ENGINE & GEARBOX

•  Modern asbestos-free head gaskets cause problems because they don’t compress in the way the originals did
  
  • If the engine hasn’t been run for a while, the piston rings may break on start up
  • On six-cylinder cars, be wary of a rattling when starting as it could be the starter ring gear about to come away from the hub
  • Water pumps leak into the bell-housing, causing the clutch to seize
  • Big end rattle could actually be a loose crankshaft damper

ELECTRICS & TRIM

• French-built cars had six-volt electrics, those produced in Slough were equipped with 12-volts
• The continental cars need to be in tip-top condition to avoid starting problems.
• French-built cars have cloth trim but Slough-built Tractions have leather trim

FACT FILE

Websites

• www.75heurespour75ans.com/accueil_gb.htm
• www.traction-avant.co.uk

Can it run on unleaded?

• The Traction’s engine can be converted to run on unleaded by fitting hardened valve seats, although it’s also possible to simply use an additive  with the fuel.

To read the complete Buyer's Checklist feature buy the February 2011 issue of Classic Car Mart - buy back issues here