Discover this magnificent model car reproduction of the Citroën Type H in its iconic Lion Noir shoe polish advertising livery. This 1:43 scale model car perfectly captures the essence of this legendary utility vehicle that has graced French roads for decades.
A true collector's item , this faithful reproduction will delight French car enthusiasts and fans of vintage advertising that shaped the visual identity of our road heritage.
Characteristics of the model car
- Model: Type H
- Brand: Citroën
- Year: 1947-1981
- Scale: 1/43rd
- Color: Red with Black Lion advertising
- Protective case included: Yes
The Citroën Type H: the revolutionary utility vehicle
Launched in 1947, the Citroën Type H revolutionized the world of utility vehicles with its avant-garde design and monocoque construction. Designed by Pierre Boulanger's team, this van is distinguished by its characteristic corrugated bodywork , earning it the affectionate nickname "pig's nose."
With its 4-cylinder engine and exceptional load capacity for the time, the Type H quickly became the preferred work tool for French craftsmen, tradesmen, and businesses. Its remarkable versatility allowed for multiple conversions, from a simple delivery van to a sophisticated camper van.
During its 34 years of production, more than 473,000 units left the assembly lines, testifying to the phenomenal commercial success of this vehicle which has survived the decades without aging.
Citroën: innovation serving everyone
In the post-war years, Citroën consolidated its reputation as an innovator with the Type H. Drawing on its experience with the Traction Avant, the brand with the chevron logo applied its revolutionary technologies to the utility sector. This period marked the golden age of French engineering, when Citroën dared to come up with bold technical solutions.
Founded in 1919 by André Citroën, the brand has always stood out for its philosophy of accessibility and innovation . The Type H fits perfectly into this tradition by democratizing professional transport. The company, then in the midst of post-war reconstruction, relied on this utility vehicle to reconquer European markets and consolidate its position as a visionary manufacturer, already preparing the advent of future legends like the DS.
An icon of French advertising
Lion Noir shoe polish is more than just a shoe care product: it embodies an era when advertising was proudly displayed on utility vehicles. This legendary brand, created in 1931, quickly became synonymous with quality and efficiency in the care of French shoes.
The Black Lion advertising Type Hs crisscross the roads of France, transforming each delivery into a marketing operation. These bright red vehicles, adorned with the iconic lion, help anchor the brand in the French collective unconscious. The drivers of these vans become true traveling ambassadors, creating a direct link between the brand and consumers.
This mobile advertising strategy proved particularly effective in the 1950s and 1960s , a period when France was becoming massively motorized. The Type H Lion Noir became a familiar sight on streets, in markets, and in front of shops, helping to make shoe polish a national reference. This association between an iconic vehicle and a popular brand creates a perfect synergy that spans generations.
Even today, this advertising livery instantly evokes the authenticity of the trades of yesteryear and the old-fashioned charm of an era when each product had its strong visual identity, engraved in the collective French memory.
Complete your model car collection
This reproduction of the Type H advertising car naturally finds its place among the French commercial vehicle collection. It harmonizes perfectly with other models in the Citroën model cars range and is the ideal addition to a collection of vintage advertising vehicles .
Collectors with a passion for post-war French automobiles will particularly appreciate this piece, which fits harmoniously into collections of French cars and light commercial vehicles . This model car also provides an excellent starting point for exploring the world of 1/43 scale model cars .
Whether you are a confirmed collector or an enlightened amateur, this reproduction of the Type H Lion Noir will seduce with its authenticity and its heritage value, recalling a time when French craftsmanship shone on our roads through vehicles as practical as they are endearing.
