1927 | Citroën Type B12

The Citroen model 12/24 is often associated with the Citroen B14 model, and was a significant vehicle in the French automaker's line-up, known for its innovative all-steel body and mass-production techniques. Recently arriving with us from a private collection on the Isle of Man is this extremely rare and interesting UK-built right hand drive Citroen 12/24 Tourer.

Most cars were French-built but the 12/24 began production at Slough in late 1926 and continued into 1928 where RHD variants were built to avoid British import tariffs (McKenna duties). The model features a 1,538cc 4-cylinder side-valve engine. The ‘12/24' designation referring to the French taxation horsepower rating (12 CV) and nominal power output (24 HP). Transmission features a 3-speed manual gearbox, with non-synchronized gears. It has a reinforced all-steel chassis addressing rigidity issues from the earlier B10 model. The 12/24 featured front-wheel brakes, a notable feature for the time. All 4-wheel brakes are cable operated.

The collection this car was part of featured several Bullnose Morris cars and this Citroen has a similar cruising speed of around 40 mph. Unusual for this era, this all steel body was built under license from Budd (USA), making it one of Europe's first all-steel-bodied cars. This eliminated the traditional ash frame, enhancing durability. By 1927, the Slough factory was highly efficient, completing a car every ten minutes. In the UK, the 12/24 was priced from £178, making it an affordable option for the middle class. We believe the tourer was priced at £205 and proved to be a reliable car appealing to many professionals.

This older-restored example was first sold in Dublin, by McEntagart Bros on Leimster Street and we are informed that it was first registered in Ireland with the mark Z48. It had a full nut and bolt restoration from 1970-72 and there are lots of photographs in the large history file of the completed car following restoration. For the last two decades the Citroen has been on the Isle of Man. There are invoices in the files detailing further more recent restoration work including a full engine rebuild costing £2,286 at a labour rate of £18 per hour! The previous owner managed to obtain an ultra-rare original 12/24 brochure and owner's handbook. There are also some contemporary road tests and technical leaflets. After a period of storage, the car started literally first time and the engine ticks over superbly - like the proverbial sewing machine! On the road, it runs really well with a very quiet gearbox and rear axle. The engine seems quite lively compared to a similar capacity Morris Oxford of this era. Whilst some minor (mainly cosmetic) detailing will be beneficial, we believe this car to be attractively priced and it will make a most interesting addition to any pre-war car collection.