Model Car White Citroën type HY from 1960 - airport cabin-service platform
White Citroën type HY from 1960 - airport cabin-service platform
Scale: 1/43
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This 1960 Citroën Type HY model car in cabin-airport service configuration represents one of the most iconic utility vehicles in the French automotive industry. Faithfully reproduced at a scale of 1:43, this collector's item captures the essence of the famous van with its distinctive shape.
A true symbol of 1960s French efficiency , this model car model is a must-have for any fan of utility vehicles and automotive history. Its immaculate white livery and specialized configuration for airport services make it a unique piece that demonstrates the remarkable adaptation of the Type HY to the specific needs of each sector of activity.
Characteristics of the model car
- Model: Citroën Type HY airport cabin-service platform
- Brand: Citroën
- Year: 1960
- Scale: 1/43
- Color: White
- Protective case included: Yes
The original vehicle: a utility giant
The Citroën Type HY was born in 1947 in the workshops of the chevron brand, designed to meet the growing needs for utility transport in the post-war period. By 1960, this vehicle had already proven itself on all terrains and in all sectors of activity. Its revolutionary design for the time, with its all-metal monocoque structure and characteristic corrugated walls, gave it exceptional robustness while optimizing loading space.
Airport services quickly adopted the Type HY for its undeniable practical qualities: ease of loading, mechanical reliability, and versatile layout. The cab-over platform version made it easy to adapt the rear of the vehicle to specific needs, whether for transporting baggage, equipment, or runway maintenance. Its simple but efficient engine and robust transmission made it an ideal partner for intensive airport use conditions.
The commercial success of the Type HY was immediate and lasting, with more than 473,000 units produced until 1981. This exceptional longevity testifies to the accuracy of its design and its ability to adapt to changes in the professional transport market.
Citroën in the 1960s: innovation serving everyone
In 1960, Citroën was experiencing a pivotal period in its history. Under the leadership of André Citroën and his successors, the brand had forged a reputation as a bold innovator since its founding in 1919. The 1960s marked the peak of this philosophy with revolutionary vehicles like the DS, launched in 1955, which continued to fascinate the world with its technological advances.
Citroën's strategy at the time was to offer automotive solutions for every need: from the luxurious DS to robust utility vehicles like the Type HY. This comprehensive approach allowed the brand to conquer all segments of the French and international automotive market. The French manufacturer cultivated its image as a technological pioneer while developing practical and reliable vehicles for professionals.
The era was also one of reconstruction and modernization in France. Infrastructure was developing, airports were multiplying, and Citroën supported this transformation by providing the appropriate transportation tools. The Type HY perfectly embodied this philosophy: a simple, efficient, and durable vehicle, capable of adapting to all professions.
A legend of the French tarmacs
The history of the Citroën Type HY in French airports is closely linked to the development of civil aviation in France. In the 1960s, when air transport was experiencing a considerable boom with the arrival of the first commercial jets, French airports were massively equipped with these versatile vehicles. Orly Airport, the flagship of French aviation at the time, had numerous Type HYs in its fleet, adapted to various services: catering, cleaning, maintenance, and baggage transport.
A delightful anecdote tells of a 1965 strike by Parisian public transport operators, when several Type HY airport service vehicles were temporarily requisitioned to transport passengers between terminals and aircraft. Their adaptability impressed those in charge so much that they decided to order a series specially adapted for passenger transport, giving rise to the "shuttle" versions that would long be used in major French airports.
The Type HY quickly became a symbol of French efficiency in the eyes of international travelers. Its distinctive silhouette, visible on all the tarmacs of France, contributed to the image of modernity and know-how that the country wished to project. Many foreign manufacturers attempted to imitate its formula, but none could match its unique combination of robustness, practicality, and longevity.
Even today, some Type HYs continue to serve at a few regional airports, a living testament to their exceptional design. These veterans, often converted into rolling collector vehicles, are the pride of their owners and continue to attract the admiring glances of automobile and aviation enthusiasts.
Complete your model car collection
This model car of the Citroën Type HY airport service naturally finds its place at the heart of a collection dedicated to French commercial vehicles or Citroën models. It harmonizes perfectly with other Type H model cars in their various configurations: van, tipper, breakdown truck, or even advertising version. Collectors will particularly appreciate presenting it alongside other emblematic Citroën vehicles from the same era.
For aviation history enthusiasts, this piece makes an excellent addition to collections of public service vehicles or light commercial vehicles . It interacts beautifully with model cars of other airport or specialized transport vehicles, creating a truly thematic diorama. Fans of 1960s vehicles will also find it an authentic witness to this significant decade.
This model car is aimed at both seasoned collectors and novices keen to discover the world of French automobiles or classic vehicles . Its relative rarity and specialized nature make it a choice piece to enrich any collection, whether thematic or general. It is also an excellent starting point for exploring the fascinating history of French commercial vehicles and their role in the country's economic development.
Même métier : services publics
Même marque : Citroën
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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