An exceptional piece for collectors
This 1962 Citroën 2CV AZU van in La Poste livery represents an authentic testament to French postal history. Reproduced in its magnificent dark green PTT livery, this model car perfectly captures the essence of an era when these utility vehicles traveled the roads of France daily, delivering mail.
A true collector's item , this faithful reproduction is aimed at enthusiasts of vintage cars and collectors keen to preserve the memory of these emblematic vehicles which marked the French landscape of the 1960s.
Characteristics of the model car
- Model: Citroën 2CV AZU van
- Brand: Citroën
- Year: 1962
- Scale: 1/43rd
- Color: Dark Green PTT
- Protective case included: Yes
The original model: a utilitarian revolution
The Citroën 2CV AZU (Azur Utilitaire) was launched in 1951 as a commercial version of the famous 2CV. This compact van perfectly met the needs of craftsmen, tradespeople, and public services of the time. With its sheet metal body replacing the rear bench seat, it offered significant cargo space while retaining the mechanical simplicity and economy of use that made the sedan so successful.
The 1962 model already benefited from improvements made over the years, particularly in the air-cooled twin-cylinder engine, which then developed 18 horsepower. This economical engine allowed the AZU to accomplish its missions with remarkably low fuel consumption, an essential criterion for professional fleets.
The French Post Office adopted these vehicles en masse, proving perfectly suited to delivery rounds. Their legendary reliability and ease of maintenance quickly made them indispensable partners for rural and urban mail carriers.
Citroën in the 1960s: innovation in everyday life
In 1962, Citroën was experiencing a remarkable period of expansion under the leadership of Pierre Bercot. The French brand established itself as a visionary manufacturer, capable of innovation while remaining close to the everyday concerns of the French. The 2CV range then formed the commercial backbone of the company, democratizing the automobile with practical and affordable solutions.
This philosophy of accessible innovation perfectly characterized the Citroën spirit of the time. While competitors focused on conventional models, André Citroën had revolutionized the automotive approach since the 1940s with avant-garde concepts. The 2CV and its derivatives like the AZU embodied this vision of a car serving everyone, without compromising on technical ingenuity.
The year 1962 also marked a period of strong growth for Citroën, which was already preparing for the revolutions to come with the future DS and Ami projects. This ability to combine popular tradition with technical innovation made the brand a key player in the French automotive landscape.
The epic of the "little green ones" of La Poste
La Poste's Citroën 2CV AZUs , affectionately nicknamed "little greens" by employees, have become true icons of French public service. These vans traveled thousands of kilometers daily, transporting letters, parcels, and newspapers to every corner of France. Their distinctive dark green color was instantly recognizable and reassuring to residents of rural communities.
A famous anecdote tells that in 1963, during the heavy snowfalls that paralyzed part of France, only the postal 2CV AZUs were still able to make the rounds. Their lightness, front-wheel drive, and high ground clearance allowed them to cross snowdrifts that more powerful vehicles could not. This remarkable performance definitively consolidated their reputation as indestructible vehicles.
Postmen developed an almost emotional relationship with their AZUs. Many discreetly personalized their service vehicles, sometimes adding small accessories or family photos to the dashboard. This human closeness to the work tool testified to the exceptional quality of these small vans, which faithfully accompanied their drivers for years.
Some 2CV AZUs from La Poste even set longevity records, sometimes exceeding 500,000 kilometers on the odometer. These exceptional performances contributed to forging the legend of reliability of the 2CV and its derivatives, making these vehicles privileged witnesses of the French social evolution of the Trente Glorieuses.
Complete your model car collection
This 1962 Citroën 2CV AZU from La Poste naturally finds its place alongside other Citroën 2CV model cars to recreate the complete universe of this legendary range. Collectors will enjoy combining it with public service vehicles from other administrations to create a diorama representative of France in the 1960s.
This model car fits perfectly into a collection dedicated to 1960s vehicles or light commercial vehicles . It can also enrich a selection of French cars by bringing an authentic professional dimension to the whole.
Postal history enthusiasts and collectors specializing in service vehicles will find here a valuable testimony to an era when La Poste embodied the modernity and efficiency of the French public service. This piece also constitutes an excellent starting point for discovering the world of 1/43rd scale model cars , an essential reference for demanding collectors.
