Citroen 15/6 1952

The Citroen 15/6 is a 6 cylinder traction that in comparison to the 11BL and 11BN is a rarity. This particular car was purchased new in France by Mr B.O.Gibbs in 1952. His name and address are still on the original plaque on the left of the dashboard, which was a requirement in France at this time. Six years later he imported it into England on July 16th 1958. This is the first entry in the old style buff folding log book (R.F.60) that is present in the paperwork. It subsequently changed hands twice, but languished behind a garage out of use, where it was spotted in 1972 and purchased by a young 17 year old, Frank Button. Frank at this time had neither the knowledge, money or time to carry out any restoration and the car lay in storage at his parents house until 1984 when the 2 year restoration was started. In 1986 the car was ready for the road again and the next challenge was to register it. The deadline for changing the old buff log book to the new V5 in 1983 had been missed and the DVLA intended to give it the registration DSV 985. Frank, after a long struggle, managed to retain the original reg. of VLN99  and the interesting letters concerning this are here present. This registration is transferable.

The car was back on the road and MOT;d in May 1986 with the recorded mileage of 81091 kms . This MOT certificate and every one up until 2013 are also here present. The final certificate records the mileage as 27695 kms (having been past 100000 kms) and therefore verifying the mileage (kms) during those 27 years to be only 47000 kms.(approx 29000 mls) The odometer now reads 32627 kms, giving the total mileage, in kms, from new to be 132627 kms, which is only 82400 miles.

Receipts for parts and work undertakes are all present and show that the mechanical components, engine and gearbox were rebuilt. In addition the radiator was recored and a stainless steel exhaust fitted.

After 45 years of ownership Frank sold VLN99 to the vendor in 2017. He commenced a further renovation which included a bare metal respray, new clutch friction plate and release bearing, doors and boot. All rubber components are also new and electronic ignition is fitted.

In summer 2018 the car was hired for a sound recording session that was carried out at the Millbrook Proving Ground, Bedfordshire, for the video game, Battlefield, by A E Productions. (It was actually to represent a 6 cyl WW2 Citroen pick-up) Here every conceivable sound was recorded from the tyres squealing on cornering to the sound of seat springs under compression. It’s other claim to fame was to feature in Classic Cars Magazine Sept 2001, where it was compared to a Cord 810, also FWD. A copy of this issue is also here present.

The car is rust free and is on a set of very good Michelin tyres. It comes with a repair manual, spare parts manual, a folder full of receipts and memory stick showing over 50 photos of the car’s recent restoration.

Auctioneers notes: It was delight to meet the owner of this incredibly rare Citroen Model 15/6 built in 1952 and according to the DVLA first registered in the UK in 1986, but the history file, which is immense, indicates that the car was in the UK quite some time before. This car has a 6 cylinder engine of 2867 cc’s, her general condition is very sound and solid with a very clean, original looking interior, with that very nice cloth upholstery.  The roof lining is very clean and shows no stains or sagging.  The finish on the paintwork I would mark 8 out of 10.  The chrome work is excellent, it has a pair of those wonderful Marshall head lights, with the original lenses.  An incredibly good opportunity to acquire a very rare car. The car will be arriving at our premises within the next 10 days.  Viewing by appointment.