The legendary 1962 Citroën Type HY in model car
This model car of the yellow 1962 Citroën Type HY with CITROËN logo perfectly captures the essence of this iconic utility vehicle that marked French roads for decades. Reproduced with remarkable attention to detail, this collector's item stands out as an authentic testament to an era when French automotive innovation shone throughout the world.
A true collector's item , this model car is aimed at car enthusiasts who wish to own a piece of French industrial history. The Type HY represents much more than a simple utility vehicle: it embodies the pioneering spirit of Citroën and the French ingenuity of the 1960s.
Characteristics of the model car
- Model: Citroën Type HY
- Brand: Citroën
- Year: 1962
- Scale: 1/43rd
- Color: Yellow with CITROËN logo
- Protective case included: Yes
The Citroën Type HY: a revolution in utility transport
Launched in 1947, the Citroën Type HY revolutionized the world of French utility transport. This undulating van, affectionately nicknamed "Tube" due to its distinctive bodywork, met the growing needs of post-war reconstruction. Its innovative design, with an all-metal monocoque structure, offered exceptional robustness while maintaining remarkable lightness for the time.
The technical characteristics of the Type HY demonstrate Citroën's avant-gardism: front-wheel drive, independent suspension, and power steering make it a particularly maneuverable vehicle for its category. Its generous load capacity and modularity allow for multiple configurations, from goods transport to specialized fittings. The 1962 model benefits from the latest mechanical developments, notably the adoption of the more powerful four-cylinder engine.
The Type HY's commercial success extended far beyond France. Produced until 1981, it established itself as the benchmark utility vehicle for a generation of craftsmen, tradespeople, and entrepreneurs. Its versatility also made it the preferred choice for public services, from firefighters to healthcare services.
Citroën in 1962: innovation serving everyone
In 1962, Citroën underwent a remarkable period of expansion under the leadership of André Citroën and later Pierre-Jules Boulanger. The French marque consolidated its reputation as an innovator with revolutionary vehicles like the DS, launched in 1955, which redefined the codes of the modern automobile. This era marked the height of French technical creativity, with Citroën not shying away from established conventions.
The history of Citroën, founded in 1919 by André Citroën , is rooted in a desire to democratize the automobile. A pioneer of mass production in Europe, Citroën developed technical innovations that had a lasting impact on the automotive industry: the first European car produced in series, the first with an all-steel body, and the first with widespread front-wheel drive. The Type HY fits perfectly into this philosophy of accessible innovation.
The 1960s saw Citroën consolidate its position as a visionary manufacturer . Alongside the development of the Type HY, the brand was preparing revolutions such as the future GS and working on avant-garde concepts that would influence the automobile for decades to come.
The "Tube": much more than a utility
The Citroën Type HY quickly developed a unique cultural identity that went far beyond its utilitarian function. By the 1950s, it had become a symbol of French reconstruction and the entrepreneurial spirit. Artisan bakers, greengrocers, and small businesses adopted this vehicle en masse, allowing them to expand their businesses with previously unmatched reliability.
The most fascinating aspect of the HY Type lies in its transformation into a popular icon . Festivals, markets and cultural events see HYs flourish, converted into food stalls, mobile libraries or exhibition spaces. This exceptional versatility forges a friendly and authentic image that persists to this day.
In French cinema of the 1960s and 1970s, the Type HY became a character in its own right . Many popular films used it as a mobile set, a symbol of a certain hard-working and inventive France. This media presence helped to permanently anchor the "Tube" in the French collective imagination.
Today, collectors and restorers are passionate about the Type HY, which has become a sought-after collector's vehicle. Its legendary robustness allows many examples to survive the decades, testifying to the original design quality. Enthusiast gatherings regularly celebrate this exceptional French automotive heritage.
Complete your collection of French model cars
This model car of the 1962 Citroën Type HY naturally finds its place in the world of collectors passionate about French automobiles. It interacts perfectly with other emblematic models of French production, creating a coherent ensemble that tells the story of French automotive innovation. Enthusiasts will particularly appreciate its complementarity with Citroën model cars from different eras.
For collectors looking to expand their knowledge of French utility vehicles, this piece is ideally suited to other vehicles from the period, including 1960s model cars and light utility vehicles . It also provides an excellent introduction to French model cars and their rich history.
This model car is aimed at both experienced collectors and novices wishing to own a piece of automotive history. Its reproduction quality and historical authenticity make it a reference object for understanding the evolution of French industrial design. It also finds its place in thematic collections devoted to commercial vehicles or classics from 1950 to 1979 , periods particularly rich in technical and aesthetic innovations.
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