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This delightful Citroën Type H in Mère Picon colors transports us into the authentic world of French artisan dairies. Faithfully reproduced in its iconic light beige livery, this advertising van evokes the commercial traditions of a time when cheese brands traveled the roads of France to promote their products.
This reproduction is a precious testimony to the French commercial history, combining the iconic Citroën utility vehicle with an authentic cheese brand. A must-have model for fans of vintage utility vehicles and retro advertising.
Miniature Features
- Model: Citroën Type H Mère Picon
- Brand: Citroën
- Year: 1947-1981
- Scale: 1/43
- Color: Light beige
- Protective case included: Yes
History of the Original Vehicle
The Citroën Type H was introduced in 1947, revolutionizing the light utility vehicle segment. Designed by engineer Pierre Franchiset, this avant-garde van adopted a fully metallic monocoque body, a major technical innovation for its time. Its characteristic silhouette, with its curved sides and distinctive front, quickly became a symbol of French commercial dynamism.
Equipped with a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine developing 42 horsepower, the Type H is distinguished by its exceptional loading capacity and versatility. Its double rear doors and sliding side door greatly ease loading and unloading operations. This practicality quickly made it the vehicle of choice for artisans, merchants, and delivery companies.
Produced for 34 years until 1981, the Type H achieved a remarkable commercial success with nearly 500,000 units manufactured. It equipped both public services and private companies, becoming an essential player in the French economic landscape of the Trente Glorieuses.
Citroën in the 1950s-1960s
During this prosperous period, Citroën consolidated its position as an innovator in the French automotive industry. After the success of the Traction Avant, the chevron brand diversified its range with revolutionary vehicles like the 2CV in 1948 and prepared for the arrival of the legendary DS in 1955. The Type H fits perfectly into this strategy of technical innovation and accessibility.
André Citroën founded his brand in 1919 with the ambition to democratize the automobile. In the following decades, this vision materialized in a complete range covering all market segments. The Type H perfectly embodies this philosophy by offering a modern utility vehicle that is accessible to professionals from all backgrounds, thus contributing to the modernization of the post-war French economy.
The Epic of Mobile Dairies
In France during the 1950s and 1960s, Mère Picon represented an authentic cheese brand that used the Citroën Type H for its commercial tours. These advertising vehicles roamed provincial markets, participating in the distribution of cheese specialties throughout France. The Type H, with its loading capacity and reliability, was perfectly suited for transporting dairy products.
This period corresponds to the golden age of French artisan dairies. Brands like Mère Picon developed original marketing strategies, transforming their delivery vehicles into true mobile advertising supports. The light beige livery was carefully chosen to evoke the freshness and quality of the transported products.
These advertising vans became privileged witnesses to the evolution of French consumption habits. They contributed to the democratization of quality cheese products, helping to forge the French gastronomic reputation that we know today. Seeing a Type H in the colors of a dairy was then synonymous with commercial proximity and authenticity of the products offered.
Complete Your Miniature Collection
This miniature naturally finds its place among collections dedicated to advertising vehicles. It perfectly harmonizes with other Citroën models from the same era, creating a coherent set representative of French automotive know-how.
Fans of light utility vehicles will particularly appreciate this model that ideally complements thematic collections. It can also enhance a collection devoted to classic vehicles from 1950 to 1979, a period during which the Type H left its mark on the French landscape.
This reproduction is aimed at both passionate automobile collectors and lovers of French commercial history. Its authentic character and careful finish make it a choice model for thematic collections dedicated to French automobiles, reflecting the ingenuity and dynamism of our industrial heritage.
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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