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This Citroën 2 CV postal van yellow Dinky-Toys, reissued by Atlas editions under reference No.560, represents a true testimony to French postal history. This iconic miniature perfectly captures the essence of a service vehicle that has traveled the roads of France for decades.

A faithful reproduction of a legendary utility vehicle, this Dinky-Toys miniature is an essential piece for any collector passionate about French automobiles and public service vehicles.

Features of the miniature

  • Model: Citroën 2 CV postal van
  • Brand: Citroën
  • Scale: 1/43
  • Color: Postal yellow
  • Manufacturer: Dinky-Toys (Atlas reissue)
  • Reference: No.560
  • Protective box included: Yes

The real model: a revolutionary utility vehicle

The 2 CV postal van was born in 1951, four years after the launch of the sedan. Citroën responded to the growing needs of craftsmen, traders and public services seeking an economical and reliable utility vehicle. This commercial version retains the philosophy of simplicity and efficiency that characterizes the entire 2 CV range.

With a cargo volume of 1.2 cubic meters and a useful load of 400 kg, this van stands out for its exceptional versatility. Its 375 cm³ air-cooled twin-cylinder engine develops 9 horsepower, sufficient to ensure deliveries in both urban and rural areas. The torsion bar suspension guarantees remarkable driving comfort, even on the most degraded roads.

The French Post adopted this vehicle massively for its distribution rounds, attracted by its legendary robustness and low operating costs. The characteristic yellow color quickly became a familiar symbol in French streets.

Citroën in the 1950s

In the early 1950s, Citroën underwent a period of creative renaissance under the leadership of Pierre Boulanger. The French company focused on technical innovation and the democratization of the automobile. After the success of the Traction Avant, the chevron brand continued its avant-garde strategy with the 2 CV, which revolutionized the concept of popular cars.

This era marks the peak of Citroën engineering, with bold technical solutions that challenge automotive conventions. The Citroën philosophy prioritizes utility and user comfort over pure performance. This visionary approach allows the brand to durably set itself apart from the competition and establish a unique relationship with its customers, especially in the segment of utility vehicles where the 2 CV postal van excelled for nearly forty years.

A memorable postal anecdote

In the 1960s, the yellow 2 CV postal van became the setting for an extraordinary postal adventure. A postman from Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, Marcel Dubois, literally transformed his rounds into a daily epic. Every morning, he loaded his trusty "Deudeuche" with mail and packages, but also with a thermos of coffee and provisions for the isolated inhabitants of mountain hamlets.

His van quickly became much more than just a service vehicle: it embodied the essential social link between civilization and remote rural communities. Marcel adapted his vehicle to extreme conditions, installing special chains and slightly modifying the suspension to tackle rugged paths. In summer, his 2 CV transported ice creams and medicines; in winter, it delivered news from the outside world to villages sometimes cut off from everything.

This story, relayed by local and then national media, perfectly illustrates how the 2 CV postal van transcends its primary function. It became a symbol of local public service, capable of adapting to all situations. Marcel Dubois and his yellow van embody the spirit of resourcefulness and solidarity that characterizes rural France during the Thirty Glorious Years.

Even today, this anecdote resonates particularly with collectors, who see in this Dinky-Toys miniature much more than just a model: an authentic testimony of a time when automobiles mainly served to bring people closer together.

Complete your miniature collection

This 2 CV postal van Dinky-Toys naturally finds its place at the heart of a collection dedicated to public service vehicles. It harmoniously dialogues with other iconic models of the French administration, creating a coherent set that tells the story of public services.

Enthusiasts of the chevron brand will appreciate displaying it alongside other Citroën models, including the sedan and commercial versions of the 2 CV. This miniature also fits perfectly into a Dinky-Toys collection, where the quality of finish and historical authenticity create a remarkable overall harmony.

Whether you are a seasoned collector or an enlightened enthusiast, this postal van constitutes a choice acquisition that will sustainably enrich your collection by adding a social and historical dimension particularly appreciated by fans of French automobiles.

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.

What our customers say

Customer feedback and testimonials

Denis Vérifié
Well protected considering how the delivery people ...
Well protected considering how the delivery people take care of the packages and in accordance with the two notices. Until next time for more purchases.
il y a 1 jour
Jérome BLONDIAUX Vérifié
Excellent site and good value for money
Excellent site and good value for money, excellent selection and always impeccable packages, highly recommended
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Thierry GOEBEL Vérifié
Reactive
Reactive, fast, efficient, well-packaged delivery and very good quality miniatures
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Thomas Dumoulin Vérifié
Perfect communication and shipping...
Perfect communication and fast shipping. Meets my expectations! Perfect
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CHRISTIAN GRANDIN Vérifié
Quick and Careful Shipment
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Alain Philippot Vérifié
Excellent suivi
Excellent suivi. Procedure respected. Protective packaging.
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Sean Van Holder Vérifié
Highly Recommended for Collectors!
Wide and interesting offer at Bernard Miniatures, useful advice and very good intermediate communication during the transaction. Excellent value for money, fast shipping, in short, buy with confidence!
il y a 3 jours
jean marc welniack Vérifié
excellent.
as usual, no issues. perfect reception, the miniatures are packaged carefully and conform to the announcement. a big thank you.
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remy delamare Vérifié
Perfect order
Perfect order Neat and quick, therefore very satisfied!
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cliente Vérifié
A very high responsiveness for the...
A very high responsiveness for the order. Quality and price for the miniatures.
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Fernandes José Vérifié
Unique Miniatures
Unique miniatures and an unparalleled availability from Bernard
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M. henry watrin Vérifié
Very good follow-up
Very good follow-up Pleasant contact Products very well protected Very good responsiveness Thank you
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