Legendary duo of Citroën 2CV AU vans
This exceptional collection brings together two iconic versions of the Citroën 2CV AU van: the gray model from 1951 and the green La Poste version from 1952. These HO scale model cars perfectly capture the essence of these utility vehicles that marked the history of post-war French automobiles.
True collector's items , these faithful reproductions are a testament to French ingenuity and the adaptation of the famous Deudeuche to the professional needs of the time. Every detail has been carefully reproduced to offer collectors an authentic representation of these historic vehicles.
Technical characteristics of the model cars
- Model: Citroën 2CV AU van (set of 2 vehicles)
- Brand: Citroën
- Years: 1951 (grey) and 1952 (La Poste green)
- Scale: HO - 1/87th
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Colors: Gray and green La Poste
- Protective case included: Yes
History of the Citroën 2CV as a van
The Citroën 2CV AU van was born in 1951 from the need to adapt the popular sedan to the needs of professionals. André Citroën and his team quickly realized that the 2CV's versatility could extend beyond passenger transport. This utility version retains the original philosophy of simplicity and economy that made the sedan a success.
The model is distinguished by its elongated body and its passenger compartment transformed into a cargo area. Despite its modest 375 cc engine developing 9 horsepower, the 2CV van quickly established itself as an indispensable vehicle for craftsmen, tradespeople, and public services. Its ease of maintenance and legendary robustness made it a preferred choice for professionals of the time.
The French Post Office 's adoption in 1952 demonstrates the confidence placed in this vehicle. Postmen appreciated its maneuverability in rural areas and its ability to transport mail in the most difficult conditions, thus confirming the van's status as a benchmark in the French automotive landscape.
Citroën: innovation at the service of mobility
In the early 1950s, Citroën was going through a crucial period in its history. The chevron brand, founded by André Citroën in 1919, was seeking to redefine itself after the turbulence of the war. The company then focused its efforts on the TPV (Tout Petit Véhicule) project, which would lead to the legendary 2CV, presented at the Paris Motor Show in 1948.
This period marked a strategic turning point for Citroën, which temporarily abandoned its bold technical innovations to focus on accessibility and practicality. The philosophy of Pierre-Jules Boulanger, then CEO, advocated a simple, robust, and economical vehicle, capable of "transporting two farmers in clogs, 50 kg of potatoes, or a barrel, at 60 km/h and for 3 liters per 100 km."
The expansion of the 2CV range to include utility versions such as the AU van reflects Citroën's global vision. The brand understands that the democratization of the automobile also involves equipping professionals, thus creating a complete ecosystem around its revolutionary technical platform.
The postal epic of the 2CV van
The story of La Poste's green 2CV van perfectly illustrates the adaptation of a vehicle to the specific French conditions of the time. In 1952, rural France still represented a large part of the territory, and mail delivery represented a major logistical challenge for the postal administration.
Rural postmen discovered the 2CV AU as a revolutionary vehicle for their profession. Its torsion bar suspension made it possible to negotiate rutted roads without damaging the mail, while its low fuel consumption proved economical for the government's tight budgets. Contemporary accounts report that some postmen managed to complete their daily rounds on less than 5 francs of gasoline.
A famous anecdote tells of a postman from Creuse, Marcel Dubois, who nicknamed his 2CV van "Passe-Partout" because it allowed him to access even the most remote hamlets. He even claimed to be able to deliver mail in snowy weather thanks to the homemade chains he had specially made for its narrow wheels.
This massive adoption by La Poste significantly contributed to the popular image of the 2CV in French society. The vehicle became a symbol of local public service, reinforcing its status as the people's car and contributing to the construction of its legend, which still endures today in the French collective imagination.
Complete your collection of French model cars
These two 2CV AU vans occupy a strategic place in the world of French car model cars. They are the perfect addition to a collection focused on vintage Citroën vehicles or light commercial vehicles . Their HO scale makes them perfectly compatible with model railway layouts.
For French car enthusiasts, this duo fits perfectly with other 1950s icons like the Peugeot 203 or the Renault 4CV. Collectors specializing in public service vehicles will particularly appreciate the postal version.
These model cars are aimed at both experienced collectors and enthusiasts of French automotive heritage. They are an excellent entry point to discover the world of HO scale model cars , while representing a valuable testimony to post-war French ingenuity. Their historical authenticity and careful finish make them ideal pieces to enhance any collection dedicated to vintage vehicles .
