The Citroen Traction Avant (TA) is one of the most recognizable old French car shapes (760,000 were built between 1934 – 1957). However, only fifteen of all those featured the very special body you see here.

This example, a 1938 model, is one of only four coupes built that year. It was restored from very poor condition in France, and brought up to show car standard.

It needed extensive body and frame repairs and it had to be completely stripped down (not that there was a lot to strip, looking at the pre-restoration photos…). In fact, quite a few metal parts had to be made and reshaped from scratch, as rust had eaten them beyond repair.

The car features an original engine, though it’s running non-stock carburetors and gearbox, and the paint job is custom but very fitting for it shape/style.

As is the case with cars as rare as this and as well put back together, it’s extremely expensive. The Hemmings ad says it’s around $250,000; additional photos available here, on the seller’s blog.

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