Buying a Citroen Traction Avant.

I will not touch on much of the History as you have or should have read as much as you can on these Amazing Cars-need more info -go on the net.What I will touch on will be from my hands on experience over the last 50 years. + My experiences on EBAY--THESE ARE TOUGH CARS -the youngest will be 51 years old from this writing. They pretty much all share many pieces both mechanical and chassis.this is a big plus in keeping down cost of restoration. there are lots of pieces available -used, rebuilt,and reproduced--tons of clubs world wide and No matter how bad a chassis is there are pieces available for it.Most of the cars you will see here in the USA have been brought here by returning GIs. models will be from 1940s thru the late 50s  including a few 1930s--the popular 11 Bl -11B normal-- both 4 cylinders and the rare 15/6-- 6 cylinder and the super rare Cabriolets from the 1930s. By this time you probably know they are all front drivers-so the major wear items are the axles-u joints -splines ,brakes,hoses,wheel cylinders leaking down the rear of the backing plates-etc axles can be checked with non marring pliers or vise grips-and check for play-they are expensive -but available-the suspension is ball joint with A arms -And torsion bars on  all 4 wheels ,rack and pinion steering -.the transmissions have soldiered on for a long time and all need attention-bearings,seals and adjustments-the connecting rods are babbit rods and most drivers prefer to convert to later insert rods for long driving such as innerstates -all the repairs are easy -the engine is a simple ohv wet sleeve engine-the body is unitary-Driving these cars is the great reward -They handle like a dream-and cornering is a pleasure ,you will hunt up all the twisty roads just for fun-There are always RUST issues with all old cars-DEMAND PHOTOS OF The Chassis and underneath the car. Any records of repairs are very helpful--TITLE-- a Clear title in the present owners name-otherwise several hundred $ to get one -CLOSE UP -CLEAR PHOTOS  I Can't say it enough times--THEY are a must and I would demand them-Engine compartment ,interior ,Dash, Trunk  and underneath-one of each side ,front and rear, Tires are about $200 each .

Out of all the cars I have bought on EBAY-I  Have had to take a chance on them because the seller would NOT furnish --good--photos and the the auction was closing -SO--bid or lose it-I bit the bullet and bid--I have been dissapointes 80% of the time -SO BEWARE----1 of them had a good title??Sorry to ramble but Ebay has a word limit on reviews--I Hope this will help you make an informed decision.

Prices are rising worldwide so they are a good investment- If you drive one you will want one--Good luck  "Bon Chance"    RED D