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Simca 8 Grey PTT Van 1947 - A Piece of Postal History

This gray 1947 Simca 8 van in the colors of the Post Office and the PTT (Posts, Telegraphs and Telephones) represents an authentic testimony to the history of French communications. This 1:43 scale model car perfectly captures the spirit of post-war reconstruction, when France was modernizing its public services.

A true collector's item , this faithful reproduction will appeal to car enthusiasts, commercial vehicle collectors and postal history enthusiasts alike. It embodies an era when Simca established itself as a major player in the French automotive industry.

model car Features

  • Model: Simca 8 Van
  • Brand: Simca
  • Year: 1947
  • Scale: 1/43rd
  • Color: PTT Gray
  • Delivered: La Poste - PTT / TELEPHONE
  • Protective case included: Yes

The Simca 8: A Pillar of Reconstruction

The Simca 8 was born in 1938 in the Nanterre factories, the result of a collaboration between Henri Théodore Pigozzi and Fiat. Based on the Fiat 508C Balilla, it quickly became one of the most popular models of the pre-war period. Production resumed in 1946, marking the revival of the French automotive industry.

The 1947 van version met the urgent needs of reconstruction. With its 1.1-liter, 4-cylinder engine developing 32 horsepower, it offered a practical and economical solution for urban deliveries. Its robust body and simple design made it ideal for public services of the time.

This model enjoyed remarkable commercial success, actively contributing to the modernization of the French vehicle fleet. The Simca 8 van became the backbone of many professional fleets, from craftsmen to large government departments.

Simca: Franco-Italian Audacity

Founded in 1934 by Henri Théodore Pigozzi , the Société Industrielle de Mécanique et de Carrosserie Automobile (SIMCA) was born from an ambitious partnership with Fiat. Pigozzi, a passionate visionary, wanted to democratize the automobile in France by relying on Italian know-how.

In 1947, the year of our van, Simca was going through a pivotal period. The company was gradually emerging from the occupation period and was focusing on recovery. The red diamond brand developed a strategy focused on popular and utility vehicles , meeting the needs of a France undergoing reconstruction. This pragmatic approach allowed Simca to assert itself against its French competitors, notably Renault and Peugeot.

The PTT Epic: When the Simca 8 Connected France

The story of this Simca 8 PTT van is part of the extraordinary epic of the modernization of French telecommunications. In 1947, France had fewer than a million telephone subscribers, mainly concentrated in large cities. The PTT then launched an ambitious plan to equip the country.

These small gray vans crisscross the roads of France, transporting technicians and equipment to install the first telephone lines in remote countryside. Each vehicle becomes an ambassador of modernity , a symbol of a France reconnecting with itself after the dark years of occupation.

The drivers of these Simca 8 PTTs still recount the emotion felt by the locals when their first telephone line was installed. In some villages, the arrival of the gray van was a real event, bringing the entire population together around the technological miracle that was the telephone.

This period also marked the beginnings of French television. PTT technicians, often transported by these same vans, installed the first transmitters that would allow RTF (Radiodiffusion-Télévision Française) to be broadcast throughout the country.

Complete Your model car Collection

This Simca 8 PTT van naturally finds its place at the heart of a collection dedicated to advertising vehicles and public services . It harmonizes perfectly with other models of the French administration, creating a true gallery of the history of public services.

Collectors passionate about the brand can combine it with other Simca models to recreate the evolution of this iconic brand. It also interacts with the light commercial vehicles of the time, demonstrating the diversity of the reconstruction vehicle fleet.

This model car is particularly aimed at history collectors , utility vehicle enthusiasts and classic car enthusiasts. It also provides an excellent entry point for discovering the world of post-war French automobiles , a fascinating period of renewal and innovation.

Même métier : poste et edf

Même marque : Simca

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

patrice FAIVRE Vérifié
Very Serious Seller
Important and updated selection - competitive prices and promotions - well-protected orders are shipped and delivered quickly - ordered items are always according to the description. Very serious seller that I recommend. Thank you and see you soon.
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Michel FALCOTET Vérifié
Regularity for Excellent Service.
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Chartier Vérifié
My husband collects cars...
My husband collects miniature cars (we can't afford to collect the real ones 😂)! For Father's Day, I ordered from Bernard for the second time and I was completely satisfied. Quick delivery, care taken with the cars and their packaging, communication... peace of mind!
il y a 1 semaine
Baptiste Suaud Vérifié
Nothing to say
Nothing to say, compliant products and very fast shipping
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Fabio Cannarella Vérifié
Item shipped quickly and well...
Item shipped quickly and well packaged. The item also met my expectations.
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benoist Vérifié
Beautiful Miniatures Shipped...
Beautiful Miniatures shipped with care
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Monsieur Teddy Vérifié
Order shipped quickly with a...
Order shipped quickly with tracking until delivery. Vehicle is exactly as shown in the photos. I recommend.
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Linda H. Vérifié
Very good shop
Very good shop. The seller is responsive and the miniatures are packed with the utmost care. Order processing takes 4 to 6 days, which is quite acceptable given the number of orders this gentleman must receive. The shop offers recent models as well as older ones. The price is fair. Delivery is qu...
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Christian Hofmann Vérifié
I don't understand a word this form is…
I don't understand a word this form is saying, but I got what I ordered, and fast.
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Patricia Gilbert Vérifié
Toy car collection
Fast service, really happy with my purchase. I intend to purchase some more.
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Very Fast Shipping and Delivery
Very fast shipping and delivery. Much care taken in packaging.
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Eos Vérifié
Pleasure to deal with Bernard
Pleasure to deal with Bernard. Models were sent promptly and are good quality.
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