. The car uses an all black monotone paint scheme that is riddled with patina, scratched, surface rust and staining. The doors have a trim spear on them running just below the belt line and the doors also utilize a common B pillar as their hinge point so the front doors can be deemed suicide doors. On the back is a large "humpback trunk" and some tail lighting framed below by a tarnished thin bumper. Straw yellow steel wheels have small chrome moon caps and are wrapped in nearly new 165R400 radials
Interior
Swinging the doors, we see corduroy uppers in tan and lower broadcloth in gray along with shiny handles and cranks. The sills are painted in white for a touch of contrast. Seats use saddle plaid vinyl as their inserts and have smooth saddle vinyl bolsters all in good condition but fitting loosely. This includes a rear bench with more saddle and plaid vinyl, again with a loose fit. Nicely preserved tan corduroy and gray broadcloth is on all other vertical surfaces and the headliner shows in torn and stained tabn mohair. Covering the floors is mauve carpeting with a full length black rubber mat up front. A white and gray dash with a dash mounted manual shifter is seen and all knobs and pulls are within this tutone dash front field.
Drivetrain
Under the hood is a consignor stated rebuilt 116.7ci 4-cylinder engine which has a 1-barrel carburetor on top. A 3-speed manual transmission is attached and a 3.833 ratio final drive pushes power to the front wheels.
Undercarriage
The floor pan of this early unibody frame and floor is heavily surface rusted but remains strong and solid and has a nice overall patina to the metal. All simple with no drive shaft and torsion bars for the front, and bringing up the rear are unequal length trailing arms and a Panhard bar suspension. Freshly redone drum brakes with new brake lines are operating on all 4 corners. A clean exhaust single exhaust is on and we note the addition of a new fuel tank.
Drive-Ability
I had to drive this one because how many of these do you even see, let alone drive. It started very easily with the pull of a lever, and it was off to the test track with my decoder and proofer, and me driving. Here the car performed beautifully, had smooth acceleration without any hesitation, good braking, and shifting was a breeze with the dash mounted lever. All functions are working nicely save for the headlights, tail lights and signal markers not illuminating.
A not too often seen model of car here in the US, and most are the Maserati Air ride cars we know as the SM with their interesting shape. This car, with the front wheel drive, unibody construction and 4-wheel independent suspension was a nice departure and a throwback to a simpler time. Pretty much the same design prevailed from 1934 through 1957 with only minor modifications. So, we have a true Classic in this Citroen Traction Avant Normale. Avant, aptly named, as it means culturally or stylistically advanced, in the Citroen lineup even today.
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 850 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display. This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is and our phone number is 855-201-7026. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.