Citroën type HV from 1958 - 1500 kg sheep trailer
This 1:43 scale Citroën HV model from 1958 faithfully represents one of the most iconic utility vehicles in the French automotive industry. This sheep-car model with a capacity of 1500 kg is a testament to Citroën's ingenuity in the field of light commercial vehicles in the 1950s.
A true collector's item , this model car reproduction accurately captures the characteristic lines and practical spirit of this vehicle which accompanied the economic boom in post-war France.
Characteristics of the model car
- Model: Citroën type HV - Moutonnière
- Brand: Citroën
- Year: 1958
- Scale: 1/43
- Capacity: 1500 kg
- Protective case included: Yes
The Citroën type HV: a revolutionary utility vehicle
Launched in 1947, the Citroën Type H revolutionized the utility vehicle market with its avant-garde design. Its self-supporting monocoque body, a first in this segment, gave it exceptional lightness and strength. The 1958 HV model represented the evolution of this range, with technical improvements that made it an even more efficient work tool.
This vehicle is distinguished by its remarkable versatility : configured as a sheep wagon, it can transport up to 1,500 kg of goods while maintaining appreciable urban maneuverability. Its robust and economical 1.9-liter 4-cylinder engine makes it the ideal companion for craftsmen, merchants, and entrepreneurs of the time.
The commercial impact of the Type H was considerable, with more than 473,000 examples produced between 1947 and 1981, confirming its status as an icon of French utility transport .
Citroën: innovation at the service of mobility
In 1958, Citroën underwent a period of intense creativity under the leadership of André Citroën and later Pierre-Jules Boulanger. The double chevron brand continued its policy of technical innovation, which it had begun with the Traction Avant in the 1930s. The Type H was a perfect fit for this philosophy, offering bold technical solutions to meet the emerging needs of the French economy.
Founded in 1919, Citroën's history is punctuated by automotive revolutions . From the first mass-produced European car to the revolutionary DS of 1955, the brand has established itself as a permanent laboratory of innovation. The Type H, with its modular design and legendary robustness, fully contributes to this reputation for technical excellence.
This period also marked the height of the French automobile industry, where Citroën competed with the world's largest manufacturers thanks to a revolutionary technical approach .
The "pig's nose" anecdote
The Citroën Type H owes its affectionate nickname of "pig's nose" to its particularly rounded and curved front end. This distinctive shape, far from being a simple aesthetic choice, is the result of a revolutionary functional approach. Citroën engineers designed this body to optimize cargo space while maintaining excellent visibility for the driver.
An urban legend has it that André Citroën himself validated the design by declaring: "If this vehicle can carry an elephant, it will carry everything our customers need!" This joke perfectly illustrates the brand's excessive ambition for this project. The first prototypes were also tested with exceptional loads, including the transport of circus animals, confirming the robustness of the design.
During the Trente Glorieuses (Thirty Glorious Years), the Type H became an indispensable companion for French reconstruction. It was found on every construction site and in every shopping street, transporting materials, tools, and goods. Artisan bakers adopted it en masse for their rounds, creating a veritable popular culture around this unusual vehicle.
One of the most interesting anecdotes concerns the use of the Type H by the French secret services in the 1960s. Its very banality made it the perfect surveillance vehicle: who would suspect an ordinary delivery van parked on a street? This involuntary discretion paradoxically contributed to its legend, making the "pig's nose" a privileged witness to contemporary French history.
Complete your model car collection
This model car of the Citroën type HV fits perfectly into the world of collectors passionate about French cars. It naturally finds its place alongside other emblematic models of the brand, notably the model car Citroën 2CV or the Traction Avant models.
Fans of light commercial vehicles will particularly appreciate this faithful reproduction, which sits harmoniously alongside other utility vehicles of the period. It also makes an excellent starting point for a thematic collection on 1950s automobiles .
This 1/43rd scale model car appeals to both seasoned collectors and novices attracted by the historical authenticity it represents. It is particularly aimed at enthusiasts of French model cars , those nostalgic for the Trente Glorieuses and lovers of classic models . Its affordable price also makes it an ideal gift to introduce youngsters to the richness of French automotive heritage.
