1958 Red Citroën Type H - Firefighter Hose Reel Tanker Truck
This model car of the 1958 Citroën Type H in its version as a firefighter's hose reel tanker represents one of the most iconic rescue vehicles in French history. Reproduced with meticulous care in 1:43 scale , this piece perfectly captures the heroic spirit and authenticity of these vehicles that saved so many lives.
A true collector's item for enthusiasts of French automobiles and emergency vehicles, this model car is a must-have for any collector wishing to honor the heritage of the French firefighters.
Characteristics of the model car
- Model: Citroën Type H Tanker Truck Hose Reel
- Brand: Citroën
- Year: 1958
- Scale: 1/43rd
- Color: Fire engine red
- Protective case included: Yes
The Type H: A utilitarian revolution
Launched in 1947 by Citroën , the Type H revolutionized the world of commercial vehicles with its avant-garde design. Pierre Franchiset, an engineer at Citroën, designed this vehicle with a revolutionary monocoque structure, abandoning the traditional chassis for a self-supporting body that maximized loading space.
The Type H is distinguished by its unique, rounded silhouette , its large glass surface, and its exceptional loading capacity for the time. Powered by the 1.9-liter 4-cylinder engine developing 42 horsepower, it offers a robustness that quickly won over professionals, particularly the French fire brigade.
This vehicle enjoyed remarkable commercial success with more than 473,000 units produced until 1981, becoming one of the best-selling utility vehicles in France and exported worldwide.
Citroën in the 1950s
In 1958, Citroën underwent a period of intense innovation under the leadership of André Citroën and later Pierre Michelin. The chevron brand, founded in 1919, had already established a reputation for avant-garde design with revolutionary models like the Traction Avant in 1934.
The 1950s marked the peak of Citroën's technical genius . Alongside the success of the Type H, the brand was secretly preparing the DS, which would be unveiled in 1955 and revolutionize the global automotive industry. This era perfectly illustrates the Citroën philosophy: constantly innovating to offer bold technical solutions and democratize advanced technologies.
The silent hero of the barracks
The Citroën Type H fire engine quickly became a national symbol of courage and dedication. In the 1950s and 1960s, these red vehicles crisscrossed French roads, carrying emergency equipment, ladders, and water tanks to fight fires.
A tasty anecdote tells that in 1962, during the great Landes fire , several Type H fire engines drove without interruption for 72 hours, demonstrating exceptional reliability. The firefighters affectionately nicknamed these vehicles "the tubes" in reference to their characteristic cylindrical shape.
The Type H fire engine also left its mark on the French popular imagination . Many films and television series from the 1960s and 1970s featured these heroic vehicles, permanently anchoring their image in the collective memory. Some examples, which have become collector vehicles, are still paraded today at vintage vehicle gatherings, recalling this era when French design shone throughout the world.
These hose reel tankers have also contributed to the modernization of French emergency services, enabling them to respond more quickly and effectively to disasters, thus helping to save many lives and preserve France's architectural heritage.
Complete your collection of French model cars
This model car of the Type H fire engine naturally finds its place at the heart of a collection dedicated to iconic French vehicles. It interacts perfectly with other Citroën models such as the model car Citroën 2CV or the Citroën DS , illustrating the creative diversity of the chevron brand.
For collectors passionate about the world of fire engines , this piece is an ideal base to complement with other emergency vehicles from different eras. Utility vehicle enthusiasts will also find a reference model here.
This model car is aimed at both experienced collectors and enthusiasts of French automotive history, those nostalgic for the 1950s , and anyone who wishes to honor the courage of French firefighters. It also makes a perfect gift to educate young people about the history of these everyday heroes and the excellence of French automotive design.