CITROEN Type 23 Boxer Truck 1962 - An exceptional model car
This model car of the 1962 CITROEN Type 23 boxer truck represents a true testament to the golden era of French transport. With its tray-carrier configuration dedicated to CHARRIER mineral water, this faithful reproduction captures the essence of an iconic utility vehicle of the 1960s. This piece is a must-have collector's item for enthusiasts of French automobiles and industrial history.
Beyond its aesthetic value, this model car perfectly embodies the French entrepreneurial spirit of the post-war period, a period when French manufacturers competed in ingenuity to meet the growing needs of the expanding national economy.
Technical characteristics of the model car
- Model: CITROEN Type 23 boxer tray rack
- Brand: CITROEN
- Year: 1962
- Scale: 1/43rd
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Decoration: CHARRIER mineral water livery
- Protective case included: Yes (vintage cardboard box)
The CITROEN Type 23: a revolutionary utility vehicle
Launched in 1959, the CITROEN Type 23 marked a breakthrough in the world of French commercial vehicles. Designed to replace the aging Type H in certain segments, this truck stood out for its modernity and versatility. Its forward-facing cab optimized cargo space, while its economical diesel engine appealed to professionals concerned with profitability.
The boxer model, with its specialized platform configuration , was particularly popular with beverage distributors. Its generous load capacity and maneuverability in urban environments made it the ideal ally for delivery drivers. This version dedicated to CHARRIER mineral waters perfectly illustrates the vehicle's adaptation to the specific needs of each sector of activity.
Commercially, the Type 23 was a notable success, helping to establish Citroën's reputation in the field of professional vehicles. Its production spanned several years, demonstrating its relevance in a rapidly changing market.
CITROEN: innovation serving industry
In 1962, the chevron brand was going through a period of intense creativity under the leadership of André Citroën and his successors. The company, already renowned for its technological revolutions with the Traction Avant, continued its quest for innovation in all segments. The development of the Type 23 was part of this avant-garde strategy , aimed at modernizing the entire utility range.
The era also marked the beginnings of the democratization of the automobile in France. Citroën, aware of the economic challenges, diversified its activities to support the growth of the Trente Glorieuses. The brand invested massively in research and development, preparing for the future revolutions that would be represented by the Ami 6 and the legendary DS .
This prosperous period in Citroën's history was characterized by a global approach to transport, integrating both family saloons and specialized commercial vehicles like our Type 23.
A time when mineral water conquered France
The association of the CITROEN Type 23 with CHARRIER mineral waters immerses us in a France in the midst of social transformation . The 1960s marked the emergence of new consumption patterns, where bottled water began to appeal to a growing urban population. CHARRIER, a brand that no longer exists, was one of the players in this revolution in eating habits.
These flatbed trucks crisscrossed the streets of French cities, bringing these precious bottles of pure water to grocery stores and cafes. The sight of these vehicles with metal crates loaded with glass had become familiar to city dwellers of the time. Each delivery symbolized a certain modernity, a France gradually moving away from rural traditions to embrace the emerging consumer society.
The history of these trucks also bears witness to the evolution of the beverage sector. Before the advent of supermarkets, distribution was organized around a dense local network , requiring vehicles adapted to urban constraints. The Type 23, with its versatility and reliability, accompanied this major economic transformation.
Today, these vehicles evoke a bygone era, that of local commerce and a retail craft that has largely disappeared. They embody a little-known but essential part of French industrial history, that of the invisible trades that powered the economy of the Trente Glorieuses.
Complete your collection of French model cars
This model car of the CITROEN Type 23 naturally finds its place at the heart of a collection dedicated to emblematic French vehicles . It harmoniously interacts with other representatives of the French automotive industry, notably light commercial vehicles from the same period. Its commercial specificity also makes it an excellent complement to thematic collections on advertising vehicles .
Collectors with a passion for the 1960s will find it an authentic testament to this pivotal decade. Its 1:43 scale makes it easy to integrate into dioramas and thematic displays, allowing you to recreate the unique atmosphere of Gaullist France.
This piece is aimed at both seasoned collectors and novice enthusiasts eager to discover the richness of French automotive heritage. It constitutes a bridge between social and industrial history , offering multiple angles of approach to enrich an existing collection or initiate a new passion for Citroën model cars .
