In the Miniatures Journal, I share the history of your favorite models and brands. Over 100 articles, podcasts, and videos to help you learn more about the miniature cars you collect. You'll find anecdotes about specific models, brands, and eras.
Today I present to you an exceptional selection of Type H Model cars , these legendary Citroën vans that have marked the history of French automobiles. This collection brings together the most beautiful models of these emblematic vehicles, reproduced with remarkable attention to detail by the greatest Model manufacturers.
My positioning as a specialist reseller
As a specialist dealer in the world of Model cars, I offer a carefully selected selection of Type H Model cars that represent my current stock. This collection is not exhaustive but reflects the immediate availability of the most sought-after and representative models from this legendary range.
The majority of these Models are offered in 1/43rd scale , a reference format that offers the best compromise between detail and size. You will also find some models in 1/24th and 1/18th scales for collectors wanting more imposing pieces, as well as some references in HO 1/87th scale perfect for railway dioramas.
Each model is available in very limited quantities , usually between 1 and 2 copies. What you see in this collection corresponds exactly to what is available in stock, and the selection is regularly updated according to arrivals and market opportunities.
What you can discover in this collection
This collection of Type H Model cars invites you to rediscover the fascinating world of these legendary vans in all their forms. You'll find classic civilian versions, the advertising versions that made these vehicles famous, as well as specialized adaptations.
Vintage vehicle enthusiasts will particularly appreciate the faithful reproductions of early versions, while French car collectors will find an essential part of the national automotive heritage. The diversity of liveries and configurations represented allows visitors to appreciate the full richness of this automotive range.
The remarkable story of the Citroën Type H
The Citroën Type H was born in 1947 from the visionary mind of Pierre Boulanger, then director of Citroën. This revolutionary utility vehicle immediately stood out for its fully corrugated bodywork, an ingenious technical solution that combined lightness with structural strength. This avant-garde design met the needs of post-war reconstruction in France.
Produced until 1981, the Type H endured over three decades of French social and economic change. Its distinctive silhouette quickly became a familiar sight on the roads, from Parisian markets to the most remote countryside. Craftsmen, merchants, and industrialists massively adopted this reliable and versatile vehicle, which accompanied the economic boom of the Trente Glorieuses.
The technical evolution of the Type H reflects the progress of the French automobile: the transition from the 1.6-litre engine to the 1.9-litre, then to the 2.0-litre, improved brakes, and the gradual modernization of the passenger compartment. Each stage of this evolution now finds its place in the world of Type H Model cars , bearing witness to this rich technical history.
A remarkable anecdote about the Type H
One of the most touching stories of the Type H concerns its role during the events of May 1968. As Paris was paralyzed by strikes and demonstrations, it was the Type Hs that kept the capital supplied. Bakers, milkmen, and street vendors used their trusty vans to keep Parisians fed.
Even more surprising, the Type H became a symbol of freedom for an entire generation. Many young people of the time transformed these vehicles into makeshift campervans to explore Europe. This unexpected appropriation of a utility vehicle by hippie culture testifies to the remarkable adaptability of this iconic model.
This cultural dimension partly explains the current craze for Type H Model cars , which evoke, far beyond the simple utility vehicle, an entire era and a French art of living.
Complete your collection of French Models
Type H Model cars occupy a special place in the world of French vehicle collectors. They are the perfect addition to a collection focused on Citroën models , alongside the legendary DS, 2CV, or Traction Avant. This complementarity allows for a complete panorama of French automotive innovation in the 20th century.
For collectors specializing in commercial vehicles , the Type H represents an essential reference. Its presence in a collection brings this authentic dimension of French professional transport, far from just prestige or sports cars. It is this diversity that gives meaning to a collection of automobile Models.
French social history enthusiasts will also find these Models an exceptional reminder of their past. Each livery, each variation, tells a story of a facet of French economic activity, from small local businesses to large national companies that have left their mark on their era.
The perfect gift idea for car enthusiasts
A Type H Model car makes an original and meaningful gift for many occasions. For Father's Day, it often evokes personal memories for men who grew up in the 1960s and 1970s. At Christmas, it brings that touch of French nostalgia that resonates with all generations.
For a birthday, choosing a Type H model in a special livery allows you to personalize the gift according to the recipient's tastes or family history. Advertising versions often recall long-gone brands that mark the collective French memory.
Features of our products
Complete delivery: Each product is sold with its base and protective box
Quality Materials: Made of metal (alloy) for optimal durability
Remarkable fidelity: Faithful reproduction of the original model down to the smallest details
Careful shipping: Package carefully packed and protected for safe transport
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The Type H prototype that almost revolutionized the automobile
Discover the little-known story of the French van that revolutionized utility transport and conquered the roads around the world.
Did You Know? Anecdotes and Curiosities about our Miniatures
Why is the Citroën Type H nicknamed 'the tube'?
The Citroën Type H is nicknamed 'the tube' because of its distinctive cylindrical shape. Its corrugated walls give it a unique tubular appearance that sets it apart from all other utility vehicles of its time.
What revolutionary technical innovation did the Type H introduce into the automobile?
The Type H was one of the first vehicles to adopt a self-supporting body, abandoning the traditional chassis. This revolutionary construction allowed for optimal loading space while reducing the vehicle's weight.
How long did the Citroën Type H remain in production?
The Type H holds a longevity record with 34 years of uninterrupted production, from 1947 to 1981. This exceptional lifespan is a testament to the relevance of its design and its legendary robustness.
What is the origin of the Type H's recognizable wavy design?
The corrugations in the bodywork are not just aesthetic: they provide exceptional structural strength to the thin sheet metal used. This technique, inspired by aeronautics, allowed for metal savings while maintaining strength.
In which countries has Type H influenced popular culture?
Beyond France, the Type H became iconic in Belgium, where it served as a beer delivery truck, and in the Netherlands, where it was ubiquitous for flower distribution. Today, it symbolizes the golden age of European convenience retail.
