Citroën ID19 Break: An iconic miniature of French automobiles
This dark green Citroën ID19 estate with a gray roof in 1:43 scale faithfully represents one of the most revolutionary cars in French automotive history. This collectible miniature perfectly captures the essence of this iconic 1960s model, with its distinctive silhouette and characteristic two-tone paint scheme that defined an entire era.
Presented in its transparent protective case , this miniature reproduction is a must-have for any lover of French vehicles and automotive collectibles. Despite the visible traces of time on the case, the miniature itself testifies to the quality of manufacture for which the scale models of this era are renowned.
Technical characteristics of the miniature
- Model: ID19 Estate
- Brand: Citroën
- Year: 1960s
- Scale: 1/43rd
- Color: Dark green with gray roof
- Protective case included: Yes
The ID19 Estate: A revolutionary model
The Citroën ID19 estate was launched in 1958 as a family version of the revolutionary DS. Designed to meet the needs of French families experiencing economic growth during the Trente Glorieuses (Glorious Thirty), this estate version retained all the technical innovations of the DS while offering exceptional cargo space for the time.
The model stood out for its revolutionary hydropneumatic suspension , power steering system, and front disc brakes—avant-garde technologies that would not become widely available to competitors until much later. The ID version, more accessible than the DS, democratized these innovations while maintaining the futuristic design by Flaminio Bertoni.
With its rear hatch and flat floor, the ID19 estate offered remarkable versatility, appealing to both large families and professionals. This exceptional modularity contributed significantly to the model's commercial success, which quickly established itself as a benchmark in the European market.
Citroën in the 1960s: Technological audacity
At the time of the ID19's launch, Citroën was undergoing a period of intense innovation under the leadership of André Citroën and later Pierre Bercot. The French brand had built a reputation for technological audacity since the 1934 Traction Avant, and the 1960s marked the peak of this philosophy with the DS/ID range.
The French company then dared to take technological gambles that its competitors hadn't even considered, making each new Citroën model a technological showcase for the global automotive industry. This avant-garde approach, although costly, allowed Citroën to clearly differentiate itself from the competition and establish its reputation as an innovator.
Citroën's strategy was to offer resolutely different vehicles, prioritizing comfort and technical innovations over pure performance. This philosophy was perfectly embodied in the ID19 estate, which offered a unique and revolutionary driving experience for families of the time.
The ID19 Break and General de Gaulle
One of the most notable anecdotes about the ID19 estate car concerns its use by General de Gaulle's security services. Indeed, several ID19 estate cars were specially modified to carry the security equipment and protection agents of the President of the French Republic.
These special versions, nicknamed "the followers," accompanied the presidential motorcade on official trips. Their load capacity allowed them to carry all the necessary security equipment, while their hydropneumatic suspension ensured optimal comfort even with a heavy load.
This official use paradoxically contributed to strengthening the popular image of the ID19 estate. Seeing these vehicles in the presidential motorcade during the television news created a prestige effect that reflected on all owners of the model.
The anecdote also reveals the excellence of Citroën design: few vehicles of the time could have met the technical and reliability requirements required for such a sensitive use as presidential protection, testifying to the exceptional robustness of the ID mechanics.
Complete your collection of French model cars
This Citroën ID19 estate car occupies a special place in the world of French car model cars . It fits perfectly alongside other iconic models such as the Citroën DS , the Renault 4CV and the Peugeot 404 to form a collection representative of the golden age of French automobiles.
Collectors with a passion for the 1960s will find this ID19 estate car an ideal complement to other models from that revolutionary decade. Its estate version also makes it an excellent addition to themed collections dedicated to family vehicles or French cars .
This miniature will appeal to both seasoned collectors and amateurs discovering the world of scale models. Its 1:43 scale, the benchmark standard, makes it easy to integrate into any existing collection, while its protective casing preserves its heritage value for future generations. A passionate investment that stands the test of time with the same elegance as the original model it so faithfully represents.
