The Citroën H Van, Type H, H-Type or HY is a light truck (or delivery van) produced by the French car maker Citroën between 1947 and 1981. It was developed as a simple front wheel driven van after World War II. A total of 473,289 were produced in 34 years in factories in France and Belgium. Most of them were sold in France, Belgium and the Netherlands.
Contents |
Most Type H were sold as model HY so many people know it only by this name. There were also models H (early ones), HX (lesser load capacity), HZ, and HW (more load capacity). For some time, they were also sold as model 1600.
The engine, gear box and many smaller parts are well known from other Citroën models: Engine and gearbox are nearly the same as in the Traction Avant and later the DS, only mounted with the engine to front. Head lights and speedometer were identical to the 2CV for a long time.
The distinctive corrugated body work was inspired by German Junkers (Aircraft) of the 1930s, (the three engined Junkers Ju 52, being the last to use this construction). The ribs added strength without adding weight, and needed only simple, low cost press tools. The flat body panels were braced on the inside by 'top hat' box sections, at right angles to the ribs.
| Preceded by: Citroën TUB |
Succeeded by: Citroën C25 Citroën C35 |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||