Traction Avant wont start

[Wandsworth]

I have just purchased a 1954 Traction Avant, it drove for 30 min, before jerking, backfiring, and stopping. Turns over but doesn't ignite. Spark plugs seem fine. I have replaced the battery, ignition coil, and the ending of the ignition coil HT lead which didn't have the brass washer at the end. All to no avail. Not sure what I am missing and welcome any advice. It is a Slough-built version with Lucas electric parts.

[RichardW]

Welcome along.

Jealous that you have a Traction!

These must be simple, so back to basics. If you have a spark, then either it's at the wrong time, or there's a fuel issue. Are the plugs wet? Do you have a timing light?

[mickthemaverick]

Certainly agree with Richard there, if it was driving and then stopped in that way, it is likely to be a fuel issue with a blockage or maybe stale fuel?

[xantia_v6]

If there is no spark at the plugs, check the points gap in the distributor, then try replacing the capacitor in the distributor and the rotor in the distributor. You probably wanted to have spares of these anyway...
Inspect the inside of the distributor cap for cracks.

[bobins]

Check if it'll run on a sniff of Easy Start spray. If it won't - then it points towards your electrics being the issue, if it will run - then it points towards your fuel being the issue.

[Wandsworth]

It is a very cool car! Thanks for the advice. The best I can tell is that it is not getting a spark from the ignition coil. First problem was it came with a bad connection at the ignition coil, it was missing the brass washer used by lucas parts back in the day. Once I replaced that, I tried replacing the battery and the ignition coil. Still no spark. I am worried I hit something or disconnected something unknowingly, either that or the ignition switch?