Model cars Vans - Collection in Stock
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Discover my collection of Model vans
Welcome to the world of Model vans , a section dedicated to these utility vehicles that have marked the history of automobiles and transport. My Bernard Models store offers you a carefully chosen selection of Model vans, faithfully reproducing these emblematic vehicles that have accompanied the economic and social development of our societies.
Your specialist Model retailer
As a specialist retailer, I present to you a collection of Model vans that reflects my current available stock. This selection, regularly updated, does not claim to be exhaustive but offers an authentic representation of the models I have in store. The majority of my collection consists of 1/43rd scale Models, the reference scale for collectors, but you will also find 1/24th and 1/18th scale models for those who prefer larger formats, as well as some pieces in HO 1/87th scale.
Each Model is available in limited quantities , usually between 1 and 2 copies. What you see on the site corresponds exactly to what is available in my stocks, thus guaranteeing reliable and up-to-date information for your purchases.
The world of Model vans
This collection brings together a remarkable diversity of vans from different eras and manufacturers. You will discover the legendary Citroën Type H , these vans with their unique design that crisscrossed French roads for decades. The Renault Estafette also finds its place, with its characteristic design that revolutionized light transport in the 1960s.
The collection also includes advertising vans that tell the story of French and European brands. These vehicles, transformed into mobile communication vehicles, are a testament to the commercial ingenuity of their respective eras. Light utility vehicle enthusiasts will also find something to their liking, with more recent models illustrating the technological evolution of the sector.
History and evolution of vans
Vans revolutionized the transportation of goods and people at the beginning of the 20th century. Born out of the need to efficiently transport goods and services, these vehicles quickly evolved to adapt to the specific needs of each profession. The Citroën Type H, launched in 1947, perfectly embodies this philosophy with its revolutionary design based on a self-supporting structure.
The economic boom of the Trente Glorieuses propelled these vehicles to the forefront of French commercial activity. Craftsmen, shopkeepers, and delivery drivers all adopted these vans, which combined robustness, practicality, and economy of use. The 1950s and 1960s marked the golden age of these vehicles, a period during which they became an inseparable part of the French urban and rural landscape.
Technological developments then transformed these utility vehicles, gradually integrating driving comfort, safety and respect for the environment, while retaining their primary vocation as versatile work vehicles .
The van, witness to an era
There's a fascinating anecdote about the Citroën Type H: this van was nicknamed "the pig's nose" by drivers of the time, in reference to its curved front end and round headlights, which gave it a distinctive expression. This affectionate name reflects the closeness these vehicles had with their everyday users.
More than just a means of transportation, the van has become a cultural symbol . Who hasn't come across a Type H converted into a food truck or a homemade camper van? This modern conversion demonstrates the special attachment we have to these vehicles. They represent a certain idea of freedom and entrepreneurship, embodying the resourceful and creative spirit of their owners.
In the collective imagination, these vans also evoke French craftsmanship and the small neighborhood shops that made our towns and villages so charming. The baker, the fishmonger, the electrician, all had their own personalized van that quickly became familiar to the locals.
Complete your Model collection with vans
Model vans occupy a special place in the world of model car making. Unlike prestige or racing cars, these vehicles tell a different story, one of everyday life and work. They bring an authentic and popular dimension to any collection, creating a perfect balance with more sporty or luxurious models.
These Models are a perfect addition to themed collections. They complement classic French cars beautifully, create realistic urban dioramas, and pair naturally with advertising vehicles to recreate the commercial atmosphere of an era.
The collector public who appreciates these models is particularly diverse . Industrial history enthusiasts find faithful witnesses to technological evolution, while nostalgics rediscover the vehicles of their childhood. Model railroaders often integrate them into their networks to create authentic street scenes, particularly in HO scale.
The perfect gift idea
A Model van makes an original and meaningful gift. For a birthday, it can evoke personal memories related to a profession or a time spent. On Father's Day, it often honors the father's professional world, especially if the recipient worked in crafts or commerce.
This Christmas, these Models bring a touch of authenticity under the tree, far from standardized objects. They tell a story, spark conversation, and create intergenerational bonds around shared memories . It's a gift that lasts through the ages and retains its emotional value over time.
Features of our Model van cars
- Each product is sold with its base and protective box.
- Made of metal (alloy) for optimum quality and durability
- Faithful reproduction of the original model with respect for proportions and details
- Package carefully packaged and protected to guarantee delivery in perfect condition
- Carefully finished with authentic paint and markings
- Moving parts depending on the model (doors, tailgate, steering wheels)
These Model vans represent much more than mere collectibles. They embody an entire part of our automotive and social heritage, testifying to the ingenuity and creativity that have accompanied the development of our modern societies. Each model tells a story, that of the men and women who trusted these vehicles to develop their businesses and serve their communities.
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Receive by email a little-known story that reveals why these utility vehicles revolutionized our daily lives and marked the evolution of the automobile.
Did You Know? Anecdotes and Curiosities about our Miniatures
Why are model vans so popular with collectors?
model car vans fascinate because they represent the essence of travel and adventure. Unlike sports cars, they evoke nomadic freedom and road trips. Moreover, their iconic design spans generations, from the Volkswagen T1 of the 1950s to modern camper vans.
What is special about model car Citroën Type H vans?
The Citroën Type H, nicknamed 'Tube' because of its shape, is one of the most reproduced vans in model car. Its characteristic corrugated bodywork was revolutionary for the time (1947-1981) and allowed for great strength with little material. model car versions faithfully reproduce these recognizable undulations.
Why are some model car vans more expensive than others?
The price varies depending on several factors: the rarity of the original model, the quality of the reproduction (interior details, paint, finishes), the scale and especially the age of the model car. Vans from brands like Dinky Toys or Solido from the 60s and 70s can be worth several hundred euros if they are in perfect condition with their original box.
What's the surprising fact about model car Volkswagen T1 vans?
The Volkswagen T1 'Combi' became a symbol of peace thanks to the hippie movement of the 1960s. In model car, it's the most widely produced vehicle in the world, with over 500 different versions! From advertising liveries to camper versions, each manufacturer has created their own interpretation of this icon.
How to recognize a collector-quality model car van?
A classic van is recognizable by its details: opening doors, a faithful interior, precise markings, flawless paintwork, and accurate proportions. High-end models even reproduce technical elements such as rear door hinges or dashboard details. Original packaging and documentation significantly increase its value.
















































































































