An exceptional model car: the 1959 Citroën Type HZ
This faithful reproduction of the 1959 Citroën Type HZ in its orchestra coach configuration represents one of the most iconic vehicles in the French transport industry. This 1:43 scale model car perfectly captures the essence of this road giant that marked its era with its avant-garde design and exceptional versatility.
Intended for discerning collectors and automotive history enthusiasts, this collector's item is a testament to French ingenuity in public and professional transportation. It naturally finds its place alongside the other French utility vehicles that shaped the post-war road landscape.
Characteristics of the model car
- Model: Citroën Type HZ orchestra coach
- Brand: Citroën
- Year: 1959
- Scale: 1/43rd
- Configuration: Orchestra Coach
- Protective case included: Yes
The Citroën Type HZ: a versatile post-war giant
Launched in 1948, the Citroën Type HZ was born out of the need to rebuild post-war France. André Citroën and his teams designed a heavy-duty utility vehicle capable of meeting the diverse needs of an economy in the midst of reconstruction. This truck immediately stood out for its forward-facing cab, a remarkable innovation for the time, which maximized cargo space while improving driver visibility.
The Type HZ comes in many versions: flatbed truck, van, coach, and even a specialized version like this 1959 orchestra coach. Its 5.7-liter diesel engine developing 95 horsepower makes it a robust and reliable vehicle, capable of carrying up to 7 tons of payload. This exceptional versatility allows it to adapt to the most diverse needs, from goods transport to passenger transport.
The Type HZ's commercial success was immediate and lasting. Produced until 1981 with various upgrades, it established itself as one of the pillars of the Citroën utility range, contributing significantly to the French economic reconstruction and the brand's international expansion.
Citroën: boldness and innovation in the service of transport
In 1959, Citroën underwent a period of intense creativity under the leadership of Pierre Bercot. The chevron brand, with its heritage of innovation dating back to 1919, simultaneously developed revolutionary vehicles like the future DS and pragmatic utility vehicles like the Type HZ. This duality perfectly illustrates the Citroën philosophy: combining technical audacity and commercial pragmatism .
Citroën's history in the 1950s was marked by all-out expansion. André Citroën had revolutionized the French automotive industry in the 1920s with mass production and innovations like front-wheel drive. His successors continued this avant-garde tradition, investing heavily in research and development. The Type HZ continued this trend: it adopted advanced technical solutions like the forward-mounted cab and air suspension on certain versions, demonstrating that Citroën innovation was not limited to passenger cars.
The Traveling Orchestra: When Music Took the Road
The 1959 Citroën Type HZ orchestra coach is a testament to a time when live music toured France . These specially equipped vehicles transported not only the musicians, but also their precious instruments, in padded compartments designed to withstand road vibrations.
The golden age of traveling orchestras corresponded to the post-war boom in popular leisure activities. The French rediscovered the pleasures of celebration and dance, and orchestras crisscrossed the country to entertain at popular balls, fairs, and festivals. The Type HZ, with its reliability and load capacity, became the indispensable ally of these traveling musicians. Some of these coaches were even equipped with sleeping berths, allowing the orchestras to undertake veritable tours across France.
These vehicles contributed to the cultural democratization of the 1950s and 1960s. They allowed residents of rural communities to access quality performances, helping to forge a strong social bond around music. The orchestra coach thus became a symbol of this France that was moving, modernizing, while preserving its festive traditions.
Even today, some enthusiasts restore these exceptional vehicles, witnesses to an era when the road was synonymous with artistic adventure and cultural sharing. Their distinctive silhouette immediately evokes this joyful post-war France, where music had its place on every road.
Complete your collection of French model cars
This model car of the Citroën Type HZ orchestra coach occupies a special place in the world of collectible utility vehicles . It fits perfectly alongside other emblematic models of French reconstruction, notably light utility vehicles and heavy goods vehicles from the same period.
Collectors will particularly appreciate combining it with other Citroën models from the 1950s and 1960s, creating a complete representation of the French manufacturer's range. It sits beautifully alongside the Citroën Type H and other commercial vehicles that marked this decade of economic expansion.
This piece is aimed at both transport history enthusiasts and fans of French model cars . It also constitutes an excellent starting point for a thematic collection around 1950s vehicles or commercial vehicles , offering multiple possibilities for expansion to gradually enrich your collection with consistency and passion.
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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