Citroën U23 grey tilt-top factory MICHELIN
Scale: 1/43rd
PLEASE NOTE: the first image is a computer-generated render and may not exactly match the vehicle in this listing, so please check the photos that follow it.
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Get it between Tuesday 17 and Wednesday 18 November
The Citroën U23 covered truck in MICHELIN factory livery is one of the most iconic commercial vehicles of French industry in the 1960s and 1970s. This 1/43rd scale model captures the spirit of this rugged truck that worked European roads for decades.
This faithful replica is aimed at passionate collectors of vintage commercial vehicles and enthusiasts of French industrial history. It offers a tangible reminder of an era when French manufacturers dominated the road transport market.
Launched in 1965, the Citroën U23 was part of the line of medium-duty French trucks designed to meet the growing demand for goods transport. Built on the U21 chassis, this vehicle stood out for its toughness and reliability, essential qualities for industrial companies of the time.
Powered by a 4.2-litre Perkins diesel engine producing around 95 horsepower, the U23 could carry up to 6 tonnes of payload. Its forward-control cab and optimised wheelbase made it a particularly well-suited work tool for urban and regional deliveries. The covered version, like the one reproduced in this model, offered maximum versatility for transporting all kinds of goods.
This model enjoyed notable commercial success in French company fleets, especially among major industrial players such as Michelin, which used it to haul its tyres from factories to distribution centres.
In the 1960s, Citroën went through a remarkable period of expansion under the leadership of André Citroën and then Pierre Michelin. The double-chevron brand was no longer just revolutionising passenger cars with the DS; it 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 was the height of the French car industry, when domestic manufacturers still largely dominated their home market. Citroën had built up recognised expertise in commercial vehicles, combining technical innovation with industrial pragmatism. The U23 benefited from the experience the brand had accumulated in utility vehicles, inheriting proven technical solutions from earlier models.
The story of the Citroën U23 in Michelin colours is about much more than a simple customer-supplier relationship. It illustrates the close ties that bound France's major industrial groups together at the time. Michelin, the tyre giant based in Clermont-Ferrand since 1889, had maintained privileged relations with Citroën since the 1930s.
These U23 trucks travelled French roads every day, loaded with Michelin tyres bound for the country's garages and distributors. Their distinctive canvas covers, bearing the famous Bibendum, became a familiar sight to motorists of the day. In this way, these vehicles helped spread the Michelin brand across the whole country.
Beyond the commercial angle, these U23s reflect an era when French industry was tightly integrated. Michelin tyres fitted the Citroëns, which in turn carried Michelin products: a virtuous circle typical of the "Trente Glorieuses" (France's postwar boom years). This miniature therefore captures a precise moment in French industrial history, when car makers and manufacturers worked closely together.
Today, spotting one of these restored U23s at a classic vehicle gathering invariably brings a nostalgic smile to enthusiasts' faces, as these trucks evoke a proud and prosperous industrial France.
This Michelin-liveried Citroën U23 covered truck holds a prime place in the world of French commercial vehicle miniatures. It fits perfectly into collections dedicated to the commercial vehicles of the 1960s and 1970s, a golden age for the French car industry. Its Michelin livery also makes it a sought-after piece for collectors specialising in advertising vehicles.
To grow your collection, this model pairs nicely with other light commercial model cars from the same period. It will also sit well alongside French heavy goods model cars, creating a coherent set that represents the national industrial heritage. Fans of Citroën model cars will find it an ideal companion to their collections of the brand's passenger cars.
This replica appeals to both seasoned collectors and enthusiasts of industrial history who want to preserve the memory of the vehicles that shaped the French road landscape. It is also a great starting point for discovering the fascinating world of advertising vehicle model cars, privileged witnesses to the commercial and aesthetic evolution of our society.
Stephane Bazille
14 November 2026
Always delivered within the agreed deadlines, well-packaged and protected materials. Nothing negative to report. A constantly renewed range that, despite the intention to remain cautious, always finds new temptations...
Claude Lang
13 November 2026
I placed my second order and everything went smoothly, delivery without issues, items in good condition, and delivered on time. After this second order, I can only recommend the site to Bernardminiature, a serious person. Top delivery, thanks again to him and good for a next order.
Serge PINSON
12 November 2026
In addition to the fact that the 1/43 miniatures received are perfectly in line with the photographs and my expectations and are of great finesse, they arrived very quickly (I was even informed of the shipment) and very carefully packaged. Very satisfied, I placed a new order with Bernard Miniatures, a seller I recommend for their selection and reliability.
The scale is the reduction ratio between the real car and the model. At 1:43 scale, for example, every centimetre of the model represents 43 centimetres of the real vehicle.
In practice, a 1:18 Ferrari model is about 25–30 cm long, while at 1:43 it measures roughly 10 cm.
Our model cars mainly come in 1:43, 1:24, 1:18 and 1:87 (HO) scale. The scale is always listed on the product page.
The smaller the second number, the bigger the model (e.g. 1:18 is larger than 1:43).
Yes, every model car ships in its protective box. The box preserves its collector value and protects your model from dust and knocks.
We pack every order with great care: bubble wrap, snug padding and polystyrene. Your model car is fully secured on its way to you.
In-stock items ship within 24–48h. Allow 2–3 business days for mainland France with Colissimo, or 4–5 days with Mondial Relay.
I can't say exactly when new stock will arrive, as it comes in a trickle. Feel free to contact me and I'll let you know as soon as it's available.