1949 Citroën Traction Avant 11BL

Footnotes

Chassis number '2495486' has a unique Belgian history, having been produced/assembled in 1949 in Vorst, Belgium, as evidenced by the Belgian Citroën plate, still in place. The chassis and engine plates also show that the car retains its original engine, 'AN 04914'. The Traction was sold new through Citroën dealer Gilbert Bossuyt in Waregem to its first owner, Mr Marcel Devolder from Desselgem. The car was first registered on 15th July 1949.

The car's present owner is Gilbert Bossuyt's grandson and a passionate Citroën fan of course. Whereas the vast majority of Tractions was black, and some were grey/blue/white, only the Belgian cars were finished in Burgundy, he advises us.

This rare Belgian-built Traction has travelled relatively few kilometres in its life, the current owner knowing its whereabouts since his childhood. On 11th December 1970 the car passed the technical inspection for the last time before being put aside in a barn by the first owner. In June 1984 the car returned to the Bossuyt family with only 23,000 original kilometres recorded! They knew the car well; knew it had only been used very sparingly and made the gentleman's agreement already long before 1984 to eventually buy the Traction back from the first owner.

In 1993 Bossuyt's grandson decided to sympathetically restore the car and return it to the road. The Traction was fully re-sprayed in the original Burgundy colour by 'Spies en Hecker' as part of a demonstration for dealerships in 1994. At the same time, the interior was renewed and the engine overhauled.

The family's 'crown jewels', the car has been enjoyed and only used on special occasions - including weddings - since 1994, bringing the total distance travelled since new to 31,080 kilometres. Today, some 30 years after its restoration, the Traction is presented in very good condition, the interior being excellent.

The car comes complete with its original Bossuyt Citroën dealership key holder; an original period Citroën dealer plate holder; a rare 'Pieces et Accessoires' parts list for Citroën Traction; a rare Citroën Traction leaflet; some period Citroën Traction postcards; and Belgian registration documents.