About this Citroen Light Fifteen

DEPOSIT TAKEN - 01/11/2021 

Citroën's brainchild, the 7C 'Traction Avant', broke new ground in almost every aspect of production car engineering on its launch in 1934. Unitary construction of the body/chassis, front wheel drive, all-independent suspension sprung by torsion bars, hydraulic brakes, synchromesh transmission and a four-cylinder, overhead-valve, wet-liner engine were all incorporated in the new car at a time when the majority of its rivals employed a separate chassis, cart springs, side-valve engines and mechanical brakes.
This ground-breaking specification would have counted for little had the result not worked in practice, but the Traction soon gained a well deserved reputation for exceptional stability and exemplary handling that endures to this day.

The 7C 1.3-litre original was soon superseded by larger-engined 1.9-litre 11 Legère model, being known and built in Britain from 1935 as the 'Light Fifteen'. Production ceased in 1939/40 due to WW2, but resumed both in France and Slough in 1946 and lasted until 1957 when the Traction Avant was replaced by the equally revolutionary Citroen DS.

There were a number of differences between the French and English built cars and it is fair to say that the Slough built cars were more refined and luxurious.
The main differences were:

• 12 Volt Electrics
• Starter Motor, Dynamo, Distributor, Voltage Regulator and Coil all made by Lucas in England
• Steering Wheel made by Clifford Coverings
• All lights made by Lucas in Birmingham
• Battery made by Exide
• Radiator made by Marston Radiators
• Wheels made by Rubery Owen (post war)
• Tyres made by Michelin in England
• Bumpers made by Pyrene in Brentford
• All instruments made by Smiths Instruments
• Electrical Wiring looms made by Ripualt
• Exhaust and Petrol Tank made by Chillcott
• Windscreen and Glass made by Triplex and Lancegaye
• Full Leather interiors
• Wooden Dashboards and Door Cappings
• Optional metal Sun Roof

This lovely RHD 11CL Light Fifteen was built in Slough and first registered in Blackpool on 10th March 1950 and was extensively restored between 2007 and 2011 with invoices totalling almost £10,000 in the history file. Works included bodywork repairs and repainting, interior trimming, refurbished dashboard, re-chroming of many components, a complete engine rebuild including new pistons, bearings and camshaft, gearbox rebuild with new Clutch and associated parts, carburettor overhaul, new electrical components and the replacement of many other components.

This car is finished in Black with its original dark Red leather interior including leather door trims, red carpets, wooden dashboard, original steering wheel, factory sun-roof, its original 1911cc 4 cylinder engine and 3 Speed Gearbox and 14" Steel Wheels with chrome hub caps.

It is presented in excellent overall condition and really does drive beautifully. It has only had approximately 7 owners in its 71 year life and has now only covered just over 1,400 miles since the engine was rebuilt back in 2011 and has spent most of its time in storage since 2012, only being used for a few family weddings.

These right hand drive, Slough built, small boot cars are the most desirable Traction Avant's and are versatile and immensely enjoyable classics to drive. They are certainly becoming a very collectible piece of motoring history with prices rising steadily.

Upon sale the car will be given a pre-sales service and new MOT - although exempt, and come with a 6 Month mechanical Warranty.

Car on display @ our showrooms in Mortlake.

NB: Classic Chrome Ltd make every effort to ensure that the information in this advertisement is accurate and all statements as to provenance and condition are given as opinions only. When describing any car that is more than 20 years old, we sometimes have to rely on the car’s history file and any information provided by the previous owner(s). This information in passed on in good faith and is therefore not purported to be a statement of fact. Any prospective purchaser must satisfy themselves as to the condition and fitness for use of the vehicle. This does not affect your statutory rights.