Facebook
Twitter
Description
Two years later, with his driver’s license obtained, Lorentz and his Annette drove the B11 all the way back to Sweden under its own power and completed a private import in August 1969. Since then—and for 59 years—they have been inseparable. Rarely is an ownership history as long and as well documented as that of Lorentz, Annette, and “Älvan,” filled with adventures, journeys, care, maintenance—and, of course, repairs.
A new owner is not just buying a car, but a special piece of Citroën history with a provenance worth preserving. The most recent—and final—approved inspection was carried out on May 11, 2018.
Free history (12)
Technical data
Condition
-
Mechanical condition
The engine has been rebuilt a couple of times, most recently in 2009 when the crankshaft counterweights were replaced with heavier ones following a recommendation. In hindsight, it has been found that reverting to the original specification would be preferable—something that has not yet been done.
The engine is equipped with electronic 123 ignition, starts easily, and the gearbox—originally fitted in 1967—was rebuilt in 1990. At that time, the gearing in the top gear (3rd) was changed to a higher ratio, increasing the car’s comfortable cruising speed to around 90–95 km/h. The step between 2nd and 3rd can sometimes feel a bit wide, for example when downshifting before a hill. All original gears are included.
Overall, the car offers a surprisingly smooth and comfortable driving experience for a 1950s vehicle—rooted in a forward-thinking design from the 1930s. -
Interior condition
In 1988, the car received new upholstery in a fabric produced to the original specification by the Swedish B11 club. The interior is well preserved and carefully maintained, with everything in fine, gently used condition—dashboard, carpets, door panels, headliner, seats, steering wheel, and controls.
-
Exterior condition
In 1978, the car was repainted in cellulose paint, changing from the original Bleu Nuit to a slightly lighter dark blue shade from Renault, Bleu Marine 426. It has been polished over the years, but the paint type remains correct and period-authentic. It presents well with a tasteful patina—both dignified and attractive.
The wheels are from the Belgian production of the B11 and are known as Lambert-Nivell. Lorentz fitted them as early as 1970 purely for aesthetic reasons. The car rides on older Michelin X tires in size 165 x 400 with inner tubes, all with good tread. Chrome and stainless details are in good condition throughout, and the windshield along with its rubber seal was replaced in 2020. -
General condition
A continuous journey of driving, preservation, and restoration over nearly 60 years, during which the car has never been off the road for any extended period.
MOT (tech. insp.)
Ursprungsbesiktning: 1973-03-21 (regbes)
Datum i trafik första gången: 1973-03-21
Senast godkända besiktning: 2018-05-11
Besiktningsbefriad: Ja
Skattebefriad: Ja
Körförbud: Nej
Antal ägare: 1
Facts about the model
The designation Traction Avant was never the official model name, but simply means “front-wheel drive.” The model was Citroën’s first front-wheel-drive car and became a design icon, produced not only in France but also in Belgium and England.
The Citroën Traction Avant was first introduced on April 18, 1934, and production of the various versions continued until July 25, 1957. The design is widely regarded as a milestone in automotive history and one of the most significant and successful mass-produced cars of its time.
The cars were equipped with either four- or six-cylinder overhead valve engines with removable cylinder liners. Other notable features included front-wheel drive, a unitary all-steel body without a separate frame, and hydraulic brakes on all four wheels. Torsion bar suspension, rack-and-pinion steering (from 1936), and hydraulic shock absorbers contributed to the model’s renowned road handling and comfort.
Location and viewing Information
For viewing the vehicle, contact the inspector/case manager:
Peter Sundfeldt
+46 705-38 80 22
peter@bilwebauctions.se
Pick up
NOTE! Payment (deposit to our account) must be made within 5 days and before collection.
Auction information
General information about the condition of the vehicles .
- At this auction, many vehicles have been included in car collections and have been stored (mothballed) for a long time. For this reason, they are described from a collector's perspective and may need technical reviews and maintenance service - oil, battery replacement, new tires, brake review, etc. - before they can be used. .
- During the auction days information about a vehicle may be updated up to the day before the auction ends. When you bid at the end of the auction period - and also if you have made an earlier bid - we therefore ask you to read the descriptions carefully, in case something has been changed due to new information.
Important to know before placing your bids!
- Once you have called in an item and the reservation price is reached we want you to deposit the entire purchase amount into our client funds account before retrieval can take place.
- When you need to retrieve a called in object we want you to examine it carefully. If you consider that the item does not match our description you do not need to complete the purchase. In this case the deposited purchase sum and the entry fee are refunded.
- If you do not examine the item on the spot the call charge will be debited, but you do not have to complete the deal.
- If you make the entire purchase exclusively at a distance you have 14 days to cancel, but must return the item at your own expense.
- Your shipping costs and other costs are not reimbursed when the right of withdrawal is exercised. Swedish court applies.
- For items that have not been collected within 14 days storage costs may be charged.