| Car type | : Traction Avant 11A Cabriolet |
| Production date | : September 1934 |
| Serial number | : 100 957 |
| Body number | : EV 01 00 |
| Original engine date | : 12 9 34 (September 12th 1934) |
| Original engine number | : DG 00 56 |
| Current engine date | : 29 9 34 (September 29th 1934) |
| Current engine number | : DH 02 03 |
| Bought | : January 1998 |
| Condition | : Fully rebuild |
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Here is a list of typical features of this car:
This car was found as an abandoned restoration project. The body was in very bad condition, with the usual rust damage and severe accident damage to the rear of the car. Many special 1934 11A parts were missing as well. By January 1998 the remains of the car are resting in our shed. But it is soon clear professional help is required. Although we have tackled some extensive body repairs in the past, we don't think we're up to this job. Mick Peacock, the best and most experienced Traction Avant Cabriolet restorer in the world, is invited to have a look. During his visit a plan is made regarding the body rebuilt. On a next visit, Mick cuts away many parts of the body of the body to reveal all hidden structural sections. During this it's discovered that some vital strengthening pieces are missing such as the complete strengthening normally fitted in between the outer and inner sill. The sills on this car are completely hollow. After cutting away some body panels, the body (what's left of it) is shotblasted inside and out. The shot blasting reveals that apart from the body, a lot of work is also needed on the wings, bonnet and other panels. The body is transported to the Peacock workshop in March 1998. At the workshop, the body is put on a jig. All damaged panels are repaired or exact replacements are made. Fitting up the panels gives a few problems. The original body was largely seam welded by hand because the spot weld edges wouldn't match up. Mick Peacock has recreated the original panels seperately and when trying to fit them into the body he finds the same problems which the citroen people found 64 years earlier. The car is rebuild in the original way as much as possible.
August 18th 1999 the body is finally home again. By now, most of the missing parts have been located as well. A dummy built is done, giving an impression of what the car will look like when finished.
This car is thought to be the oldest 11 convertible in the world, it's also the only 1934 wide body convertible known..
The body needs a bit of work to recreate all holes in the dashboard and close holes which some of the owners made during the years.
The tank filler holes are made with the shrouding underneath.
And then it's off to the painter!
The painter has it's work cut out for him, most panels have quite a few dents in them. A very competent panel beater prepared all panels so only a very thin layer of filler is needed. Back from the painter.
Gearbox and engine.
The original engine had a crack (probably frozen coolant) and could not be reused.
An upholstery shop did the hood and the interior after which the final build up could start.
Oldest type 11A front axle
Off to the dutch vehicle registration service (RDW). The car past with flying colours.
Had to take the engine and gearbox out to adjust the clutch fingers (these were set to "modern" TA and not to 1934 spec").
While the engine was out we also checked the camshaft timing, set by the company that rebuild crankshaft and camshaft, timing was off by 1 crankshaft tooth! No wonder we had troubles getting the car to run properly.
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