The Citroën ID 19 Break RTL by Dinky-Toys, reissued by Atlas Editions, is an exceptional testament to the golden age of French television. This 1/43 scale miniature perfectly captures the spirit of the 1960s, an era when reporting vehicles roamed the roads to cover the news.
This faithful reproduction stands as a prized piece for any collector passionate about French automotive history and the evolution of media. The red and grey RTL livery gives this ID 19 Break remarkable authenticity, enhanced by its removable reporting accessories.
Miniature Features
- Model: ID 19 Break RTL
- Brand: Citroën
- Year: 1960
- Scale: 1/43
- Color: Red and grey
- Manufacturer: Dinky-Toys reissue Atlas
- Protective case included: Yes
- Accessories: Removable cameraman, camera, and antenna
The ID 19: Democratized Citroën Innovation
Launched in 1957, the Citroën ID 19 represented an accessible version of the revolutionary DS. Designed to democratize the technical innovations of its prestigious sister, the ID retained the revolutionary hydraulic suspension and avant-garde aerodynamics while offering a less powerful engine and simplified equipment.
The break version, marketed from 1958, catered to the needs of professionals and large families. With its exceptional loading capacity and remarkable modularity, it quickly attracted press services, television teams, and businesses. Its reliability and versatility made it a natural choice for specialized utility vehicles.
The ID 19 Break marked a turning point in Citroën's commercial approach, proving that technical innovation and accessibility could coexist. Its production extended until 1969, totaling nearly 170,000 units across all versions.
Citroën in the 1960s
At the time of the ID 19's launch, Citroën was experiencing a period of intense innovation under the leadership of André Citroën and then Pierre-Jules Bercot. The brand with the chevrons, buoyed by the success of the Traction Avant, was once again looking to revolutionize the automotive industry with the DS/ID family.
This era marked the peak of French engineering, where Citroën did not hesitate to take considerable technological risks. The firm invested heavily in research, developing advanced hydraulic solutions and innovative manufacturing processes. The design offices of Citroën were teeming with visionary engineers who completely rethought the automobile, from its design to its everyday use.
The ID 19 RTL: A Witness to the Television Revolution
This Citroën ID 19 Break in RTL colors evokes a pivotal moment in the history of French media. In the 1960s, RTL (Radio-Télé-Luxembourg) was revolutionizing news by developing a network of mobile correspondents equipped with specially adapted vehicles for live reporting.
These ID 19 Breaks roamed France, antenna deployed on the roof, allowing journalists to broadcast their reports from the scene of the news. The vehicle was equipped with revolutionary transmission equipment for its time, transforming each break into a true mobile studio. The spaciousness of the rear compartment allowed for carrying cameras, tape recorders, and transmission equipment.
The alliance between French automotive innovation and new communication technologies created a strong symbol of modernity. These vehicles contributed to the democratization of information, bringing everyday events closer to French households. The characteristic silhouette of the ID 19 Break RTL became familiar to viewers, embodying the dynamism of modern journalism.
Today, this miniature recalls that media revolution where mobility and technology united to transform our relationship with current events, making these humble Breaks discreet but essential players in the evolution of French society.
Complete Your Miniature Collection
This ID 19 Break RTL Dinky-Toys fits perfectly alongside other iconic vehicles from the Citroën universe. It pairs beautifully with the civilian versions of the ID and DS, creating a coherent set representative of this revolutionary family. Collectors will appreciate presenting it alongside other advertising vehicles from the era.
Media history enthusiasts will find it an ideal complement to press and reporting vehicle miniatures. This piece also integrates harmoniously into a collection dedicated to 1960s vehicles, a period of creative effervescence where French automobiles shone worldwide. Its Dinky-Toys quality ensures a refined finish that will appeal to both experienced collectors and newcomers discovering the world of automotive miniatures.
