Model Car Citroën 2 CV AZU Delivery Van Red and White RIPOLIN - Norev (in blister)
Echelle: 1/43ème
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Discover this magnificent miniature of the Citroën 2CV AZU delivery van in the iconic Ripolin colors, red and white, faithfully reproduced by Norev in 1/43 scale. This commercial version of the famous Deudeuche proudly displays the advertising livery of the French paint brand, transforming an everyday utility vehicle into a true witness of French industrial history.
This collectible miniature perfectly captures the spirit of the 1950s-1960s, a time when 2CV vans crisscrossed the roads of France, carrying the colors of major national brands. A must-have model for any enthusiast of French cars and advertising history.
Features of the miniature
- Model: Citroën 2CV AZU delivery van
- Brand: Citroën
- Year: 1954-1978
- Scale: 1/43
- Color: Red and white Ripolin livery
- Manufacturer: Norev
- Protective case included: Yes (in blister)
The Citroën 2CV AZU: the people's utility vehicle
Launched in 1954, the 2CV AZU (Azur Utility) represented the commercial version of the legendary Deux Chevaux. Designed to meet the needs of artisans, merchants, and small businesses, this delivery van retained all the qualities of robustness and simplicity that made the sedan successful. Its rear hatch and generous loading volume made it the ideal work tool for a modernizing France.
Technically identical to the 2CV sedan, the AZU was powered by the same air-cooled two-cylinder engine of 375 cm³, developing 9 horsepower. Its payload of 250 kg and remarkably low fuel consumption appealed to professionals concerned about costs. The torsion bar suspension offered appreciated riding comfort, even on the bumpy roads of the time.
Produced until 1978, the 2CV AZU enjoyed a notable commercial success with over 60,000 units sold. It paved the way for modern Citroën utility vehicles and remains a symbol of French ingenuity in utility vehicles today.
Citroën in the 1950s: innovation and democratization
At the time of the AZU's launch, Citroën was undergoing remarkable expansion under the leadership of André Citroën and then Pierre-Jules Boulanger. The chevron brand had revolutionized the French automobile with the Traction Avant in 1934 and confirmed its innovative genius with the 2CV in 1948. The AZU was part of this logic of democratizing the automobile, extending the benefits of mobility to the professional world.
This period also marked the rise of advertising vehicles in France. Companies discovered the potential of mobile communication offered by their fleets of utility vehicles. Ripolin, a paint brand founded in 1888, was one of the first to exploit this opportunity with its 2CV AZU vans in distinctive red and white colors, becoming true rolling ambassadors for the brand.
The history of Citroën is inseparable from technical innovation and avant-garde design. Founded in 1919 by André Citroën, the brand quickly established itself as a pioneer of mass production in Europe, introducing revolutionary industrial methods inspired by Ford.
Ripolin: when paint hits the road
The story of the Ripolin vans perfectly illustrates the evolution of commercial communication in post-war France. Ripolin, with its legendary slogan "Ripolin, the lacquer paint that dries without odor," understood very early the interest of mobile marketing. These red and white 2CV AZU vans traveled the French roads, delivering paint while promoting the brand.
A humorous anecdote recounts that a Ripolin representative, driving his 2CV AZU, was once stopped by the gendarmerie, who suspected his vehicle was stolen because its paint shone compared to other cars of the time! It took the salesman explaining that his van naturally enjoyed the latest Ripolin innovations to convince the authorities.
These advertising vehicles greatly contributed to embedding the image of Ripolin in the French collective unconscious. Even today, many collectors seek these miniatures with advertising liveries that testify to a time when industrial France was reinventing itself, blending artisanal tradition with commercial modernity.
The 2CV AZU Ripolin thus symbolizes this blessed period of the Glorious Thirty, where economic optimism and advertising creativity came together on the roads of France, transforming every delivery into a charm operation for national brands.
Complete your collection of miniatures
This 2CV AZU Ripolin Norev naturally finds its place at the heart of French vehicle collections and advertising miniatures. It harmonizes perfectly with other models in the Citroën 2CV lineup, whether it’s sedans or commercial variations in various period liveries.
Collectors passionate about the history of French automobiles will appreciate associating it with other advertising miniature vehicles, creating a true museum of mobile communication from yesteryear. This Norev miniature also integrates perfectly into broader Citroën collections, reflecting the diversity and ingenuity of the chevron brand.
Intended for discerning collectors as well as fans of French industrial history, this miniature will also delight enthusiasts of light utility vehicles and French cars. Its 1/43 scale makes it a prime choice for dioramas and thematic presentations dedicated to the 1950s and 1960s.
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.
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