Model Car Citroën U23 brown (coal delivery truck) - La Nationale 7 - the blue road
Echelle: 1/43ème
Les fixations sous les pieds du personnage sont cassées (le sac de charbon était trop lourd); du coup le personnage ne tient plus debout (mais il est possible de le coller)
Your payment information is processed securely.
Chargement de vos recommandations...
Discover this beautiful reproduction of the Citroën U23 brown, an iconic post-war French delivery truck. This miniature is part of the prestigious collection "La Nationale 7 - The Blue Road", a series that pays tribute to utility vehicles that shaped the economic landscape of France in the 1950s and 1960s.
A true reflection of a bygone era, this coal delivery truck captures the essence of French commercial transport and is a prized piece for any collector passionate about automotive history and industrial heritage.
Features of the miniature
- Model: Citroën U23 coal delivery truck
- Brand: Citroën
- Year: 1950-1960
- Scale: 1/43
- Color: Brown
- Collection: La Nationale 7 - The Blue Road
- Protective case included: Yes
The Citroën U23: pillar of French reconstruction
The Citroën U23 came into existence in the immediate post-war period, a crucial time for French reconstruction. Launched in 1947, this utility truck met the urgent transportation needs of a France recovering from the devastation of World War II. Its robust and reliable design quickly made it one of the most sought-after commercial vehicles for artisans and merchants.
Equipped with a 1.9-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 53 horsepower, the U23 can carry up to 3 tons of payload. Its 4-speed manual transmission and reinforced chassis allow it to tackle the often difficult roads of the time. The delivery truck version, like the one reproduced in this miniature, was particularly valued for transporting heavy materials such as coal, an essential element of home heating at the time.
The commercial success of the U23 can be attributed to its exceptional versatility and proven reliability, qualities that made it one of the best-selling utility vehicles of the 1950s.
Citroën: innovation in utility transport
In the 1950s, Citroën confirmed its reputation as an innovator with an ambitious utility range. Following the revolutionary success of the Traction Avant, the chevron brand approached the commercial vehicle market with the same philosophy: combining technical innovation with practicality. The U23 fits perfectly into this approach, offering professionals a modern and efficient work tool.
Citroën's strategy was to democratize motorized transport among French artisans and small traders. The company relied on the robustness and accessibility of its utility vehicles to conquer a rapidly expanding market. This approach proved successful, making Citroën one of the leaders in light commercial transport in France.
The saga of coal and street vendors
In 1950s France, the coal merchant was an iconic figure in working-class neighborhoods. These street vendors, driving their Citroën U23s, traversed the narrow streets of towns and villages, supplying French households with fuel. Coal was then the main source of domestic energy, long before the democratization of central heating by gas or electricity.
Coal deliveries appeared as true street spectacles. The driver, often assisted by a worker, unloaded the 50-kilogram coal sacks which he then transported on his back to the basements of buildings. This physically demanding work forged a respected brotherhood of workers, real pillars of French daily life.
The arrival of the Citroën U23 revolutionized this profession by allowing the transport of larger loads while retaining sufficient maneuverability to navigate city centers. These vehicles, often dark in color to hide coal dust, became inseparable from the urban landscape of the time.
As heating methods evolved in the 1960s and 1970s, these coal delivery trucks gradually disappeared, taking with them a significant part of French popular culture and marking the end of an era where local commerce paced the life of neighborhoods.
Complete your collection of historical miniatures
This reproduction of the Citroën U23 naturally finds its place alongside other utility vehicles of the time. It harmonizes perfectly with miniatures from the Blue Road, a collection that celebrates the golden age of French road transport. Collectors will appreciate the complementarity with other Citroën models like the Type H or vehicles from the 1960s.
This miniature is particularly aimed at enthusiasts of French social history and collectors of commercial vehicles. It serves as an authentic testament to a time when local commerce and craftsmanship formed the backbone of the French economy. Its presence in a collection immediately evokes the atmosphere of post-war France, a period of renewal and optimism.
Beyond its historical value, this brown Citroën U23 ideally complements thematic collections dedicated to French vehicles or commercial vehicles, offering collectors a rare and authentic piece of this often-overlooked automotive heritage that is still so representative of our industrial history.
Même métier : commercial
%20-%20La%20Nationale%207%20-%20the%20blue%20road){kind=link}
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.
What our customers say
Customer feedback and testimonials