Historic Cars & Tractors

This one is certainly eye catching- and certainly not something we have seen before! Offered for sale is a well-presented example of Citroen’s Half-Track, dating from 1931, in full working order and ready to enjoy.

The Kegresse is a lightweight track system, as per that fitted on this vehicle. Citroen utilised this track system in what became known as the ‘Citroen Kegresse’ and, it is widely acknowledged that they first truly implemented it for famously crossing the Sahara Desert in a Citroen using the lightweight track system in around 1922/23. In these early days, it was truly pioneering with experimental models tackling mountains and treacherous terrain – ‘The Autocar’ referred to the early Citroen Kegresse as ‘a mountaineering car’. The half-track developed through the 1920s, eventually attracting military attention.

The specific example listed for sale here was a later example, produced by Citroen in 1931 and is described in the register as a type 19A. The car has been in the owner’s family for a good number of years (certainly since the 1980s) meaning they have spent many years researching the car and its possible origin.

When they purchased it, it was in a virtually derelict state, in the UK, with the tracks broken and in poor condition. We understand that a registration number was visible reading ‘VV 2034’ which, interestingly, in the same as in a historical photograph showing a Citroen Kegresse carrying troops and pulling carriages. The caption on that historical photograph states that this 1931 Citroen-Kegresse belonged to Military Tractors, a subsidiary of the Artillery Transport Co. of Copmanthorpe, near York. These firms specialised in hiring out vehicles to the British Territorial Army. Regretfully, the DVLA in the 1980s decided there was insufficient evidence to register this Kegresse as the since lost numberplate of ‘VV 2034’ so reallocated it with the number ‘SL 9845’, with which it remains registered to this day (note, the number plates fitted are for historical show purposes only).

Following purchase, the vendor’s father repaired the tracks before giving the half-track a complete overhaul, pretty much to the condition presented today. Since then, it has been maintained carefully and used regularly for shows and on the road by first his father and later the vendor.

It is fitted with a 4-cylinder, petrol engine with a rough rating of around 12hp. It has a three-speed gearbox with reverse and can get up to around 28mph – more than fast enough for a 1930s half-track! It starts on the button and drives better than one might expect. As with many half-tracks, the steering is conventional with a differential on the two tracks meaning it steers like a standard vehicle. It stops well (there is plenty of road contact!) and is particularly fun to drive. It is accompanied by a folder of paperwork acquired over the years which makes a great reference for anyone looking to learn more about this quirky design of vehicle.

It is available for viewings and test drives at our premises near Exeter. To find out more, give us a call today on 01392 833301.

Asking Price – £49,995

We always encourage prospective buyers to view vehicles and steam engines in person prior to purchase. This vehicle is advertised for sale by Berrybrook Steam & Classics on behalf of the owner and seller.

For more information, please speak to Matt on 01392 833301 or email [email protected]. 

As with all of our historic vehicles listed for sale, we recommend viewing in person where possible. Appointments are recommended so please try to contact us before travelling for a viewing. 

Please ask about our flexible part-exchange options. Delivery can be arranged to anywhere in the UK, and beyond, at buyer’s expense.

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Please note, shown number plate is for historical display only and not the correct number plate registered to this vehicle.