Late Parisian-built example - Comprehensive history file The Citroёn Traction Avant was the world’s first mass-produced front-wheel drive car with a semi-monocoque body.

Designed in 1933-34 by André Lefèbevre and Flaminio Bertone its low stance and rakish appearance, coupled with advanced suspension and unitary body looked particularly stylish and cemented its place in automotive history as a Gallic classic.

The car was produced in various models of mostly four door saloons and executive vehicles.

760,000 units were built between1934 and 1957, with a right-hand drive version also produced in Slough, England.

This example, 805 XUC, is one of the last vehicles to come out of the Paris factory.

The Traction comes with a very comprehensive history file with notes outlining how the car was purchased by a farmer from Poitiers, who subsequently left her in a barn for a number of years.

‘Delphine’, as the Traction is known, was ‘rediscovered’ in 1980, stripped and restored in the origina...