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1939 Citroen Traction Avant, 1 of 3 in the World, Restored After 35 Years

The world loves happy-endings, and there’s no happier ending than that of a very rare 1939 Citroen Traction Avant limousine, one of the three still remaining in the world, finally being restored.
1939 Citroen Traction Avant, one of three remaining in the world 8 photos
Photo: Steve Southgate / SWNS / dailymail.co.uk
1939 Citroen Traction Avant, one of three remaining in the world1939 Citroen Traction Avant, one of three remaining in the world1939 Citroen Traction Avant, one of three remaining in the world1939 Citroen Traction Avant, one of three remaining in the world1939 Citroen Traction Avant, one of three remaining in the world1939 Citroen Traction Avant, one of three remaining in the world1939 Citroen Traction Avant, one of three remaining in the world
What should have been a 5-year project turned into a 35-year one, but the result is still impressive. And quite heart-warming. Citroen made these sedans between 1938 and 1939 in Paris, France, before the World War II. German occupation shut down the factory, so only 213 cars were ever made.

Most were commandeered by the Germans, Steve Southgate, from Bilston, near Wolverhampton, UK, explains in an interview with the BBC. Video of the chat is available at the bottom of the page. These days, only three such vehicles remain in the world, and one of them happens to be in Britain: this particular one.

It somehow made its way into the country in 1947 and was used as a London taxi for a number of years, which would explain the yellow and black livery Steve found it with, in 1985. It was abandoned on a property in Essex and, after three months of negotiations with the owner, Steve bought it and had it shipped to his garage. He initially assumed it would take him five years to put it together.

Some 35 years and £50,000-£60,000 ($60,000-73,200) later, this very rare Citroen is getting a second lease at life. It was taken out on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of VE Day, which Steve sees as the perfect moment to make a comeback.

While not much is known about the car’s troubled history, there is some speculation that it’s the same car used to ferry the Queen through Paris in the ‘50s, on one of her official visits. This has not been – and probably can’t be – confirmed.

“The story was it broke down and she had to transfer to another car. I often wonder was it my car she was in because there's only a small number ever made,” Steve tells SWNS. “These cars are Citroen Traction Avants that were upgraded for presidents, directors, anybody who wanted that real top-grade quality car. It is about 10 inches longer than the standard saloon with massive leg space in the back. It is a luxurious car really for its day.”

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About the author: Elena Gorgan
Elena Gorgan profile photo

Elena has been writing for a living since 2006 and, as a journalist, she has put her double major in English and Spanish to good use. She covers automotive and mobility topics like cars and bicycles, and she always knows the shows worth watching on Netflix and friends.
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