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An emblematic model car of French automotive history
This orange 1976 Citroën LN represents a major turning point in the history of the chevron brand. Faithfully reproduced at a scale of 1:43, this model car perfectly captures the spirit of an era when Citroën sought to democratize the automobile with accessible and innovative models. This collector's item stands out as an authentic testament to French ingenuity in the 1970s.
Designed for French car enthusiasts and discerning collectors, this model car boasts a meticulous finish that highlights the distinctive lines of this historic model. Its transparent protective casing ensures optimal preservation while allowing for elegant display.
Characteristics of the model car
- Model: Citroën LN
- Brand: Citroën
- Year: 1976
- Scale: 1/43rd
- Color: Orange
- Protective case included: Yes
The Citroën LN: a revolution in the entry-level range
Launched in 1976, the Citroën LN (Loisir Nouvelle) marked Citroën's entry into the small, economical car segment. This revolutionary model was born from a collaboration between Citroën and Peugeot, using the Peugeot 104 platform while retaining the brand's unique visual identity. With its compact dimensions and modern design, the LN perfectly met the expectations of urban customers looking for a practical and economical vehicle.
Equipped with a 602cc 2-cylinder engine, the LN developed 32 horsepower, enough to ensure pleasant urban driving while maintaining remarkably low fuel consumption . Its spacious interior and exceptional handling made it the ideal ally for city drivers. The orange version, particularly popular at the time, perfectly embodied the optimism and modernity of the 70s.
The LN's commercial success was immediate, with more than 100,000 units sold in its first year. This success confirmed the relevance of Citroën's strategy to offer an accessible alternative to the brand's traditional models, thus paving the way for future fruitful collaborations within the PSA group.
Citroën in the 70s: innovation and adaptation
The 1970s were a pivotal period for Citroën, marked by the acquisition by Peugeot in 1976, the same year the LN was launched. This strategic acquisition allowed the brand to overcome its financial difficulties while preserving its innovative DNA . The LN perfectly symbolized this new era, combining Citroën's technical expertise with the industrial rationalization of the Peugeot group.
Building on its revolutionary heritage with models like the DS and the 2CV, Citroën approached this decade with the ambition of democratizing its innovations. The brand, founded by André Citroën in 1919, had always prioritized technical audacity and comfort, values that were still evident in the design of the LN despite the economic constraints of the time.
This period also marked the emergence of a new philosophy at Citroën: reconciling innovation and accessibility . The LN, with its independent front suspension inherited from Citroën technology and its economical design, perfectly illustrated this balanced approach that would characterize the brand's future productions.
A color that marked its era
The orange of the Citroën LN was not a random choice. This shade, dubbed "Kirghiz Orange," was part of the colorist trend of the 1970s, when car manufacturers dared to use bright and optimistic colors. This period, marked by oil crises and social changes, paradoxically saw automobiles adorned with cheerful colors as if to ward off the prevailing gloom.
The orange LN quickly became a symbol of freedom for a whole generation of young drivers. Its affordable price and bright color made it the ideal vehicle for discovering the joys of driving without breaking the bank. Many contemporary accounts refer to this "little orange" as their first car , the one that gave them independence and mobility.
This particular color became so iconic that it had a lasting influence on Citroën's image. Advertisers of the time were quick to play on this association, using orange as a color code to convey values of dynamism and modernity. Even today, this shade immediately evokes the spirit of the seventies and remains associated with this period of creative effervescence in the French automotive industry.
Anecdotally, some dealerships organized "orange days" where all LN vehicles in this color were gathered on the forecourt, creating a striking visual spectacle that attracted the curiosity of passersby and reinforced the brand's modern image. These avant-garde marketing events demonstrated the importance given to this unique color identity in Citroën's commercial strategy.
Complete your collection of French model cars
This Citroën LN naturally finds its place at the heart of a collection dedicated to French model cars . It dialogues perfectly with other emblematic models of the era, notably the Peugeot model cars which share its technical heritage, or even the other Citroën models which trace the evolution of the brand.
1970s car enthusiasts will particularly appreciate this piece, which blends harmoniously into a recreation of the era. Its complementarity with contemporary sedans allows for a complete panorama of the French automotive offering from this landmark decade.
This model car is aimed at both experienced collectors and novices eager to discover French automotive history. Its 1:43 scale, standard in the world of collecting, makes it easy to integrate into an existing display case. Fans of 1:43 scale model cars will find it a reference model, while classic car enthusiasts will appreciate its historical authenticity and excellent reproduction quality.
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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