1954 Citroen Traction Avant 11CV

This 1954 Citroen Traction Avant 11CV four-door is a mechanically-refurbished sedan that was imported from France to the United States in 1980, treated to a $35,000 restoration in the 1990s, stored until 2018, and then serviced by the seller to ensure optimal roadworthiness and reliability. Power comes from a longitudinally-mounted 1.9-liter inline-four backed by a 3-speed manual transmission which is reported to run well. Painted in two-tone silver and burgundy over a black and burgundy vinyl interior, this 11CV is offered with a car cover, documentation, a variety of spare mechanical parts, and a clear South Carolina title in the seller’s name.

The Traction Avant (“front-wheel-drive”) 11CV model was manufactured by Citroen from model years 1934 through 1957, and this four-door two-tone sedan with a silver body and burgundy fenders is reported to have been imported to the United States from France in 1980. The seller has assembled documentation that illustrates the car’s subsequent restoration carried out between 1993 and 1996, which totaled approximately $35,000. Brightwork adorns the front and rear bumpers, prominent inverse double-V grille, headlight surrounds, window surrounds, sideview mirrors, and single driver-side rear exhaust outlet. The front of the vehicle features Marchal fog lamps and the aft doors are hinged at the rear. Prior rust repair was completed around the trunk area, per the seller, with replacement panels being welded in and color-matched. Replacement insulation has been installed around the windshield and the trunk door.

Factory-offered 16” steel wheels have been powder-coated white with burgundy hubcaps. The 11CV implemented the use of front-wheel drive with an independent suspension and the steering uses a rack and pinion system. The brake pads were replaced at the time of restoration in the mid-1990s.

Front split-bench and second row seating was reupholstered in black and burgundy, the door panels are trimmed in matching materials, and the metal instrument panel has been finished in gray with chrome accents and switchgear. The lower portion of the instrument panel and firewall are covered in sound-deadening material, and the flooring is lined with black rubber mats. An AM/FM cassette deck is installed in the glove compartment and is wired to six speakers situated throughout the cabin. The seller reports that interior light does not function.

Instrumentation is made up of a 155-kmh speedometer, an analog clock, along with gauges for voltage and fuel level, although the seller reports that the latter does not work. The five-digit mechanical odometer reads 36,404 kilometers (22,620 miles), but total chassis mileage is unknown.

The longitudinally-mounted inline-four was overhauled and rebuilt as part of the comprehensive restoration in the mid-1990s, with work that included the installation of cylinder sleeves, pistons and rings, wiring, a fuel tank, and muffler. Restoration of the timing chain, water pump, generator, fuel pump, and radiator is also noted, while fuel and brake lines were replaced with stainless steel parts. In 2018, after sitting in storage, the car underwent another refurbishment, with attention given to the radiator, brake lines, master cylinder, transmission, oil, and fuel tank. Power is transferred to the front wheels through a 3-speed manual transmission with a dash-mounted H-shaped shift gate.

Additional photos showing the underside are available in the carousel.

The sale includes a car cover, maintenance book, documentation, and a variety of spare parts, some of which include oil pressure and water temperature gauges, gaskets, light bulbs, a signal light switch, a spare tire, fan belt, stainless-steel hardware, transmission oil, a grease gun, and more.