1939 Citroën Traction Avant 11BL

October 14, 2024

The Citroën Traction Avant was ahead of its time in 1934 when it was launched. It had 4-wheel independent suspension with torsion bars, overhead valves and, front wheel drive. This gave the car a flat floor and a lower center of gravity. It also had hydraulic brakes all around.

I bought this car April 1996, and brought it over to the US in the summer of 1996.

I have the original French Title in my name, called a “Carte Grise”, as well as the 1996 import documents with stamped Customs clearance.

In order to go through the Connecticut safety inspection in 1996, I decided to clean up the engine bay, rebuild the brakes, suspension, front axle shafts, as well as the whole front end and steering system.

Unfortunately, once the car was apart at home in my garage, my job sent me back to Europe for 17 years. When I retired, back to the US, my priority was on the house and getting settled again.

Only in the last couple of years I have been able to work back on the dear car.

New or restored:

Whole new braking system: lines, wheel cylinders, master cylinder, brake shoes, fluid reservoir. The 4 brake drums were surfaced.
New front torsion bar silent-blocks suspension.
New upper and adjustable lower tie rods.
New upper triangle shaft with new bronze bushings.
New gas tank with new level sensor.
New timing chain.
New clutch disk and throughout bearing.
Oil pan and timing chain cover resealed. The engine turns over but has not been fired yet.
New muffler.
New water pump.
Rebuilt generator.
Rebuilt starter motor.
New distributor.
New battery.
New custom made 1939 specification wiring harness.
Speedometer, fuel gauge, ammeter gauge, clock, and dashboard restored to factory condition and color.
A brand-new radiator comes with the car.
The tires are Michelin X bought in 1996 before I imported the car. They have 100miles on them. As the car was always in my home garage, they are not dry and did not see the sun. They are still soft.
The interior is stripped and primed. The upholstery needs to be replaced. All the parts come with the car.
Chromed headlight as they were in 1939.
There is no rust on the body. It is exceptionally solid.
The paint is good except around the windshield.