My grandfather had this car. It was very much a status symbol for how well he had done for himself after coming from a broken family and rising through the ranks of a big steel factory. You have to understand, my grandfather's parents had gotten divorced, which was socially unacceptable at the time, and he grew up dirt poor. To be able to buy such a nice car was the ultimate sign that he had succeeded in life.
Well said. An amazing automobile. I came close to buying a Citroen 1955 Traction Big 6 Hydraulic with hydropneumatic rear suspension in 1975 when I owned my second Australian assembled Citroen - a 1964 ID19. Two things put me off. The super heavy steering with a 38 foot left hand turning circle and a 44 foot right hand turning circle, which meant a U turn in Australia from the left hand side of the road involved quite a bit of arm wrestling. Not mechanically able to do my own servicing and repairs. There were more mechanics and parts in Sydney for the ID / DS. I have now owned 17 Citroens over 49 years including, ID, DS, GS, CX, 2CV and a C4 Cactus. Love them all. Especially my 3 x 2CV6s. I have a 1990 Charleston which many think looks like a baby Traction.
Hey Stephen, I'm in Adelaide. Can something be done about the turning circle in these cars? I was thinking to buy one in the future but I'm not sure whether to keep it stock as a Sunny Sunday car or put a modern drivetrain in it (stock exterior of course). No matter what though I'd put modern seatbelts and brakes on it.
@@deanchur I have not owned a Traction. I would recommend joining the Citroen Car Club of South Australia. Next March 17-20 2023 they will be hosting the annual CITIN gathering of Citroens from around Australia at Murray Bridge. It will be the 75th anniversary of the launch of the 2CV. You will see a number of Light 15s and Big 6s there. My partner and I attended the 2022 CITIN in Cowra NSW in the C4 Cactus and had the privilege of being chauffeured on the Observation Run in a South Australian Light 15 with an ID engine and 4 speed gear box which transforms the drive-ability of a Light 15. More tractable quieter engine, 4 speed gearbox with synchro on first. L15 are not as heavy in the steering and smaller in the turning circle than the Big 6. Quite pleasant to drive including on a run in the country side with the later engine and gearbox. We will be at Murray Bridge in my 2CV6 with a big bore 652 cc engine fitted.... speedy snail.
The hydropneumatic suspension, which was to come on the new DS in 1955, was first tested in 1953 - 54 on the rear wheels on the B15, called the B15H model. The comfort was outstanding!
One of my great grandfathers had one. He imported it into Nazi Germany in the 1930s because he liked the car and wanted to make a subtle political point by picking a French model.
Have a friend who owns one but I think it is a 4 cylinder engine runs good drives ok but needs brakes rebuilt out side body looks good but some places in floors are getting soft he is not sure what he is going to do with it it is left hand drive in southern United States
