Model Car 1956 Citroën type HP 1200 kg mason's van (roofing - plumbing - Da Silva masonry)
Scale 1/43
Your payment information is processed securely.
){kind=link}
An authentic model car of the legendary Citroën Type H
This 1956 Citroën Type H model car faithfully reproduces the iconic French van in its masonry utility version. Adorned with the inscriptions "Da Silva - Couverture - Plomberie - Maçonnerie", this 1:43 scale reproduction perfectly captures the spirit of French craftsmen of the 1950s. This collector's item stands out as an authentic testament to French automotive heritage, ideal for history enthusiasts and those who love quality model cars.
Beyond its simple decorative function, this model car represents a true piece of French industrial history. The Type H, affectionately nicknamed "the pig's nose" by the French, embodies the entrepreneurial spirit of the post-war period and symbolizes the country's economic reconstruction in the 1950s.
Technical characteristics of the model car
- Model: Citroën Type H van 1200 kg
- Brand: Citroën
- Year: 1956
- Scale: 1/43rd
- Decoration: "Da Silva - Roofing - Plumbing - Masonry"
- Protective case included: Yes
The Citroën Type H: revolution of the French utility vehicle
Launched in 1947, the Citroën Type H revolutionized French utility transport with its avant-garde design and innovative construction. This 1,200 kg payload van perfectly met the needs of craftsmen and tradesmen of the time, offering exceptional loading volume thanks to its vertical walls and low floor. Its monocoque body, a revolutionary technique for the time, gave it legendary robustness, which explains its longevity on French roads.
Citroën engineers designed this vehicle with a pragmatic approach: maximizing usable space while minimizing bulk . The Type H is distinguished by its distinctive front end, its headlights integrated into the bumper and its front-wheel drive configuration inherited from the Traction Avant. This technical architecture allows the loading floor to be lowered, thus facilitating handling operations for professionals.
Commercial success was immediate: from the very first years, the Type H established itself as the benchmark utility vehicle for tradespeople, retailers, and public services. Its versatility allowed for multiple configurations: van, flatbed, tipper, or even camper van for the most adventurous individuals.
Citroën: pioneer of automotive innovation
In 1956, Citroën consolidated its reputation as an innovative manufacturer, building on previous technical revolutions such as the Traction Avant of 1934. The chevron brand, founded by André Citroën in 1919, established itself as the symbol of French industrial audacity . The company then revolutionized automobile production methods in France, drawing inspiration from American techniques while developing its own innovations.
During this period, Citroën continued its philosophy of accessibility and democratization of the automobile. The Type H fits perfectly into this approach by offering small entrepreneurs a reliable and economical work tool. The brand also developed its range of passenger vehicles with the 2CV, which democratized rural mobility , creating a coherent ecosystem between utility and passenger vehicles.
The year 1956 also marked the peak of the French automotive industry, with Citroën establishing itself as a European technological leader. This golden era was characterized by exceptional technical creativity that had a lasting impact on the global automotive industry.
The soul of French artisans
The Citroën Type H quickly became much more than a simple utility vehicle : it embodied the soul of small French businesses in the post-war period. In the 1950s, seeing a Type H parked in front of a construction site guaranteed the presence of skilled craftsmen. This reputation was born from the vehicle's legendary reliability, capable of handling heavy loads and repeated journeys without faltering.
Craftsmen developed a genuine affection for their "Type H," customizing it to suit their activities. Masons like Da Silva stored cement, bricks, and tools in it, transforming the cabin into a veritable mobile workshop. This daily proximity created lasting emotional bonds between man and machine, explaining why so many Type Hs still survive today in the yards of family businesses.
The vehicle also became a social symbol: owning a Type H meant being your own boss, embodying the French entrepreneurial spirit. In the villages, the passage of the Type H of the baker, the plumber or the mason punctuated daily life. These vehicles actively participated in the material and moral reconstruction of France , transporting not only goods but also the hope of a better future.
Even today, coming across a restored Type H invariably provokes smiles and nostalgia. It evokes a time when business relationships were more human, when the craftsman knew his customers personally. This emotional dimension explains the enthusiasm of collectors for faithful model cars like this one, true time capsules of French craftsmanship .
Complete your collection of French model cars
This Citroën Type H model car is a natural fit for any collection dedicated to French automotive heritage . It blends perfectly with other iconic models such as the Citroën 2CV model cars or reproductions of Renault vehicles from the same era. Collectors will also appreciate the thematic links with other French light commercial vehicles .
For a chronological approach, this 1956 piece interacts admirably with the models of the 1950s , a prosperous period for the French automobile industry. History enthusiasts can also combine it with the old model cars to create a coherent chronological fresco of the evolution of French transport.
This model car will appeal to both experienced collectors and novices who appreciate historical authenticity. Its meticulous finish and 1/43 scale make it compatible with most existing collections, while its professional theme adds a unique narrative dimension. It is also an excellent starting point for exploring the world of model car vans and commercial vehicles , faithful witnesses to the evolution of French professions and society.
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.
What our customers say
Customer feedback and testimonials