Lot 047: Citroen AC4 Commerciale Saloon

The Citroen Type AC4 was launched at the 1928 Paris Salon in a variety of body styles including Berline Luxe, Conduite Interieure Luxe, Familiale Luxe, two- and four-seat Cabriolet and taxi. Perhaps most ingenious was the Commerciale, as here, a large saloon with an opening back and removable rear seats that could transform itself into a useful load carrier in a matter of seconds  the world's first hatchback, perhaps! All versions were powered by a 30bhp four-cylinder 1,628cc engine driving the rear wheels via a three-speed gearbox. Brakes were ahead of their time being servo-assisted drums front and rear while suspension was by semi-elliptic springs all round with worm-and-roller steering. Top speed was a respectable 50mph. In 1929 it was slightly modified and renamed the C4 and with a number of further modifications it remained in production until 1932. Dating from 1928, this AC4 Commerciale was first UK registered in June 1990 and had just one UK owner for the next 19 years  during which time it appeared several times in the ITV series 'Poirot'. Described as being in excellent condition throughout, it comes with every old MOT back to 1990 to show regular light use. Bills on file show that the steering box was reconditioned in 1996 and the starter motor and dynamo rebuilt in 2003. The opera lights attached to the pillars either side of the windscreen are a particularly pleasing touch and are in excellent condition. Due to have a fresh MOT before the sale, this is a most attractive and practical motorcar that is sure to prove a talking point at any classic event.