Citroën ID 20 Estate Red - 1972 Fire Department Ambulance
Scale: 1:43
PLEASE NOTE: the first image is a computer-generated render and may not exactly match the vehicle in this listing, so please check the photos that follow it.
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Get it between Tuesday 17 and Wednesday 18 November
Discover this magnificent replica of the Citroën ID 20 estate ambulance used by French emergency services in 1972. This 1/43rd scale model faithfully captures the spirit of solidarity and technical innovation that defined emergency vehicles of the 1970s.
A true reminder of an era when Citroën was revolutionising the French automobile, this collector's piece will appeal to automotive history enthusiasts and emergency vehicle collectors alike. It perfectly illustrates how civilian saloons were adapted to the specific needs of public services.
The Citroën ID 20 was launched in 1968 as a natural evolution of the ID range, itself derived from the revolutionary DS. This saloon retains the innovative technical architecture of its prestigious sister while offering a more accessible positioning. The estate, available from 1970, met the growing needs of French families and professionals.
Equipped with the iconic hydropneumatic suspension that is Citroën's signature, the ID 20 offers exceptional ride comfort and remarkable adaptability to all kinds of terrain. Its generous interior space and roomy boot quickly made it the vehicle of choice for emergency services, particularly for ambulance missions where patient comfort is paramount.
The estate version stands out for its versatility and robustness, qualities essential to rescue vehicles that must be ready to respond in any circumstance. Its avant-garde design, a direct legacy of the DS, continues to leave a lasting impression with its futuristic lines.
At the start of the 1970s, Citroën went through a period of intense creativity driven by its visionary engineers. The brand with the double chevron continued its philosophy of technical innovation while diversifying its range to meet the varied needs of a French society in full transformation.
This period also saw a strong commitment from Citroën to public and emergency services. The brand developed specialised versions of its models, adapted to the technical requirements of firefighters, police and medical services. The ID 20 estate ambulance fits perfectly into this approach, demonstrating the French automotive industry's capacity to adapt to societal challenges.
The history of Citroën, since its founding by André Citroën in 1919, is marked by technical innovations and industrial feats. The hydropneumatic suspension, the rotary engine and aerodynamic studies have consistently placed the brand at the forefront of world automotive engineering.
The use of the ID 20 estate as a fire brigade ambulance reflects an era when civilian vehicles were routinely adapted to the needs of emergency services. Unlike modern ambulances designed specifically for the purpose, these vehicles kept their automotive elegance while fulfilling their humanitarian mission.
A delightful story tells how patients transported in these Citroën ambulances were often surprised by the comfort of the hydropneumatic suspension. The system allowed the vehicle's height to be adjusted, greatly easing the loading of stretchers, while the quality of the ride considerably reduced jolts during transport.
These ID 20 ambulances also became symbols of modernity in French fire stations. Their futuristic design contrasted with more traditional vehicles, embodying the entry of the emergency services into a new technological era. Many firefighters of the time remember these vehicles, with their very distinctive road manners, with real fondness.
The conversion of family saloons into emergency vehicles perfectly illustrates the resourcefulness and ingenuity of French public services in the 1970s, an era when technical innovation was put at the service of the common good, sometimes with limited means but always with creativity.
This Citroën ID 20 estate ambulance holds a prime place in the world of emergency vehicle models. It fits perfectly into collections dedicated to fire brigade vehicles and is an ideal complement to other Citroën models from the same era available in our Citroën collection.
Collectors passionate about 1970s automobiles will especially appreciate this piece, which pairs harmoniously with other iconic models of the decade. It also finds its place alongside the French estates that marked this golden period of French motoring.
This model appeals as much to collectors specialising in emergency vehicles as to enthusiasts of French automotive history. It is also an excellent entry point into the world of 1/43rd scale models, the reference scale that offers the best balance between finish detail and ease of display in a collection.
Serge PINSON
12 November 2026
In addition to the fact that the 1/43 miniatures received are perfectly in line with the photographs and my expectations and are of great finesse, they arrived very quickly (I was even informed of the shipment) and very carefully packaged. Very satisfied, I placed a new order with Bernard Miniatures, a seller I recommend for their selection and reliability.
Christian Frassinetti
11 November 2026
High-quality products, top-level shipping, we care about the customer in this house, I am more than satisfied with my purchases. There will be more...
Herve
11 November 2026
Perfectly packaged product, arrived well and completely matches the description, I highly recommend! Thank you!
The scale is the reduction ratio between the real car and the model. At 1:43 scale, for example, every centimetre of the model represents 43 centimetres of the real vehicle.
In practice, a 1:18 Ferrari model is about 25–30 cm long, while at 1:43 it measures roughly 10 cm.
Our model cars mainly come in 1:43, 1:24, 1:18 and 1:87 (HO) scale. The scale is always listed on the product page.
The smaller the second number, the bigger the model (e.g. 1:18 is larger than 1:43).
Yes, every model car ships in its protective box. The box preserves its collector value and protects your model from dust and knocks.
We pack every order with great care: bubble wrap, snug padding and polystyrene. Your model car is fully secured on its way to you.
In-stock items ship within 24–48h. Allow 2–3 business days for mainland France with Colissimo, or 4–5 days with Mondial Relay.
I can't say exactly when new stock will arrive, as it comes in a trickle. Feel free to contact me and I'll let you know as soon as it's available.