Second owner • Concours award winner • Chauvet 4-speed conversion • Rebuilt 11D engine • Rare vintage luggage trailer • Parts
History and restoration
Madeleine is a French-origin 1955 Citroën Traction Avant 11B equipped with the late 11D engine. Certified by the Conservatoire Citroën, she was placed on the market on May 31, 1955. I am her second owner and have owned her since 1995, with her history fully known and documented.
Acquired in France in need of extensive restoration, Madeleine underwent a comprehensive five-year, 1,500-hour restoration, completed in July 2000 just five days before our wedding. Particular attention was paid to preserving original Citroën components, fasteners and details. She was named after her original owner, Madeleine Vayer, whom I located while researching the car’s history.
Engine and mechanical improvements
Madeleine is powered by an 11D engine comprehensively rebuilt and balanced by the French engine specialist Culasses 77 in Meaux, France, in 2009, and upgraded with Citroën DS pistons to increase compressions. The engine has covered approximately 14,500 miles (23,400 km) since installation and runs smooth.
In October 2016, a rare Boîte Chauvet four-speed gearbox, based on the Citroën ID transmission, was sourced in France and installed to improve cruising comfort, reduce engine noise and enhance long-distance touring reliability. The gearbox has covered approximately 6,830 miles since installation. The clutch system was rebuild then and new modern CV axles installed.
The original matching-numbers engine has also been rebuilt and retained, together with the original three-speed gearbox, rebuilt by French Citroën Traction Universelle specialist Jacques Chabot.
Rare vintage luggage trailer
Included with Madeleine is a distinctive all-aluminum luggage trailer, acquired in France in 2005 and subsequently restored. Its manufacturer is unknown, and I have never encountered another identical example.
The trailer features matching cream-colored wheels, chrome hubcaps, black bodywork and a luggage rack. It has accompanied Madeleine on numerous European and American adventures and is an integral part of her presentation at classic-car shows. It can be stored vertically, taking little space on your garage. It comes with a custom made rain cover and a spare tire. It drives very well and add great storage space for road trips.
Condition and maintenance
Madeleine is regularly driven, meticulously maintained and always stored indoor. She has traveled extensively throughout Europe, including France, Norway and the Scottish Highlands, before moving with our family to New Jersey in 2010. Madeleine is driven to events in NY, PA and NJ on a regular basis.
The original odometer displays 57,439 km, corresponding to an actual documented mileage of 157,439 km (approximately 97,800 miles).
A comprehensive history file includes original documentation, the Citroën Conservatoire dating certificate, restoration and maintenance invoices since 1995.
The 4 speed gearbox has no leak. It will deserve a rebuild down the road since the original synchros are starting to show their age.
We recently changed the battery, front bearings, cleaned up the cooling system and changed all fluids and air filter. The car can drive any distance and is a pleasure to drive. Brakes were converted to silicon fluid.
Awards and media recognition
Madeleine has participated in numerous classic-car events throughout the Northeast and received:
- 2026 Greenwich Concours d’Elegance – Chowder Award
- Carlisle Citroën Centenary Celebration – First Place People’s Choice, Best Traction Avant
She has also been the subject of two dedicated media features:
The New York Times – July 2011: “An Immigrant’s Welcome to New York”
Hagerty – June 2026: “When You Keep a Car Logbook, Memories Don’t Fade”
For her last show under our ownership, Madeleine will be exhibited at Retromobile New York on booth 161 from November 19th to 22rd.
After more than 30 years of ownership, countless family adventures and a wonderful journey on both sides of the Atlantic, it is time for Madeleine to begin a new chapter with another Citroën enthusiast.
Price and additional parts
Asking price: $25,000 USD – including the restored vintage luggage trailer and parts.
I will provide numerous spare parts including a 11D spare engine parts, original CV axles, rear axle, front engine cradle, drum brakes and an extensive stock of Citroën Traction Avant parts.
The original rebuilt engine and its original 3 Speed gearbox are also available separately for a price to be negotiated. Location: Princeton area, NJ.
Contact: Alain Daumas
Phone: (609) 342-9515
Email: alain_daumas@hotmail.com
