Model Car Citroën 2 CV AZU yellow MICHELIN (plexi box)
Scale 1/43
Car held on the base by two elastic bands
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Discover this magnificent miniature of the MICHELIN yellow Citroën 2 CV AZU , a faithful reproduction of one of the most emblematic utility vehicles in French motoring. This exceptional piece perfectly captures the spirit of this legendary van that marked the history of French commercial transport.
This collectible miniature represents much more than a simple scale model: it embodies the soul of French automotive heritage and testifies to Citroën's ingenuity in adapting its famous 2 CV to a utility version.
Characteristics of the miniature
- Model: 2 CV AZU
- Brand: Citroën
- Scale: 1/43rd
- Color: MICHELIN Yellow
- Protective case included: Yes (plexi box)
- Fixing: Held on the base by two elastic bands
Description of the actual model
The Citroën 2 CV AZU (Azur Utilitaire) was launched in 1951, four years after the 2 CV saloon. This van version met the growing needs of French artisans, tradespeople, and small businesses undergoing post-war reconstruction. With its 1.3 m³ loading volume and 300 kg payload, it offered a practical and economical solution for transporting goods.
The vehicle retained the 375cc air-cooled twin-cylinder engine developing 9 horsepower, as well as the longitudinal torsion bar suspension characteristic of the 2CV. Its fully sheet metal body at the rear and its hinged doors facilitated loading, while its exceptionally low fuel consumption attracted a fuel-conscious clientele.
This utility version enjoyed remarkable commercial success until 1978, with a total of nearly 1.2 million units produced. It contributed significantly to French economic development during the Trente Glorieuses.
Brand Description
In the early 1950s, Citroën consolidated its position in the French market thanks to the growing success of the 2CV. The French brand, headed by Pierre Boulanger and later Pierre-Jules Bercot, was developing a diversification strategy around its popular sedan. The creation of the AZU was part of this desire to exploit the commercial potential of a proven platform.
Founded in 1919 by André Citroën , the French brand quickly established itself as a pioneer of automotive innovation. From the first mass-produced European cars to the revolutionary Traction Avant (1934) and DS (1955), Citroën cultivated a tradition of technical and aesthetic audacity . The 2CV and its derivatives represented a more accessible facet of this philosophy, democratizing automotive mobility while retaining the brand's characteristic spirit of innovation.
Real Vehicle Anecdote
The MICHELIN version of the 2 CV AZU has a particularly interesting history in the world of French advertising. The Clermont-Ferrand-based manufacturer used these small yellow vans extensively for its sales and technical tours, creating a veritable armada of identifiable vehicles on the roads of France.
A famous anecdote tells of a MICHELIN representative driving his AZU who was once stopped by the police for driving too slowly on a national road! The officer, intrigued by this snail's pace, discovered that the salesman was carrying such a heavy load of tires that his little twin-cylinder engine struggled to exceed 40 km/h on a hill. This mishap became legendary among the MICHELIN teams and perfectly illustrated the optimism of users who did not hesitate to overestimate the capabilities of their trusty AZU.
These MICHELIN 2CV utility vehicles also participated in the brand's first road awareness campaigns, crisscrossing France to promote road safety and tire maintenance . They perfectly embodied the image of a company close to the field, helping to forge MICHELIN's reputation as a trusted partner of French motorists.
Complete your miniature collection
This 2 CV AZU MICHELIN naturally finds its place in several collection themes . It perfectly complements Citroën model cars by bringing the utilitarian dimension often neglected by collectors. Its advertising livery also makes it an element of choice for advertising vehicles .
Fans of French cars and light commercial vehicles will particularly appreciate this piece, which evokes the golden age of French commerce . It sits harmoniously alongside other models from the 1950s and fits perfectly into a collection dedicated to classics from 1950 to 1979 .
This miniature will appeal to both experienced collectors and automotive history enthusiasts, offering an authentic testimony to an era when the French automobile shone through its ingenuity and its proximity to everyday needs.
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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