Model Car Citroën U23 tarpaulin MICHELIN factory
Scale 1/43
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Citroën U23 covered with MICHELIN factory tarpaulin - An exceptional model car
The Citroën U23, covered in the MICHELIN factory colors, represents one of the most iconic commercial vehicles of French industry in the 1960s and 1970s. This 1:43 scale model perfectly captures the essence of this robust truck that traveled European roads for decades.
This faithful reproduction is aimed at passionate collectors of vintage utility vehicles and fans of French industrial history, offering a tangible testimony to an era when French manufacturers dominated the road transport market.
Characteristics of the model car
- Model: Citroën U23 tarpaulin
- Brand: Citroën
- Year: 1965-1975
- Scale: 1/43rd
- Livery: MICHELIN Factory
- Protective case included: Yes
The Citroën U23, a pillar of French transport
Launched in 1965, the Citroën U23 was a French medium-duty truck designed to meet the growing needs of freight transport. Developed on the U21 chassis, this vehicle stood out for its robustness and reliability, essential qualities for industrial companies of the time.
Powered by a 4.2-liter Perkins diesel engine developing approximately 95 horsepower, the U23 could carry up to 6 tons of payload. Its forward-facing cab and optimized wheelbase made it a workhorse particularly suited to urban and regional deliveries. The tarpaulin-covered version, like the one reproduced in this model car, offered maximum versatility for transporting general cargo.
This model has enjoyed notable commercial success in French company fleets, particularly among large manufacturers such as Michelin, which used it to transport its tires from factories to distribution centers.
Citroën and the golden age of utility vehicles
In the 1960s, Citroën experienced a period of remarkable expansion under the leadership of André Citroën and later Pierre Michelin. The chevron brand no longer just revolutionized the passenger car market with the DS, but also established itself in the commercial vehicle market . The U23 was part of this diversification strategy, alongside the legendary Type H and the C4 and C6 ranges.
This period marked the height of the French automotive industry, where national manufacturers still largely dominated their domestic market. Citroën then developed recognized expertise in commercial vehicles , combining technical innovation and industrial pragmatism. The U23 thus benefited from the experience accumulated by the brand in the field of utility vehicles, inheriting in particular technical solutions proven on previous models.
The alliance with Michelin: a story within history
The story of the Citroën U23 in Michelin colors tells much more than a simple customer-supplier relationship. It illustrates the close ties that united major French industrial groups at the time. Michelin, a tire giant based in Clermont-Ferrand since 1889, had maintained a privileged relationship with Citroën since the 1930s.
These U23 trucks crisscrossed French roads daily, loaded with Michelin tires for the country's garages and distributors. Their distinctive tarpaulins, emblazoned with the famous Bibendum, became familiar to motorists of the time. These vehicles thus contributed to the spread of the Michelin brand throughout the country.
Beyond the commercial aspect, these U23s bear witness to a time when French industry was perfectly integrated . Michelin tires equipped Citroëns, which in turn carried Michelin products: a virtuous circle characteristic of the "Trente Glorieuses". This model car therefore captures a precise moment in French industrial history, when car manufacturers and manufacturers collaborated closely.
Even today, coming across one of these restored U23s at a gathering of vintage vehicles invariably provokes a nostalgic smile among enthusiasts, as these trucks evoke a proud and prosperous industrial France.
Complete your collection of utility model cars
This Michelin-covered Citroën U23 occupies a special place in the world of French utility vehicle model cars . It fits perfectly into collections dedicated to commercial vehicles from the 1960s and 1970s, a prosperous period for the French automotive industry. Its Michelin livery also makes it a sought-after item among collectors specializing in advertising vehicles.
To enrich your collection, this model car blends harmoniously with other light utility model cars from the same era. It will also find its place alongside French heavy goods vehicle model cars , creating a coherent ensemble representative of the national industrial heritage. Fans of Citroën model cars will find it an ideal addition to their collections of the brand's private vehicles.
This reproduction is aimed at both experienced collectors and industrial history enthusiasts who wish to preserve the memory of these vehicles that shaped the French road landscape. It also constitutes an excellent starting point for discovering the fascinating world of model car advertising vehicles , privileged witnesses of the commercial and aesthetic evolution of our society.
Même métier : publicitaire
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.
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