Citroën Traction 11 BL Découvrable SPOHN – 1937 - Lot 35

Lot 35
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Estimation :
35000 - 55000 EUR
Citroën Traction 11 BL Découvrable SPOHN – 1937 - Lot 35
Citroën Traction 11 BL Découvrable SPOHN – 1937 French registration title This Citroën Traction Avant 11 BL was delivered new on 25 October 1937 (see Conservatoire Citroën certificate) to Mrs V.D.B. in Haute-Marne. At the time, it was a standard black 11 BL. After the war, the car was used by his son-in-law, Mr Antonin Castor, who owned a garage. An officer in General de Lattre de Tassigny’s 1st Army, he was posted to the French zone in Germany and billeted by requisition with Mr Josef Eiwanger, manager of the Spohn bodyworks. At the time, the Spohn coachworks was working for the French Army. Mr Eiwanger asked Mr Castor to build two cars specially for him: this Citroën Traction 11 BL and an Opel Super Six. The bodywork modifications were carried out by Spohn around 1948-1949, including the convertible system. Over the years, Mr Castor made additional modifications, such as a more recent dashboard trim and a complete interior. The styling was strongly influenced by the French bodywork of the period, with prominent aerodynamic wings, rear wheel covers and a rib on the boot. It is possible that the Graham Paige Saoutchik used by Marshal de Lattre de Tassigny during the Liberation was a source of inspiration. The engine on this car is not the original one, but its foundry number dates back to November, suggesting that it was replaced shortly after delivery. The engine was restarted and overhauled, and it seems to have benefited from a little preparation during the period, perhaps to compensate for the weight of the new bodywork (large carburettor, large aluminium oil sump). The brakes have also been rebuilt, along with a bespoke inos exhaust system! The next owner will have the choice of embarking on a full restoration, or working on the car’s patina (soft top to be redone) to hope to shine in the Preservation Class of any event worthy of the name. This is your chance to acquire a unique Traction Découvrable, signed by a great name in German bodywork.
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