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Citroën C3 Pluriel 2003 - A model car with unique charm
This 2003 Citroën C3 Pluriel model car perfectly captures the innovative spirit of this iconic model from the 2000s. With its distinctive dark orange/brown hue, this 1:43 scale reproduction embodies the stylistic audacity that characterized the chevron brand at the time. This collector's item, presented in its original blister pack, is an authentic testament to the era when Citroën dared to shake up conventional automotive codes.
Aimed at French car enthusiasts and model car collectors, this model car C3 Pluriel represents much more than a simple decorative object. It embodies a pivotal era in the French automotive industry, when innovation and creativity took precedence over conformity.
Characteristics of the model car
- Model: Citroën C3 Pluriel
- Brand: Citroën
- Year: 2003
- Scale: 1/43rd
- Color: Dark orange/brown
- Protective case included: Yes
A revolutionary concept from the 2000s
Launched in 2003, the Citroën C3 Pluriel embodied a pioneering vision of the modular urban vehicle. This revolutionary model offered a unique concept: a car capable of transforming itself according to the desires and needs of its driver. With its removable panoramic roof and retractable roll bars, the C3 Pluriel offered four distinct configurations, from the classic sedan to the full convertible.
The original vehicle stood out for its compact dimensions (3.94 meters long) and remarkable roominess for its category. Its exterior design, characterized by rounded lines and black plastic side protections, perfectly reflected Citroën's creative approach. The 75 horsepower 1.4 gasoline engine guaranteed pleasant urban driving, while the modular architecture of the roof was its main selling point.
Despite a mixed reception from the public and sales below expectations, the C3 Pluriel marked automotive history with its conceptual audacity. It foreshadowed current trends towards flexible and customizable mobility , making it a pioneering model today recognized by enthusiasts.
Citroën at the dawn of the new millennium
At the time of the C3 Pluriel's launch, Citroën was undergoing a period of profound transformation under the PSA Group. The brand was seeking to reinvent itself after the success of the Xsara Picasso, offering bold and distinctive vehicles. This strategy was in line with the legacy of André Citroën, a pioneer of automotive innovation since 1919.
Citroën's history is characterized by a succession of revolutionary innovations: the Traction Avant in 1934, the legendary DS in 1955, and the 2CV, which democratized the automobile. This tradition of technical and stylistic audacity explains why the C3 Pluriel, despite its limited commercial success, fits naturally into the DNA of the chevron brand.
The 2000s also marked the emergence of a new generation of designers at Citroën, influenced by contemporary industrial design trends and keen to create emotionally engaging vehicles.
The story of the modular roof
The history of the C3 Pluriel reveals a fascinating anecdote about the origins of its modular concept. The idea germinated during a creativity meeting where the designers were reminiscing about the collapsible beach huts of their childhood. This metaphor of the "constructible toy" directly influenced the development of the removable roof system, transforming a simple vehicle into a true transformation kit.
The technical development of the modular roof represented a considerable challenge for the engineers. It was necessary to design a system that would allow the vehicle to be converted from a closed configuration to a fully convertible version in a few simple steps. Strength and watertightness tests mobilized teams for more than two years, particularly to ensure passenger safety in the event of a rollover.
A little-known curiosity: the C3 Pluriel directly inspired several European concept cars in the following years. Its influence can be seen today in the rise of modular vehicles and panoramic sunroofs, demonstrating that this seemingly marginal creation was in fact visionary.
The reception in the trade press was mixed, with some automotive journalists praising the concept's audacity while others criticized its practicality. This polarization perfectly reflected the spirit of the times, when the automotive industry oscillated between tradition and radical innovation .
Complete your collection of French model cars
This model car C3 Pluriel fits naturally into a collection dedicated to innovative French automobiles . It dialogues perfectly with other emblematic models of French production, notably the daring creations of Peugeot from the same period or the timeless classics of Renault .
Collectors with a passion for vehicles from the 2000s will find this C3 Pluriel an ideal complement to other models from this creative decade. Its relative rarity and status as an automotive curiosity make it a sought-after piece, particularly appreciated by fans of concept cars and unusual vehicles.
This 1/43 scale reproduction is aimed at both experienced collectors and novices wishing to discover the world of French model cars . Its standardized format facilitates its integration into collector's display cases, while its conceptual originality invariably arouses curiosity and discussions among car enthusiasts.
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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