An authentic model car of the legendary Type H
This model car Citroën Type H CABY mobile delicatessen in 1/43 scale transports us to the colorful world of French markets of yesteryear. A faithful reproduction of one of France's most iconic utility vehicles, this collector's item perfectly captures the spirit of the mobile shops that crisscrossed our roads in the 1950s and 1970s. A true witness to a bygone era, it is a must-have for any enthusiast of French automobiles and social history.
Beyond its simple decorative function, this model car represents a piece of French automotive heritage , immortalizing the golden age of French utility vehicles and their central role in the development of local commerce.
Characteristics of the model car
- Model: Citroën Type H CABY mobile delicatessen
- Brand: Citroën
- Year: 1950s-1970s
- Scale: 1/43rd
- Color: Traditional CABY charcuterie livery
- Protective case included: Yes
The Citroën Type H: French utility revolution
Launched in 1947, the Citroën Type H revolutionized the world of utility transport with its avant-garde design. Pierre Boulanger, then head of Citroën, wanted to democratize goods transport by offering an accessible, robust, and versatile vehicle. Engineer Flaminio Bertoni then designed the characteristic wavy lines that would become legendary, offering exceptional strength while optimizing cargo space.
The Type H is distinguished by its revolutionary self-supporting platform , its front-wheel drive inherited from the legendary Traction, and its torsion bar suspensions that give it remarkable road holding even when loaded. With its swinging rear doors and a load capacity of 1200 kg, it perfectly meets the needs of craftsmen, tradesmen, and entrepreneurs of the post-war period. Its reliable and economical 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine will faithfully accompany three decades of French economic expansion.
Citroën: pioneer of automotive innovation
Founded in 1919 by André Citroën , the chevron brand quickly established itself as a technological pioneer in the global automotive industry. In the 1930s, Citroën revolutionized the sector with the Traction Avant, the first production car with front-wheel drive and a monocoque body. This philosophy of innovation continued in the post-war period with the development of an ambitious utility range.
At the time of the Type H's creation, Citroën was undergoing a period of reconstruction and expansion . The company was banking on technical innovation to conquer new markets, particularly professional transport. The brand understood the crucial importance of commercial vehicles in the rapidly modernizing French economy, developing expertise that would make it one of the European benchmarks in the sector. This strategic vision allowed Citroën to establish itself permanently in the French commercial landscape, accompanying the growth of light commercial vehicles and professional vans .
The epic of the traveling delicatessen
In France during the Trente Glorieuses (Glorious Thirty Years), traveling delicatessens embodied a rapidly changing lifestyle and consumption pattern. These traveling businesses, often family-run, crisscrossed the countryside and suburbs to bring fresh produce and regional specialties directly to consumers. The Type H quickly became the preferred working tool of these entrepreneurs, thanks to its legendary reliability and exceptional adaptability.
The CABY charcuterie perfectly represents this artisanal era when local commerce punctuated the daily lives of the French. These colorful vehicles, veritable rolling stores, create social bonds by occupying village squares and residential neighborhoods. Their owners, often from centuries-old family traditions, perpetuate regional culinary expertise while adapting to new distribution methods.
The world of these street vendors fascinates with its authenticity and conviviality. Each stop becomes a social event, with loyal customers rediscovering their favorite products and exchanging news of the neighborhood. These converted Type Hs bear witness to an era when automotive innovation directly served the local economy, building bridges between artisanal tradition and technological modernity.
Now gone from the urban landscape, these traveling charcuteries remain in the collective memory as symbols of a rural and convivial France. Their memory lives on thanks in particular to collectors and enthusiasts who preserve this history through model cars, precious witnesses of a bygone commercial heritage.
Complete your collection of French model cars
This model car Citroën Type H traveling charcuterie naturally finds its place at the heart of a collection dedicated to French automotive heritage . It harmoniously interacts with other representatives of the era, notably the emblematic Citroën vehicles or the French automobiles of the Trente Glorieuses. Collectors will particularly appreciate its association with other period commercial vehicles to recreate the atmosphere of French markets.
This piece appeals to both experienced collectors and novices keen to discover French automotive history. Its 1/43 scale, the reference standard, makes it easy to integrate into existing collections while offering an appreciable level of detail. It also constitutes an excellent entry point into the world of retro vehicles and vintage model cars , opening the way to exciting heritage discoveries.
Beyond its nostalgic dimension, this model car represents a cultural investment that spans generations. It allows us to pass on the memory of these vanished itinerant trades while celebrating French ingenuity in the field of commercial automobiles. Its authentic character and rich history make it a choice piece to enrich any collection focused on French advertising 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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