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A French icon in model car
This magnificent 1:24 scale model car of the dark grey 1962 Citroën Type H captures the essence of this legendary utility vehicle that graced French roads for over three decades. Faithfully reproducing the distinctive lines of this iconic van, this collector's item is a must-have for any enthusiast of French automotive heritage.
A true collector's item , this model car bears witness to the golden age of the French automobile industry and allows you to relive the era when the Type H crisscrossed our roads, perfectly embodying the practical spirit and technical ingenuity of Citroën.
Characteristics of the model car
- Model: Citroën Type H
- Brand: Citroën
- Year: 1962
- Scale: 1/24th
- Color: Dark gray
- Protective case included: Yes
The Citroën Type H: a revolution in utility transport
Launched in 1947 , the Citroën Type H represented a true revolution in the world of commercial vehicles. Designed by the team of André Lefèbvre and Flaminio Bertoni, this avant-garde van adopted an innovative monocoque architecture, abandoning the traditional separate chassis in favor of a self-supporting structure that optimized loading space.
In 1962, the year our model car model was produced, the Type H had already won over professionals thanks to its exceptional qualities : a low floor for easy loading, a generous loading volume of 7.3 m³, and a reliable engine inherited from the 2CV. Its distinctive silhouette, with its characteristic wavy sides, did not go unnoticed on French roads.
Commercial success was immediate and lasting. Produced until 1981, the Type H sold more than 473,000 units , becoming one of the most popular utility vehicles of its time and successfully exported to many countries.
Citroën in the 1960s
In the early 1960s, Citroën was undergoing a period of intense innovation under the leadership of André Citroën and later Pierre Bercot. The chevron brand, with its revolutionary technical heritage, was actively preparing for the launch of the DS , already on the roads since 1955, while maintaining production of popular models like the 2CV.
The year 1962 marked an important milestone for Citroën, which consolidated its position in the European market. The French company, renowned for its bold technical solutions, simultaneously developed its utility vehicle range with the Type H and prepared for the future with new projects. This prosperous period demonstrated the brand's capacity for innovation and its desire to democratize the automobile while revolutionizing professional uses.
The "Tube" anecdote
The Citroën Type H owes its affectionate nickname "Tube" to its distinctive cylindrical shape. This unique silhouette was no accident: it was the result of a revolutionary approach to automotive design. Citroën engineers opted for corrugated sheet metal, a technique inspired by aeronautics, which achieved maximum rigidity with minimal material.
This technical innovation hid a delicious story. Flaminio Bertoni, the Italian designer of the Type H, was inspired by the aircraft hangars he regularly observed near his home. The brilliant idea was to apply this construction principle to the automobile, creating a body that was lightweight, strong, and economical to produce.
Beyond its technical qualities, the Type H has become an essential cultural symbol . In the 1960s and 1970s, it was ubiquitous: a delivery truck for shopkeepers, a service vehicle for artisans, and also a mobile vehicle for street vendors. Its appearance in Jacques Tati's 1949 film "Jour de fête" had already cemented its image in the French collective imagination.
Even more surprisingly, the Type H found a new lease of life in the 2000s thanks to the "food truck" movement. Many entrepreneurs transformed old Type Hs into mobile restaurants, thus perpetuating the French tradition of mobile commerce while giving a trendy dimension to this road veteran.
Complete your collection of French model cars
This model car of the 1962 Citroën Type H naturally finds its place at the heart of a collection dedicated to French automotive heritage . It harmonizes perfectly with other emblematic models of the era, creating a coherent whole that tells the story of our automotive industry.
Collectors will particularly appreciate its complementarity with Citroën model cars from the same period, notably the Traction Avant and the first DS . It also makes an excellent addition to utility vehicle collections and fits perfectly into a set dedicated to 1960s automobiles .
Intended for car enthusiasts and demanding collectors, this model car will appeal to both lovers of French heritage and those nostalgic for an era when technical innovation served everyday practicality. Its 1/24th scale makes it a choice piece to enrich a collection of 1/24th scale model cars , offering a remarkable level of detail that allows you to appreciate all the finesse of design of this legendary utility vehicle.
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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