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This model car Citroën 500 Kg in Gillette advertising livery is an authentic testament to the golden age of French advertising in the 1930s and 1940s. Faithfully reproducing Citroën's iconic utility vehicle in its commercial version, this collector's item captures the spirit of an era when utility vehicles served as traveling advertising media.

Aimed at passionate collectors of French automobiles and fans of advertising history, this model car offers a fascinating insight into the evolution of French commercial marketing and automotive engineering in the mid-20th century.

Characteristics of the model car

  • Model: Citroën 500 Kg
  • Brand: Citroën
  • Year: 1930s-1940s
  • Scale: 1/43
  • Color: Blue with Gillette advertising decoration
  • Protective case included: Yes

The original model: pioneer of the French utility vehicle

The Citroën 500 Kg was launched in 1934 to meet the growing needs of French artisans and tradespeople. Developed on the basis of the Traction Avant, this revolutionary utility vehicle adopted front-wheel drive, a major technical innovation that significantly improved road holding and load capacity.

With its 500-kilogram payload, this vehicle established itself as the ideal work tool for urban deliveries and sales tours. Its robust design and reliability quickly made it a preferred choice for professionals, marking Citroën's entry into the light commercial vehicle market.

Commercial success was immediate, with the utility vehicle perfectly meeting the expectations of a France undergoing economic modernization. Its versatility and affordable price helped to democratize the use of commercial vehicles in France.

Citroën: innovation serving everyone

During the development of the 500 kg, Citroën was undergoing a period of intense technical creativity . André Citroën, an automotive visionary, had already revolutionized the industry with his mass production methods and constant innovations. The company, founded in 1919, had forged a reputation for technological audacity.

This era marked the height of the Citroën philosophy: making automobiles accessible while offering cutting-edge technical solutions. The brand with the chevrons simultaneously developed vehicles for every use, from family sedans to commercial vehicles, demonstrating its ability to anticipate market needs.

The history of Citroën was already characterized by this desire to democratize mobility , a vision which is perfectly reflected in the design of the 500 Kg, the popular vehicle par excellence.

The Gillette Utility Advertising Epic

In the 1930s, the American brand Gillette revolutionized the shaving industry with its safety blades. To conquer the French market, the company developed an innovative advertising strategy by transforming utility vehicles into mobile promotional vehicles.

Gillette-branded Citroën 500 kg trucks crisscrossed French roads, serving as both delivery vehicles and walking billboards. This revolutionary marketing approach allowed the brand to directly reach consumers in their daily lives, long before the advent of mass television advertising.

These advertising vehicles embodied the entrepreneurial spirit of the time , where commercial creativity and technical innovation were harmoniously combined. Gillette delivery drivers became true brand ambassadors, creating a direct and human connection with customers.

This strategy proved particularly effective in France, where Gillette managed to establish itself in a market traditionally dominated by local manufacturers. The success of this mobile advertising campaign is a testament to the relevance of this pioneering marketing approach.

Complete your model car collection

This Citroën 500 Kg Gillette fits perfectly into the world of Citroën model cars , alongside other iconic models such as the Traction Avant or the Type H. It is the ideal addition to a collection dedicated to French vehicles or light commercial vehicles .

Collectors with a passion for advertising history will particularly appreciate this piece, which can be harmoniously combined with other advertising vehicles to recreate the commercial atmosphere of the 1930s and 1940s .

This model car will appeal to both French automobile enthusiasts and collectors specializing in vintage model cars , offering a unique perspective on the combined evolution of the automobile industry and 20th century marketing strategies.

Même marque : Citroën

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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