1951 Citroen Traction Avant Light 15. Introduced at the April 1934 Paris Salon, the Traction Avant was a technological tour-de-force thanks to its unique combination of a monocoque chassis, front-wheel drive, torsion bar independent suspension, hydraulic brakes, and (from 1936) rack and pinion steering. Powered by a 1911cc four-cylinder OHV engine allied to a manual transmission, the Light 15 models assembled in Slough had to consist of 51 per cent UK parts to make them exempt from the import taxes imposed by the UK government to protect British vehicle manufacturers from foreign competition. The Slough-built cars used 12-volt Lucas electrics, headlights, dynamo and starter. The interior had a walnut dash board with Jaeger instruments, Connolly Leather seats and door panels and a wool headlining. The exterior was fitted with United Kingdom bumpers and over-riders and a chrome grille, with the Citroën chevrons mounted behind. Some were fitted with a sunroof. Most of the Slough-built cars were right-hand drive, although a small number of British specification, left-hand drive cars were also built. This stunning Slough built U.K right hand drive Citroen has been cherished by its last keeper. The Traction has covered relatively low mileage in recent years but has proven totally reliable covering minimal mileage in good weather only. VSL 138 spent much of the 1990's off the road and was found in a garage in the Elephant & Castle area of South London in 2012. Having spent many years off the road, the car was sold directly to a Citroen Traction specialist who bought the car for personal use. The Citroen was found in sound, solid condition but did require both cosmetic and mechanical work. The engine was totally stripped down and treated to new pistons and bearings and a new timing chain was fitted. The cost of the engine alone was £3,000. The car was stripped down, re-painted and treated to new bumpers and number plates were ordered direct from Paris and are for show purposes. Once back on the road and MOT tested, the owner used the car for his daughter's wedding and the car successfully completed the East Yorkshire annual classic car run. It was after this event, a previous owner first saw the car and despite it not being for sale, he managed to buy the car and soon took delivery. The Traction performs exceptionally well. The rebuilt engine is still running in and performs superbly. The engine is strong, sounds excellent and offers very good performance. The car performed well on both dual and single carriageway on its journey here and the car holds a steady temperature. Gear changes are lovely and smooth, brakes are efficient and the car handles very well. VSL 138 has a beautiful finish with lovely deep Burgundy over Black paintwork, the chrome is in very good order, bumpers superb, and the interior recently fully re trimmed. The engine bay is very nicely presented and the engine unit itself immaculate having being carefully detailed when removed from the car. As you can see from the photographs the car has been a proven show winner. Absolutely any inspection. All major debit and credit cards accepted. Part exchange considered. Free U.K mainland delivery. Please contact us for any further information. Lots more pictures and a video on our website and Facebook page.