An exceptional piece: the Citroën Type HZ Biscuits Olibet 1962
This 1962 Citroën Type HZ model car, painted in the colors of the famous Olibet biscuits, is an authentic testament to the golden era of French commercial transport. A faithful reproduction of the legendary Citroën utility vehicle, this collector's item perfectly captures the essence of a France undergoing economic transformation in the 1960s.
A true collector's item for French automobile and industrial history enthusiasts, this model car model is as captivating for its precision as for its historical authenticity. It forms a bridge between French automotive heritage and the advertising world of the time.
Technical characteristics of the model car
- Model: Citroën Type HZ
- Brand: Citroën
- Year: 1962
- Scale: 1/43rd
- Decoration: Olibet Biscuits 850 kg
- Protective case included: Yes
The Citroën Type HZ: a revolution in light transport
Launched in 1947, the Citroën Type HZ was born out of the need to modernize France's post-war utility vehicle fleet. Designed to meet the growing need for urban goods transport, this compact van revolutionized the delivery sector.
Equipped with a 375cc air-cooled flat-twin engine, the Type HZ developed 12 horsepower, allowing it to reach 65 km/h. Its payload of 850 kg made it the ideal ally for the merchants and craftsmen of the time. Its avant-garde design, with its distinctive grille and integrated headlights, marked an aesthetic break with traditional utility vehicles.
Production of the Type HZ continued until 1962, the year of our model, totaling nearly 473,000 units. This commercial success demonstrates the perfect match between Citroën's technical innovations and the expectations of the growing French market during the Trente Glorieuses.
Citroën: pioneer of automotive innovation
In the early 1960s, Citroën established itself as one of the most daring manufacturers in the global automotive landscape. Under the leadership of André Citroën and later Pierre-Jules Boulanger, the brand cultivated a philosophy of constant innovation that set it apart from its competitors.
This period corresponds to Citroën's golden age, marked by the simultaneous development of the legendary DS and the Ami 6 project. The company invested heavily in research and development, particularly in the hydropneumatic suspension technologies that would make its reputation. The Type HZ fits perfectly into this innovative approach applied to utility vehicles, a segment often neglected by the competition.
Citroën's commercial strategy then focused on technical and aesthetic differentiation, refusing to follow established market codes. This bold approach allowed the brand to create immediately recognizable vehicles, like this Type HZ with its very distinctive lines .
The epic of Olibet biscuits
Olibet biscuits are one of the most iconic brands in the 20th-century French food industry. Founded in 1880 in Talence, near Bordeaux, by Antonin Olibet, this family business revolutionized biscuit manufacturing by introducing modern industrial methods while preserving artisanal expertise.
In the 1960s, when our Citroën Type HZ was on the road, Olibet was at its commercial peak. The brand distributed its products throughout France thanks to a fleet of utility vehicles perfectly identified by their characteristic livery . These vans crisscrossed French roads, becoming a familiar feature of the urban and rural landscape.
Olibet's use of the Type HZ perfectly illustrates the spirit of modernity that animated French companies during the Trente Glorieuses. These commercial vehicles were no longer simple transport tools but became true brand ambassadors, conveying an image of dynamism and customer proximity.
The "850 kg" label on our model car recalls the vehicle's maximum load capacity, a technical detail that demonstrates the precision with which these utility vehicles were designed to optimize delivery routes. This indication also reveals the importance placed on logistical rationalization in a rapidly expanding French economy.
Complete your collection of French model cars
This Citroën Type HZ Olibet naturally finds its place in any collection dedicated to French automotive heritage. It fits perfectly alongside other Citroën model cars and ideally complements a selection of model car light utility vehicles .
Collectors with a passion for 1960s model cars will particularly appreciate this piece, which captures the spirit of a pivotal decade. It sits harmoniously alongside other French model cars from the same era, creating a cohesive overview of the French automotive industry.
This model car is aimed at both collectors specializing in advertising vehicles and enthusiasts of 1/43rd scale model cars . It is also an excellent entry point to discover the world of model car commercial vehicles , faithful witnesses of French economic and social development. Its historical authenticity and careful finish make it a piece of choice to enrich any collection dedicated to French rolling heritage.
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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