Basic information and history

The Citroën Traction Avant, in Sweden most often referred to as the B11, is one of the most significant designs in automotive history. With a unitary all-steel body, front-wheel drive, independent suspension with torsion bars and hydraulic brakes, the model was technically far ahead of its time when introduced in 1934. The overhead-valve four-cylinder engine of just under two litres, with removable wet cylinder liners, was combined with a three-speed gearbox where the gear lever protrudes through the dashboard, a detail that still makes the driving experience instantly recognisable.

This example is a 1951 Citroën B11, built during the model's late period when the design was fully developed and well proven. The car is Swedish-sold and, according to the seller, has had a total of nine owners. The odometer reads 88,944 km, a figure the seller cannot guarantee. The vehicle is stated to be in original condition, an appealing starting point for anyone seeking a Traction Avant with preserved character.

Equipment and options

• Extra position lights

The car has undergone a number of measures in recent years. The starter motor was replaced in 2023, the rear bumper was replaced with a new one in 2024, and new position lights were fitted the same year. The main brake cylinder has been overhauled. The wheels were refurbished and repainted in 2025.

Condition

Body and paint: Both the paint and the body are described as being in good condition, as are the windows. The car is highlighted as being of original specification.

Interior: The cabin is stated to be in good condition, as are the instrument panel and the headliner. The trip meter works and the instrument panel is free of warning lights.

Tyres and wheels: The wheels are described as looking good following refurbishment and repainting in 2025, while the tyres are starting to show wear and should therefore be factored in by the buyer.

Mechanics and function: The engine, gearbox and brakes are all stated to be in good condition. The engine starts and runs faultlessly according to the seller, the clutch functions properly, and the gearbox shifts without issue. The electrics are stated to work fully. The car is drivable as it stands and has passed inspection, last inspected on 2017-10-23.

Service history

The seller states that the car has been fully serviced. However, receipts or other written documentation substantiating the service history are not included. The measures highlighted by the seller are a new starter motor in 2023, a new rear bumper and new position lights in 2024, refurbished and repainted wheels in 2025, and an overhauled main brake cylinder.

Summary

A Swedish-sold Citroën B11 from 1951 in stated original condition, with 88,944 km on the odometer and nine owners on record. The body, paint, interior and drivetrain are described throughout as being in good condition, and the car is drivable as it stands. The wheels have been refurbished recently, while the tyres are approaching replacement. With its front-wheel drive, torsion bar suspension and characteristic dashboard-mounted gear lever, this Traction Avant offers a truly genuine driving experience for the enthusiast who appreciates French engineering from the 1950s.