specialist of the week

WHEN Citron launched the front-wheel drive Traction Avant in 1934, it was one of the most revolutionary cars around.

Nearly 70 years on, John Gillard still earns a living as one of only two fulltime Traction restorers in Britain.

Backing onto Old Kent Road, Gillard's Classic Restorations was born out of boredom and a desire to fulfil a childhood fascination with cars.

"I used to toil away as an accountant in the City, but I got fed up," says Gillard.

"I'd always wanted to work with my hands, and used to collect pictures of cars when I was a child."

Having bought his first Traction in 1970 for pounds 100, Gillard helped establish the country's original owners club. He started repairing and servicing cars belonging to the club's 600 members.

In 1978, he rented premises under the railway arches at Waterloo and work full-time on the cars.

There are at least 2,500 Tractions in the country, and around 75 per cent of Gillard's customers come from greater London.

"I have friends, not customers. It's a special car that deserves special treatment," he says.

"It quickly becomes part of the family, but they need tender, loving care to survive. They're not the most practical of cars simply because of their age." Even so, 15 of Gillard's clients use their Tractions every day. Built during an era when there was no such thing as a motorway, and 60mph was deemed a respectable cruising speed, Gillard says the Traction is like a "classic gangster car".

The description may be accurate, yet the Citron's shape and pre- war looks have endeared it to more artistic types, says Gillard.

"At least 60 per cent of owners are photographers, film directors, designers or architects. It seems to suit their makeup. It's one of those cars for people who want to be seen and remembered."

Available as a roadster, coup, saloon and sevenseater, the Traction went on to enjoy a long production run until it was replaced by the shark-nosed Citron DS in 1957.

Owning a Traction today could set you back anything from between pounds 3,000 and pounds 10,000 for a good example. They are not, however, a car for investors, says Gillard.

"A middle-of-the-range model will cost more to fully restore than the car itself will be worth in the end. You have to love it to want to do it."

John Gillard's Classic Restorations, Old Kent Road, London Tel: 020 7358 9969

Copyright 2002
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