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The Citroën Type HY EDF: An Emblematic model car of the French Utility Vehicle

This 1963 blue Citroën Type HY model car with a 1500 kg coil carrier in EDF colors represents an authentic piece of French commercial vehicle history. Reproduced at a scale of 1:43, this collector's item faithfully captures the essence of this service vehicle that marked French roads for decades.

A true collector's item for enthusiasts of French automobiles and industrial history, this model car bears witness to the era when French public companies had their own fleets of specialized vehicles, symbols of a France in full modernization.

Characteristics of the model car

  • Model: Citroën Type HY 1500 kg reel carrier platform
  • Brand: Citroën
  • Year: 1963
  • Scale: 1/43rd
  • Color: EDF Blue
  • Finish: Specialized spool tray
  • Protective case included: Yes

The Citroën Type HY: A Revolutionary Utility Vehicle

Launched in 1947, the Citroën Type HY was born out of the need to create a modern utility vehicle to meet the reconstruction needs of post-war France. Designed by engineer Pierre Franchiset, this revolutionary van adopted a monocoque construction made of corrugated iron, giving it exceptional strength while remaining relatively lightweight.

The 1963 model presented here perfectly illustrates the versatility of the Type HY , adapted to the specific needs of EDF with its 1500 kg reel carrier platform. This particular configuration allowed the transport and handling of heavy reels of electric cables, essential to the development of the French electricity network in the 1960s.

With its impressive payload and legendary robustness, the Type HY quickly established itself as the essential work tool for French craftsmen, traders and public services, actively participating in the economic expansion of the Trente Glorieuses.

Citroën: Pioneer of Automotive Innovation

In 1963, Citroën underwent a period of intense technical innovation under the leadership of André Citroën and later Pierre-Jules Boulanger. The chevron brand distinguished itself by its ability to create avant-garde vehicles, as evidenced by the simultaneous development of the revolutionary DS, launched in 1955.

This era marked the height of Citroën's philosophy : to create technically advanced automobiles that were accessible to as many people as possible. The Type HY perfectly fits this approach, offering professionals a reliable and economical work tool, while retaining the innovative DNA that characterizes the French brand.

The year 1963 also corresponds to a period of strong expansion for Citroën, which develops its international activities while consolidating its position on the French commercial vehicle market.

An Electrifying Anecdote

The story of this Citroën Type HY in EDF livery takes us back to a time when France was experiencing a true energy revolution. In 1963, EDF (Électricité de France) was in full expansion, massively electrifying the French territory as part of the national equipment plan.

These flatbed vehicles were true ambassadors of modernity on French roads. Their drivers, often nicknamed "flying electricians," crisscrossed France installing the power lines that would transform the daily lives of the French. Each mission was an adventure, particularly in rural areas where the arrival of electricity represented a considerable technological leap.

An anecdote tells us that in Brittany, the arrival of one of these blue EDF Type HYs in a village was an event in itself. Children would run behind the vehicle, curious to discover these mysterious coils of cables that would bring the "electricity fairy" into their homes. The driver temporarily became a local celebrity, invited to explain this technological revolution to the fascinated locals.

This social and cultural dimension of the Type HY EDF makes it much more than a simple utility vehicle: it embodies an entire era of transformation in French society, where technology and progress brought hope and modernity.

Complete your collection of French model cars

This Citroën Type HY EDF model car naturally finds its place in a collection dedicated to French utility vehicles or public service cars. It pairs perfectly with other iconic models such as the Renault Estafette or the Peugeot D3A and D4B that shared the French roads of the time.

Passionate collectors of Citroën vehicles will particularly appreciate this specialized version of the Type HY, which ideally complements a collection that includes the standard van versions, ambulances or fire engines. This model car also fits perfectly into a thematic collection on EDF vehicles and public services .

Intended for both experienced collectors and enthusiasts of French industrial history, this model car is appealing for its authenticity and documentary value. It is of particular interest to fans of light commercial vehicles and constitutes an excellent starting point for a thematic collection on French automobiles of the 1960s .

Même métier : poste et edf

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.

What our customers say

Customer feedback and testimonials

patrice FAIVRE Vérifié
Very Serious Seller
Important and updated selection - competitive prices and promotions - well-protected orders are shipped and delivered quickly - ordered items are always according to the description. Very serious seller that I recommend. Thank you and see you soon.
il y a 22 heures
Michel FALCOTET Vérifié
Regularity for Excellent Service.
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Chartier Vérifié
My husband collects cars...
My husband collects miniature cars (we can't afford to collect the real ones 😂)! For Father's Day, I ordered from Bernard for the second time and I was completely satisfied. Quick delivery, care taken with the cars and their packaging, communication... peace of mind!
il y a 1 semaine
Baptiste Suaud Vérifié
Nothing to say
Nothing to say, compliant products and very fast shipping
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Fabio Cannarella Vérifié
Item shipped quickly and well...
Item shipped quickly and well packaged. The item also met my expectations.
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benoist Vérifié
Beautiful Miniatures Shipped...
Beautiful Miniatures shipped with care
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Monsieur Teddy Vérifié
Order shipped quickly with a...
Order shipped quickly with tracking until delivery. Vehicle is exactly as shown in the photos. I recommend.
il y a 1 semaine
Linda H. Vérifié
Very good shop
Very good shop. The seller is responsive and the miniatures are packed with the utmost care. Order processing takes 4 to 6 days, which is quite acceptable given the number of orders this gentleman must receive. The shop offers recent models as well as older ones. The price is fair. Delivery is qu...
il y a 1 semaine
Christian Hofmann Vérifié
I don't understand a word this form is…
I don't understand a word this form is saying, but I got what I ordered, and fast.
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Patricia Gilbert Vérifié
Toy car collection
Fast service, really happy with my purchase. I intend to purchase some more.
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Very Fast Shipping and Delivery
Very fast shipping and delivery. Much care taken in packaging.
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Eos Vérifié
Pleasure to deal with Bernard
Pleasure to deal with Bernard. Models were sent promptly and are good quality.
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