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Model Car Citroën HY Police ('salad basket')
Echelle: 1/43ème
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Discover this exceptional mini replica of the Citroën HY Police, affectionately nicknamed 'salad basket' by the French. This faithful reproduction perfectly captures the essence of this iconic vehicle that marked the streets of France for decades. More than just a miniature, it is a true witness to the history of the French police and the hexagonal automobile.
This collectible piece is aimed at enthusiasts of French automobiles, collectors of public service vehicles, and anyone wishing to own a piece of French history. Its meticulous finish and historical authenticity make it a top-notch collectible item.
Miniature Features
- Model: Citroën HY Police
- Brand: Citroën
- Period: 1947-1981
- Scale: 1/43rd
- Finish: Authentic French police delivery
- Protective box included: Yes
The Citroën HY: A Revolutionary Utility Vehicle
Launched in 1947, the Citroën HY was born from Citroën's desire to create a modern utility vehicle to accompany the post-war reconstruction of France. Designed by Pierre Franchiset, this revolutionary vehicle adopts an entirely metal monocoque construction, a pioneering approach for its time. Its rippled bodywork, initially conceived for structural rigidity, quickly becomes its most recognizable visual signature.
The HY is distinguished by its remarkable technical innovations: air-cooled flat engine, torsion bar suspension, and especially an exceptional load volume thanks to its low floor. These features quickly make it the preferred choice of professionals, particularly law enforcement who appreciate its robustness and payload capacity. The police version, recognizable by its specific livery and adapted equipment, becomes a familiar element of the French urban landscape.
Produced for 34 years until 1981, the Citroën HY stands out as one of the most durable utility vehicles in automotive history. Its commercial success, with over 473,000 units produced, attests to its relevance and reliability. Even today, many examples still circulate, proving the quality of its original design.
Citroën in the Post-War Years
At the time of the HY's creation, Citroën was going through a period of rebirth. Under the leadership of Pierre-Jules Boulanger, the brand with the chevrons develops a unique automotive philosophy, emphasizing technical innovation and accessibility. This approach, which will give rise to the 2CV in 1948, also guides the design of utility vehicles like the HY.
Citroën's strategy is to offer vehicles that are technically advanced yet robust, capable of meeting the specific needs of the French market. The context of national reconstruction offers considerable opportunities for utility vehicles, and Citroën seizes this chance with the HY. The brand simultaneously develops its relationships with public administrations, notably the police, which quickly becomes a loyal customer of its utility productions.
The 'salad basket' in French Culture
The term 'salad basket' to describe police vans has its origins long before the advent of the Citroën HY. This expression, born in the 19th century, refers to the early cellular vehicles that transported detainees 'mixed' like a salad. However, it is with the HY that this expression reached its maximum popularity in post-war France.
The Citroën HY police quickly becomes a symbol of public authority in the French collective imagination. Its characteristic silhouette, immortalized in numerous French films of the 1960s and 1970s, contributes to constructing a certain image of the French police. Directors like Claude Lelouch or Michel Audiard regularly use it as an authentic backdrop for their works, helping to embed this vehicle in popular culture.
The cultural impact of the HY far exceeds its professional use. In the France of the Glorious Thirties, this vehicle embodies the modernization of public services and the efficiency of the welfare state. Its reassuring presence during public events, legendary robustness, and exceptional longevity make it a privileged witness to the social evolution of France. Even today, its mere mention evokes nostalgia for a time when French automobiles radiated originality.
This heritage dimension explains the current enthusiasm for miniatures of public service vehicles, of which the Citroën HY Police is one of the most emblematic representatives. Owning its faithful reproduction means holding a fragment of this collective history that continues to fascinate automobile and French history enthusiasts.
Complete Your Miniature Collection
This miniature of the Citroën HY Police naturally finds its place at the heart of a collection dedicated to police vehicles. It harmonizes perfectly with other French public service vehicles, creating a coherent set that tells the story of the evolution of French law enforcement. Collectors will also appreciate completing it with other models from the Citroën range, including the civilian versions of the HY or the legendary 2CV.
Fans of French vehicles will find in this piece an ideal complement to their collections from the 1950s to 1970s. This miniature will appeal to both seasoned collectors and newcomers eager to start a thematic collection around light utility vehicles French. Its historical and cultural significance also makes it an excellent choice for enthusiasts of contemporary French history, who will find in it a tangible testimony of an era long gone but still present in collective memory.
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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