Model Post Office and EDF Cars - Collection in Stock
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Discover the Miniatures JournalDiscover French public service vehicles in Model
France has always had a special relationship with its public services, and this closeness is perfectly reflected in the world of Model Post Office and EDF cars . These faithful reproductions remind us of a time when the yellow vans of La Poste and the blue vehicles of EDF were an integral part of the French landscape. Here I present my selection of these emblematic vehicles, witnesses to the industrial and social history of our country.
A specialist retailer collection
As a passionate dealer of Model cars, I offer a carefully chosen selection of French public service vehicles on Bernard Models. My collection is not intended to be exhaustive, but it faithfully represents the models currently available in stock. This approach allows me to offer you a constantly renewed diversity and to regularly discover new models.
The majority of these Models are offered in 1/43rd scale , the ideal format to appreciate the details of these utility vehicles. You will also find some models in 1/24th and 1/18th for collectors who prefer large scales , as well as HO (1/87th) reproductions perfect for railway dioramas. Each model is available in limited quantities , generally between 1 and 2 copies, which guarantees the exclusivity of your acquisition.
A public service automotive heritage
This collection brings together vehicles that have marked the history of French public services . You will discover the legendary Citroën Type H in the colors of La Poste, these emblematic vans that crisscrossed our roads for decades. The Citroën 2CV vans, the Peugeot J7, and the Renault Estafette bear witness to this era when each French manufacturer contributed to the equipment of public services.
EDF vehicles are no exception, with their distinctive blue liveries that have marked urban and rural landscapes. From vans to bucket trucks, these Models tell the story of France's electrification and the development of our national energy network.
The history of French public services on four wheels
The history of these service vehicles is closely linked to that of the modernization of post-war France . The creation of EDF in 1946 and the transformation of the PTT required the deployment of a large fleet of utility vehicles. French manufacturers such as Renault , Citroën and Peugeot thus developed specific ranges to meet the needs of these large administrations .
These vehicles were designed for robustness and practicality rather than elegance. Their institutional liveries —the yellow of La Poste, the blue of EDF—became instantly recognizable color codes for all French people. This visual standardization contributed to the image of efficiency and proximity that these public services sought to convey.
Witnesses of a bygone era
A notable anecdote concerns the famous yellow La Poste vans of the 1960s and 1980s. Their distinctive color was not an aesthetic choice but rather a practical one: this shade was the most visible in fog and allowed for better identification of service vehicles. Similarly, EDF vehicles often sported specific equipment such as telescopic ladders or lifting platforms, transforming simple utility vehicles into truly specialized work tools.
These vehicles also reflected the technological developments of their time. The gradual electrification of the French countryside in the 1950s and 1960s was accompanied by the deployment of ever more sophisticated vehicles, capable of operating on increasingly complex networks. Each Model thus tells a part of this great adventure of French modernization.
Complete your collection of public service Models
Post and EDF Model cars occupy a special place in the collector's world. Unlike racing cars or prestige models , these vehicles tell the story of everyday French life. They perfectly complement a collection by bringing an often overlooked social and historical dimension.
These Models blend particularly well with other service vehicles such as fire engines or police cars . They allow you to recreate a true panorama of French public services and create authentic dioramas representing France during the Trente Glorieuses.
Collectors particularly appreciate these models for their documentary value . Every detail—from logos to specific equipment—has been faithfully reproduced, providing valuable evidence of the evolution of French public services. These Models are of interest to car enthusiasts, social history buffs, and those nostalgic for a certain idea of French public service.
A gift idea full of memories
Giving a Model Post Office or EDF car is a way of reviving memories shared by several generations of French people. Whether for Father's Day, a birthday, or Christmas, these Models are touching because of their emotional dimension . They remind everyone of the vehicles seen daily on the streets of France, symbols of a local public service.
These models also make excellent educational gifts for introducing young children to the history of transportation and public services. They provide a fun way to explore the evolution of French society and the role of public companies in the country's development.
Characteristics of our Models
- Each model is sold with its base and protective box to preserve the Model
- Metal construction (alloy) guaranteeing robustness and authenticity
- Faithful reproduction of the original model with respect for historical details
- Careful and protected packaging for safe transport
- Quality finishes respecting period color codes and markings
This collection of Model Post Office and EDF cars represents much more than just a collection of scale models. It constitutes a true journey through time, to the heart of the history of French public services. Each vehicle tells the story of an era, bears witness to technical and social developments, and perpetuates the memory of the men and women who helped modernize France. By choosing one of these Models, you acquire a small piece of our collective heritage.
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Dive into the little-known history of these utility vehicles that have marked the daily lives of the French for decades.
Did You Know? Anecdotes and Curiosities about our Miniatures
Why did La Poste Française develop its own range of utility vehicles?
La Poste created its own vehicles to meet the specific needs of mail delivery: compact vehicles for city centers, right-hand drive for easier delivery, and engines adapted to frequent stops. The famous yellow Peugeot J7 and Citroën C15 vans have left their mark on French postal history.
What is special about model car EDF vehicles compared to civilian versions?
EDF model cars faithfully reproduce specialized equipment: telescopic ladders, lifting platforms, storage compartments for electrical tools, and especially the distinctive orange and blue EDF livery. Some models even include details like traffic cones and safety signs.
When did La Poste's iconic yellow color appear?
Postal yellow was adopted in 1960 to replace the old green of the PTT (Post, Telegraph and Telephone Service). This color was chosen for its visibility and modern appearance. It became so iconic that even after the separation of postal and telecom activities, La Poste retained this visual identity.
Which French car manufacturer has provided the most public services?
Peugeot has long dominated public procurement with its J7, J9, Boxer, and Partner utility vehicles. The Sochaux-based brand has adapted its vehicles to the specific specifications of La Poste, EDF, and other public services, even creating dedicated versions like the Peugeot Partner Poste with its custom-made fittings.
Why are service vehicle model cars sought after by collectors?
These model cars represent a unique French industrial and social heritage. They bear witness to the evolution of public services and the technologies of the time, and evoke nostalgic memories. Their often limited production and gradual disappearance from the urban landscape make them sought-after collector's items, particularly the Dinky Toys and Solido series from the 1970s and 1980s.





















































































































