Miguel Sánchez
In the eventful history of the XNUMXth century, World War II is surely its greatest turning point. A bankruptcy in every way. Splitting our most recent era in two to create noticeable differences even in the field of motorsports. In fact, this can be verified in the case of the French industry. Whose designs prior to the war reached a refinement on mid-range and high-end models difficult to achieve in closer times. In fact, while in the 1955s it was easy to find exclusive versions in the Peugeot and Citroën ranges, it was not until the XNUMXs that quality sedans were seen again, except for flashes like the XNUMX DS.
Thus, the contrast between a time more conducive to recreational variants and another more focused on great mass motoring so well executed by Renault is evident. At this point, it is interesting to stop to analyze the cabriolet versions prior to the Second World War. In this sense, the most striking in the technical aspect are the Eclipse from Peugeot. Launched from 1935 on bases 401, 402 and 601, these are the clearest antecedent of the current coupé-cabriolet. That is to say, convertibles with removable rigid roofs through the action of small electric motors.
However, in the case of Citroën we also find interesting examples such as the open-air version of the Traction Avant. Adapted to a body with two doors in suicide opening, it is one of the rarest variants of the popular model since its production did not continue after the Second World War. In fact, a great convertible Citroën will not be seen again until the creations of Henry Chapron about the DS. Furthermore, in the case of this Traction Avant offered up for auction by Catawiki More interesting factors are added, such as its extensive documentation or the original Valencian license plate. That yes, as long as the amateur who acquires it has a taste for in-depth restorations.
TRACTION AVANT, THE ARRIVAL OF A REVOLUTIONARY MODEL
Cheerfully using a meaning-laden term can ultimately result in it being relegated to being a hollow signifier. That is to say, a hackneyed term and empty of content since if everything is “revolutionary”nothing can be in truth. Nevertheless, in the case of the 1934 Traction Avant we can use this resounding word without fear. After all, its mixture of self-supporting bodywork, front-wheel drive, independent front suspension with torsion bars, anti-corrosion treatments and hydraulic brakes was one of the greatest leaps forward in the field of mass production.
So much so that André Citroën himself bragged about it. Aware of having created a car so ahead of its time that it managed to be on the market until 1957. In addition, although its lines were evidently prior to the appearance of the Pontoon bodies, they ooze the Thirties on all sides, its design signed by Flaminio Bertoni has stood the test of time amazingly well. Not surprisingly, this designer was a basic name for Citroën by also finalizing the forms of the 2CV and the DS.
Regarding the engines, four were the most noteworthy. These had an in-line four-cylinder layout and displacements that ranged from 1.3 to 1.9 liters to yield fluctuating powers between 32CV and 46CV. In addition, there was a version with six cylinders in line and almost three liters of displacement to deliver 77CV. A range that was almost completed with the 8-liter V3.8 only contemplated in the experimental phase. All this created from scratch, with such a great effort for the brand that the design of the Traction Avant was behind its necessary purchase by Michelin.
A CONVERTIBLE THAT ASKS TO BE RESTORED
Following in the footsteps of the cabriolet adaptations created by Peugeot for its sedans, an open-top variant of the Traction Avant also appeared at Citroën. A perfect vehicle to enjoy placid trips in good weather. Even more so if we take into account that this unit offered by Catawiki until the end of this week it is from series 11B. giving up 44CV with its 1.9-liter engine. More than enough figures for a mid-high range touring car in the XNUMXs.
In the case of this Traction Avant there is a significant gap regarding its history between 1938 -year of manufacture- and 1944 -when it was registered in Valencia-. Given the war events that took place in Spain and France during that period of time, there is no doubt that it had to be interesting. Although his documentary history begins by being enrolled here. From this -and despite the state in which it finds itself- his story is perfectly detailed. Even having the Spanish documentation in force as indicated by the auction house.
Regarding its condition, it is clear that this Traction Avant Cabriolet is quite a challenge for restorers. However, the lot retains most of the most important mechanical parts. An important detail although, in truth, the most interesting thing about it is its self-supporting body marked with chassis number 139079. We'll see what happens at the auction this weekend. However, taking into account the interest almost always raised by the rarest variants on Citroën models, it will surely all end in an interesting and laborious restoration. As with the 2CV Barchetta recently auctioned by Aguttes.
Photographs: Catawiki
