1934 Citroën TRACTION 7B

Complete and undoubtedly authentic
Unusual original option of right-hand drive
Rare series produced for only 4 months

Current status: Switzerland - not registered
Chassis number: 16928
Body number: AQ0345
Engine number: PQ 03310, date of casting: 2.7.34/320.
Gearbox number: BY 0941

Considered rather lacking, the 7A - the first Traction Avant - was replaced after three months in production by a new model which with better performance and equipment, the 1529cc 7B, a 9 fiscal horsepower model developing 35bhp.
Whereas the 7A had been introduced too early, the 7B marked the onset of maturity. It kept the appearance of its predecessor, with the all the finesse of its original design, and was available with the same range of colours: black, emerald-blue, excelsior red (maroon), Maintenon beige or, as here, pearl grey with, as often as not for the 7, the wings and spare wheel cover in black. The launch of the 7 was a major event, as it was the first time that a production car had introduced so many innovations at once, with its unitary body, ‘floating-power' engine, hydraulic brakes, suspension using torsion bars and shock absorbers, and, of course, front-wheel drive. A car which was lower than others, where running boards were no longer needed, demanded a new style of driving. Since they were not absolutely sure of the rigidity of the monocoque body, its designers chose to keep a moleskin-covered roof and a tail panel with no boot opening. Narrow wings and headlamps with flat lenses complete this picture of the 7B, which made quite an impression on its first users and columnists in the specialist press. They found the new Citroën to be an outstanding car, which was comfortable and very safe and capable of reaching 100kph (62mph)! But this second series of the 7 only had a short-lived career, lasting four months in the summer of 1934, from June to September, with, in theory, some 19,000 cars produced.
The model seen here is of particular interest, first because it is in authentic original condition and secondly because it has right-hand drive. It is not an English-market car, but a model available in the French catalogue to meet demand from customers used to right-hand drive on large cars or the needs of a disabled driver. Its original condition should be considered an asset as it lets us appreciate a complete car which serves as a reference for its equipment and colours. The car is complete and original; it has its period upholstery, which presents well, while the rare brass radiator grille with chevrons behind the bars is also present.
We know relatively little of its history, other than that it came from the Bouches-du-Rhône, where it was registered at the beginning of the 1950s. Its travels then took it to a French dealer who sold it to its current owner. It was safely stored in the premises where he kept his collection awaiting better days; it will be the turn now of its new owner, since a comprehensive restoration is called for, which this rare and charming little 7B well deserves.
This is a chance to acquire a genuine 1934 7B, whose restoration represents a promising investment, with no risk that the work will be upset by parts which do not match or are from the wrong year.