Motodrome offer for sale this 1954 Citroen Traction Avant Big 15. What can you say about these legendary cars? The first mass-produced car with front wheel drive, and one of the first with monocoque construction rather than a separate chassis, they were an absolute sensation when they first arrived in the mid 1930’s. WW2 saw the progess of car development put aside, but, by the time this one was produced, in late 1954, it was still one of the most advanced cars of it’s age, with hydraulic brakes and independent torsion bar suspension giving a superlative ride. They were only supplanted by the even more impressive DS which replaced them. This one is a Slough-built example, so RHD, and as a ‘Big 15’ it’s the medium-sized variant of the 4-door saloon range, known as ‘Normale’ in France. Slough-built Big 15’s are comparatively rare. The extra size is most noticeable in the rear seat area, as there’s far more legroom than in a Light 15/Legere. Fitted with inertia reel front seat belts. This one was initially exported to New Zealand, and remained there until it was repatriated to the UK as a restoration project. It seems from the history file and pictures at the time that it was pretty sound structurally, but that the engine and gearbox were beyond economic repair, and the interior was in poor shape. Fortunately the then owner seems to have been a serious Traction Avant enthusiast, and had a freshly rebuilt 11D engine and gearbox ready to go in. The 11D engine (as fitted to the very last cars) is a good upgrade as it is stronger, with more modern bearings etc. Over a 10-year period it was restored bodily and repainted in black (photos on arrival from NZ show it as green) , had a completely retrimmed interior, and was mechanically sorted, returning to the road, and being UK registered, in 2007. The current odometer reading is 99500 miles and the first MOT since it returned to the road in 2007 shows 93094 miles, so it’s done around 7000 miles since. The last owner has had it since 2014 and has carried out a few European tours in it. History-wise we have a big folder back to 1997 (and some NZ paperwork), photos of the car pre-restoration, and a copy of the owners handbook. Mechanically, apart from the slightly later engine, it seems to be standard, and still has working semaphore indicators. It’s also running on the correct Michelin tyres. Years on from it’s restoration, the paint is looking a little patinated in places, especially on the roof and front of the NSF wing. You’re not going to be winning any concours prizes with this one, but it’s a nice useable example and in fairness looks like a well-kept original example with 70 years of blemishes, and it runs and drives very well indeed, and has a superb interior. On our own website, you'll find our usual 2 videos – a walkaround appraisal, and driving impressions, which form part of the description. Viewing by prior appointment