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The 1958 Citroën 2CV van: an iconic model car
This 1:43 scale gray 1958 Citroën 2CV van represents one of the most iconic commercial vehicles in the French automotive industry. Presented on its blank base, this model car perfectly captures the essence of this model that marked the post-war years in France.
A true collector's item for car enthusiasts, this faithful reproduction is part of the lineage of great French model cars that celebrate our exceptional automotive heritage.
Characteristics of the model car
- Model: 2CV van
- Brand: Citroën
- Year: 1958
- Scale: 1/43rd
- Color: Gray
- Protective case included: Yes
The story of the original model
The 2CV van was launched in 1951, three years after the launch of the eponymous sedan. Citroën thus responded to the growing needs of French craftsmen and tradespeople looking for an economical and practical utility vehicle for their professional activities.
Developed on the basis of the 2CV saloon , this van version retains the essential qualities of the model: mechanical simplicity, robustness and ease of maintenance . With its generous loading volume and reduced fuel consumption, it quickly became the essential ally of professionals of the time.
Commercial success was immediate. The van perfectly met the needs of post-war reconstruction in France, offering a transport solution adapted to the economic constraints of the time while retaining the popular DNA of the 2CV range.
Citroën in 1958: the golden age of innovation
In 1958, Citroën was experiencing a particularly prosperous period in its history. The chevron brand, founded by André Citroën in 1919, had established itself as a pioneer of French automotive innovation . That year, the company was already preparing the launch of its future revolution: the DS, which would be unveiled in 1955 but continued to evolve.
The era also coincided with the height of Citroën's philosophy: to create cars accessible to the greatest number of people without sacrificing technical ingenuity. The 2CV van perfectly embodies this vision, offering professionals a reliable work tool at an affordable price.
This period saw Citroën consolidate its position in the French market while developing its international network. The brand cultivated its image as a bold innovator , preparing for the future technological revolutions that would mark the following decades with the Citroën range as a whole.
An accomplice of the Trente Glorieuses
The 2CV van quickly became much more than a simple utility vehicle: it accompanied the French economic renaissance of the 1950s and 1960s. On the streets of Paris and in provincial villages, its distinctive silhouette became the symbol of a France that was rebuilding and modernizing.
Craftsmen adopted it en masse: bakers, electricians, plumbers... All found it the ideal partner for their daily rounds. Its ability to navigate the narrow streets of historic city centers, combined with its legendary reliability, made it the preferred work tool of a generation of entrepreneurs.
A delightful anecdote tells of a Parisian baker who traveled more than 100 kilometers daily in his 2CV van to deliver to his customers, and did so for more than fifteen years with the same vehicle. This exceptional longevity helped forge the 2CV range's reputation for robustness.
The van also became the discreet heroine of many French films of the 1960s, appearing in the background of popular comedies of the time. It embodied the French spirit : ingenious, practical, and unpretentious, yet terribly efficient.
Complete your collection of French model cars
This 1958 Citroën 2CV van naturally finds its place in any collection dedicated to French automotive heritage . It harmonizes perfectly with the other models in the Citroën range, notably the Traction Avant and the future Type H which complete the brand's world of utility vehicles.
Collectors passionate about French cars will also appreciate combining it with Peugeot and Renault models from the same period, thus creating a representative showcase of the French automobile industry of the 1950s.
This model car is aimed at both experienced collectors and automotive history enthusiasts who want to own a faithful witness to this pivotal period in the French automobile industry. It also provides an excellent starting point for discovering the world of French model cars and deepening one's knowledge of Citroën's heritage.
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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