Model Car Citroën type HZ from 1959, Thomson showcase bodywork - Frigéco
Scale 1/43
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Citroën Type HZ 1959: The utility vehicle that revolutionized delivery
This 1959 Citroën Type HZ model car with its Thomson-Frigéco showcase bodywork is a true testament to the evolution of post-war French commerce. Faithfully reproducing one of Citroën's most iconic utility vehicles, this collector's item captures the essence of an era when technical innovation met the growing needs of the emerging consumer society.
Intended for passionate collectors of French automobiles and fans of industrial history, this model car is a testament to French ingenuity in the field of specialized utility vehicles.
Characteristics of the model car
- Model: Citroën Type HZ Thomson-Frigéco showcase bodywork
- Brand: Citroën
- Year: 1959
- Scale: 1/43rd
- Color: Specific Thomson-Frigéco bodywork
- Protective case included: Yes
The Citroën Type HZ: Innovation and versatility
Launched in 1947, the Citroën Type HZ was born from Citroën's desire to offer a versatile chassis capable of accommodating various specialized body types. This utility vehicle is distinguished by its avant-garde design, inheriting certain technical innovations developed for the Traction Avant, notably its transmission and its low chassis facilitating loading.
The Type HZ is characterized by its exceptional robustness and its ability to adapt to the specific needs of each trade. With its 1.9-liter 4-cylinder engine developing 32 horsepower, it offered satisfactory performance for the time while maintaining reasonable fuel consumption. Its payload of 1,500 kg made it a popular work tool for craftsmen and tradesmen.
This Thomson-Frigéco display case body version represents the adaptation of the Type HZ to the needs of street sales and the presentation of refrigerated products, reflecting the evolution of commercial practices in France in the 1950s.
Citroën: Pioneer of the French utility vehicle
In 1959, Citroën underwent a period of intense creativity under the leadership of André Citroën and later Pierre-Jules Boulanger. The French brand, building on the success of the Traction Avant launched in 1934, developed unique expertise in innovative utility vehicles. The Type HZ is part of this tradition of technical audacity that characterizes the French brand.
Founded in 1919 by André Citroën, Citroën's history is distinguished by a revolutionary approach to automobile production. Inspired by Ford's methods, André Citroën introduced mass production techniques to France while maintaining a constant spirit of innovation. This philosophy is reflected in the Type HZ, which benefits from the technological advances developed for the brand's passenger vehicles.
At the end of the 1950s, Citroën was already preparing for the revolution that the DS would represent, but continued to perfect its utility vehicles, aware of their economic importance for the company and for its professional customers.
A rolling showcase serving progress
The adaptation of the Type HZ into a Thomson-Frigéco showcase body perfectly illustrates the innovative spirit of the 1950s. Thomson, a French electronics giant, and Frigéco, a specialist in industrial refrigeration, joined forces to create traveling demonstration vehicles designed to promote new refrigeration technologies to retailers and restaurateurs.
These showcase vehicles crisscrossed France to democratize the use of refrigeration in the food industry. At a time when the cold chain was not yet systematic, these Type HZs, transformed into traveling showrooms, participated in a veritable health and commercial revolution. Representatives could thus concretely present the advantages of refrigeration equipment directly to their potential customers.
This innovative business strategy was part of the "Thirty Glorious Years", a period of accelerated modernization of French society. The Type HZ with Thomson-Frigéco bodywork symbolizes this democratization of technical progress , making technologies previously reserved for large companies accessible to small businesses.
Today, these vehicles represent a precious testimony to the history of distribution and the evolution of French commercial practices, making this model car a true miniaturized historical document .
Complete your collection of French model cars
This Citroën Type HZ 1959 Thomson-Frigéco model car naturally finds its place at the heart of a collection dedicated to French utility vehicles . It harmonizes perfectly with other emblematic models such as the Citroën Type H or the Renault Estafette , forming a coherent whole representative of the golden age of French utility vehicles.
Collectors with a passion for French cars will particularly appreciate this piece, which illustrates the technical and commercial innovation of the 1950s. It is the perfect addition to a collection focused on light commercial vehicles or advertising vehicles from this prosperous period.
Whether you are a fan of industrial history, a collector of Citroën model cars or a fan of 1950s automobiles , this model car will enrich your collection by adding a unique historical and technical dimension. It is also an excellent starting point for exploring the fascinating world of model car commercial vehicles .
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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