Citroën 2 CV AZU blue 1956 (the garage van) - Modern Garage Collection
Scale 1/43rd
PLEASE NOTE: the first image is a computer-generated render and may not exactly match the vehicle in this listing, so please check the photos that follow it.
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Get it between Tuesday 17 and Wednesday 18 November
This magnificent reproduction of the blue 1956 Citroën 2 CV AZU captures the very essence of the most emblematic French utility vehicle of the 20th century. Affectionately nicknamed “the garage van”, this commercial version of the legendary Deudeuche represents an essential part of French automotive history and is a prized piece for any passionate collector.
This exceptional miniature fits perfectly into the world of collectible model cars, offering automobilia enthusiasts a faithful testimony to an era when the light utility vehicle revolutionised French professional transport. Its refined finish and historical authenticity make it an essential collectible.
The Citroën 2 CV AZU was born in 1951, three years after the launch of the 2 CV saloon. This utility version met a pressing need of the French market: a light, economical and reliable commercial vehicle for craftsmen, shopkeepers and small businesses across France. The name AZU stood for “A” for 2 CV, “Z” for commercial use, and “U” for utility.
In 1956, the year of our model, the 2 CV AZU already benefited from the first technical improvements that would characterise its long career. Its air-cooled 425 cm³ twin-cylinder engine produced 12 horsepower, enough to carry up to 250 kg of goods. Its revolutionary design, inherited from the saloon, allowed it to tackle all terrains with negligible fuel consumption.
The commercial success of the AZU was immediate and lasting. It quickly became the backbone of French local commerce, supporting the economic boom of the Trente Glorieuses. Its legendary robustness and ease of maintenance made it an indispensable ally for generations of craftsmen and small entrepreneurs.
In 1956, Citroën consolidated its position as an innovator in the French automotive industry. Under the leadership of André Citroën and later his successors, the chevron brand always favoured technical boldness and pragmatism. This philosophy reached its peak with the 2 CV project, born from Pierre-Jules Boulanger’s desire to create “a car for everyone”.
The year 1956 marked a turning point for Citroën, which was already preparing the revolutions to come with the development of the DS. It was also a time when the brand showed its ability to intelligently adapt its innovations, as demonstrated by this 2 CV AZU, which carried the qualities of the saloon into the professional world.
Citroën’s strategy was then to offer vehicles meeting the real needs of a France in reconstruction. This pragmatic approach, combined with cutting-edge engineering, allowed the brand to establish itself lastingly in the national automotive landscape and to build lasting emotional bonds with its users.
The story of the blue 2 CV AZU is closely tied to the image of the “local garage”, a French institution that marked the rhythm of neighbourhood and village life. In the 1950s and 1960s, it was rare to see a mechanic without his little AZU for breakdowns and spare parts deliveries.
One story tells of a garage owner in Normandy who nicknamed his blue 2 CV AZU “Bleuette”. It became so popular in the village that residents set their watches by its morning rounds delivering newspapers and car parts. This AZU had covered more than 800,000 kilometres before being replaced, a living testimony to the model’s legendary robustness.
The blue colour, particularly popular at the time, was often chosen by professionals because it hid dust and the marks of daily use better. This shade also became emblematic of French public services, as many administrations adopted the AZU for their field missions.
More than a simple utility vehicle, the 2 CV AZU embodied the French spirit of ingenuity and resourcefulness. It served the small trades that gave charm to post-war France: the greengrocer, the neighbourhood electrician, the village plumber, all those craftsmen who wove the social and economic fabric of the country.
This Citroën 2 CV AZU 1956 naturally finds its place at the heart of a collection dedicated to Citroën miniature cars. It pairs perfectly with the other models in the 2 CV range, creating a coherent set that traces the evolution of this legendary model through the decades.
Collectors will also enjoy displaying it alongside other light utility vehicles of the era, such as the Renault 4L van or the Citroën Type H. This thematic approach allows you to recreate the professional world of the 1950s with striking authenticity.
This miniature appeals as much to seasoned collectors as to automotive history enthusiasts wishing to preserve the memory of the vehicles that shaped the French landscape. It will also find its place in thematic collections devoted to French cars or classic vehicles, bearing witness to the ingenuity and know-how of the French automotive industry of the post-war period.
Stephane Bazille
14 November 2026
Always delivered within the agreed deadlines, well-packaged and protected materials. Nothing negative to report. A constantly renewed range that, despite the intention to remain cautious, always finds new temptations...
Claude Lang
13 November 2026
I placed my second order and everything went smoothly, delivery without issues, items in good condition, and delivered on time. After this second order, I can only recommend the site to Bernardminiature, a serious person. Top delivery, thanks again to him and good for a next order.
Serge PINSON
12 November 2026
In addition to the fact that the 1/43 miniatures received are perfectly in line with the photographs and my expectations and are of great finesse, they arrived very quickly (I was even informed of the shipment) and very carefully packaged. Very satisfied, I placed a new order with Bernard Miniatures, a seller I recommend for their selection and reliability.
The scale is the reduction ratio between the real car and the model. At 1:43 scale, for example, every centimetre of the model represents 43 centimetres of the real vehicle.
In practice, a 1:18 Ferrari model is about 25–30 cm long, while at 1:43 it measures roughly 10 cm.
Our model cars mainly come in 1:43, 1:24, 1:18 and 1:87 (HO) scale. The scale is always listed on the product page.
The smaller the second number, the bigger the model (e.g. 1:18 is larger than 1:43).
Yes, every model car ships in its protective box. The box preserves its collector value and protects your model from dust and knocks.
We pack every order with great care: bubble wrap, snug padding and polystyrene. Your model car is fully secured on its way to you.
In-stock items ship within 24–48h. Allow 2–3 business days for mainland France with Colissimo, or 4–5 days with Mondial Relay.
I can't say exactly when new stock will arrive, as it comes in a trickle. Feel free to contact me and I'll let you know as soon as it's available.