1954 Citroën 15 Six H

Here is my 1954 Citroën “Traction avant” 15 Six with hydraulic suspension, also known as “15 H” or “15 oléo”.

For a long time now I was thinking about having a 15 one day and between 2010 and 2012 I had two occasions to buy one. The first time I decided to forget the idea because I was scared to begin another big project, but then I had regrets so when I spoke again with the vendor more than one year after, as the offer was still valid, I decided to go for it and since then I’m very happy with this choice.

I was not especially looking for a model equipped with the hydraulic suspension but I’m quite happy about that because this is quite rare (only about 3000 built) and I love the Citroën hydraulic system. I also love its blue color, which is different from the usual black color for these cars.

When I bought her, she was in Quebec for a dozen years and she was waiting for a long time to see the road again. Even if I was able to drive it home without major troubles, she requirer significative work to recover a good working condition and reliability.

Here is a presentation picture, it was a few days after the car arrived home and after a quick cleaning session.

Main characteristics

  • Manufacturing date : 1954
  • Version : 15 Six H, France
  • Serial number : 726702
  • Mileage : 14600 km (2012), 19050 km (2021)
  • Body color : Midnight blue
  • Upholstery : Grey fabric
  • Engine : L6, 2.8 litres
  • Engine type : 6H
  • Engine serial number : W 00745
  • Supply : 1 Solex carburetor
  • Gearbox : 3-speed manual

Color codes

  • Body : “Bleu nuit” AC 601
  • Wheels : “Ivoire” AC 123 but they should be “Gris perle” AC 126, I believe
  • Engine : green RAL 6020
  • Hydraulics devices : Black AC 200, I used black RAL 9005

The car in its initial condition

The car after a partial restoration

Here are some pictures of the car in 2021, a few years after its partial restoration, mainly some mechanical work

Posts related to this car

15 Six: Hydraulic pump overhaul

15 Six: Hydraulic pump overhaul

The leak I suspected on the hydraulic pump was confirmed so I gave it to my usual mechanic with a seal kit. Inside, the pump was ugly! The pump body was so damaged that we replaced it. This intervention on the pump was the occasion to paint it in black and do the same...

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15 Six: Finishing touches after being back on the road

15 Six: Finishing touches after being back on the road

After all the work done during winter 2012-2013, I knew that it won't be perfect and that putting the car back on the road would show-up new problems. I started by doing very short test drives, less than two weeks before the long trip to Saratoga Springs for the...

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15 Six: Hydraulic overhaul

15 Six: Hydraulic overhaul

Here is the hydraulic portion of the mechanical overhaul done during winter 2012-2013, in fact more winter and spring. After having restarted the engine, first without the hydraulic system, I then worked on this part.This work should ensure a good reliability of the...

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15 Six: End of the mechanical overhaul

15 Six: End of the mechanical overhaul

In May it was time to put everything back together. I took some days off and I got some help to speed-up this work, knowing that the goal is still to have the car operational for June.When it started, I noticed that the engine was not revving correctly. The first road...

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15 Six: Mechanical overhaul, continued again

15 Six: Mechanical overhaul, continued again

Here is the continuation of this work during the second half of March, and April, by painting the drivetrain, preparing the engine bay and reassembling the front brakes.I'm almost ready tu put the drivetrain back into the car. I just have to reinstall the brake line,...

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15 Six: Mechanical overhaul continued

15 Six: Mechanical overhaul continued

During February, I took advantage of the last availability from Claude before he leaves for a month or so, so quickly, just a few hours before he comes in, I prepare the timing cover and the crank plate so we can then close this side of the engine. I paint these parts...

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15 Six: Beginning of the mechanical overhaul

15 Six: Beginning of the mechanical overhaul

After having removed the engine and gearbox, there are still parts to remove and it's the beginning of the cleaning work.I'm almost done removing parts. I have a lot of cleaning to do, it's boring but mandatory and, after that, putting everything together will be much...

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15 Six: Engine removal for overhaul

15 Six: Engine removal for overhaul

During December 2012, I worked on the drivetrain removal, because I wanted to do a good cleaning but also to do a general inspection. On top of the cleaning operation, I plan to replace some damaged parts (cracked exhaust manifold, damaged steering boots, loose...

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15 Six: Repair attempt on the height corrector

15 Six: Repair attempt on the height corrector

Just after the purchase of the Traction, I wanted to fix the leak on the height corrector. It didn't go as planned ;-)I've been told to install a DS or SM corrector (there are identical I believe) and use a "T-shape" fitting to connect both outputs (one for each...

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