Le dernier exemplaire de cette miniature a ete vendu
Ces autres miniatures pourraient vous interesser
Même métier : services publics
Même marque : Citroën
Model Car Dinky-Toys Red Citroën Recovery Van (Atlas Editions)
Atlas Editions
Vehicle without windows and empty inside (no seats, no steering wheel, no dashboard)
Vehicle with box. One of the flaps is half cut off at the top (see photo)
Your payment information is processed securely.
){kind=link}
An emblematic piece of French utilitarian heritage
This red Citroën breakdown van from Atlas Editions faithfully reproduces one of the most recognizable vehicles of the French landscape of the 1950s and 1960s. Crafted in the authentic Dinky-Toys style, this model car captures the very essence of these service vehicles that crisscrossed the roads of France to provide assistance to motorists in distress.
Intended for collectors passionate about French automobiles and vintage utility vehicles, this faithful reproduction bears witness to the industrial know-how of the time and the ingenuity of French coachbuilders in the design of specialized vehicles .
Characteristics of the model car
- Model: Recovery van
- Brand: Citroën
- Year: 1950s-1960s
- Scale: 1/43rd
- Color: Red
- Manufacturer: Dinky-Toys (Atlas reissue)
- Protective case included: Yes
The real model: a utility vehicle serving mobility
Citroën recovery vans first appeared in the 1950s, responding to a growing need for roadside assistance in a rapidly motorizing France. Based on the chassis of the Citroën Type H van or vans derived from passenger cars, these vehicles were equipped with a winch, a lightweight crane, and all the necessary tools to rescue broken-down vehicles.
These utility vehicles were distinguished by their legendary robustness and adaptability to all types of operations. Their high bodywork made it possible to transport heavy equipment, while their short wheelbase facilitated maneuvering in tight spaces. The economical and reliable diesel engine made them ideal companions for breakdown recovery professionals.
The commercial success of these vehicles is explained by their exceptional versatility and low operating costs, qualities which have contributed to their massive adoption by garages, breakdown services and transport companies.
Citroën: innovation in the service of utility vehicles
By the 1950s, Citroën was already recognized as a pioneer of the commercial vehicle industry in France. The French marque had built its reputation on revolutionary vehicles like the Traction Avant, but the company also excelled in the commercial vehicle sector, with models like the famous Type H.
Citroën's approach was to develop innovative technical solutions tailored to the specific needs of each professional sector. This philosophy gave rise to a complete range of service vehicles, from light vans to heavy-duty trucks, all designed with the obsession with functionality that characterized the French brand.
A changing profession
The rise of breakdown vans in the 1950s marked a veritable revolution in French mobility habits. As the national vehicle fleet literally exploded—going from a few hundred thousand vehicles to several million in a decade—road breakdowns became a social phenomenon.
These bright red, easily identifiable vehicles quickly became the "guardian angels" of the French road . Their drivers, often former mechanics who had retrained, developed a particular expertise and an intimate knowledge of the territory they served. They knew every dangerous bend, every difficult hill where vehicles were likely to break down.
The story goes that these repairers became truly legendary figures in their region, capable of diagnosing a breakdown simply by the sound of the engine and repairing on-site problems that others would have deemed impossible to resolve without a workshop. Their red van was synonymous with hope for the motorist in distress, a symbol of mechanical solidarity that still shapes the French collective imagination today.
This period also marked the emergence of the first organized roadside assistance networks , ancestors of our modern breakdown services, where the red Citroën van occupied a prominent place thanks to its legendary reliability and versatility.
Complete your model car collection
This Citroën recovery van naturally finds its place alongside other French utility vehicles in a collection dedicated to French automotive heritage. It harmonizes perfectly with Citroën model cars from the same era, notably reproductions of the famous Type H or the sedans in the range.
Collectors with a passion for light commercial vehicles will particularly appreciate this piece, which demonstrates French ingenuity in adapting vehicles to professional needs. It also makes an excellent addition to collections focused on the 1950s and 1960s .
This model car is aimed at both experienced collectors and novices wishing to discover the world of French service vehicles. It constitutes an authentic testimony to an era when the French automobile shone through its pragmatism and its adaptation to the realities of the field, qualities which today make the charm of collections dedicated to French cars and Dinky-Toys .
Frequently Asked Questions
How to understand the scales of miniatures?
Scale indicates the reduction ratio between the real car and the miniature. For example, at 1:43 scale, each centimeter on the miniature corresponds to 43 centimeters on the real vehicle.
Concretely, a 1/18 scale Ferrari model is approximately 25-30 cm long, while in 1/43 scale it measures approximately 10 cm.
What scales are available?
Our model cars are mainly offered in 1/43, 1/24, 1/18 and 1/87 (HO) scales. The scale is always indicated in the product sheet.
The smaller the second number, the larger the model car (e.g. 1/18 is larger than 1/43).
Does the model car come with protection?
Yes, each model car is systematically delivered in its protective box. This box preserves the collectible value and protects your model car from dust and shocks.
How is my package protected during transport?
We package each order with the utmost care: bubble wrap, appropriate cushioning, and polystyrene. Your model car is perfectly secure during its journey.
What is the delivery time?
In-stock items are shipped within 24-48 hours. Please allow 2-3 business days for France via Colissimo or 4-5 days via Mondial Relay.
The model car is no longer in stock, when will you have it?
It's impossible for me to know exactly when I'll receive a new stock because I receive arrivals in dribs and drabs. Please contact me so I can keep you informed as soon as it's available.
What our customers say
Customer feedback and testimonials