A Trio of Tractions

The Citroën Traction was conceived in the early 1930's as a revolutionary design with monocoque construction, torsion bar suspension and front wheel drive. It is quite pleasant to drive and copes with modern traffic much better than most 1930's designed cars and continued in production until 1957, with relatively few changes in design .

There are currently three Citroën Tractions within the club, pictured above during 2016. All are post war models, and similar mechanically, with front wheel drive, a 1.9 OHV engine and a three speed gearbox with a dashboard mounted gearlever.

Bill Dyke (top) has a white Legere, re-commissioned after being purchased via the Traction Owners Club classifieds. The Legere is French built, believed to be a 1953 model and Left Hand Drive. It is 6v and Bill has carried out significant  refurbishment, including manufacturing a set of stainless steel bumpers.

Bryan Pullan (middle)has a grey Light 15, imported back from South Africa in 2013. The Light 15 is the UK built equivalent of the Legere, 1953 vintage, with RHD and as all UK built Citroens, leather interior and walnut dash, 12v electrics and a substantial UK content (51%)  in areas such as interior, electrics, chromework and other components. The car has an upgraded gearbox with  a higher ratio final drive, and a modern alternator.

The Blue Traction(bottom) is a LHD French Normale belonging to Ian Gardner. Normales were slightly longer wheelbase than the Legere/Light 15, had a slightly wider track, and hence were roomier inside, the increased length being in the rear seat area. Ian bought his car in Scotland where it had been part of a wedding fleet. The car is one of the last Tractions built, a 1957 model. Ian's car also has certain modern features such as an alternator and a cabin heater (not provided in standard Tractions!).

More info on Tractions at the Traction Owners Club  www.traction-owners.co.uk/