1970 Citroën HY van

**The restoration work was done by a London-based specialist and not ‘Autostore’ of Cambridge**

• The versatile H-Type or HY van, in various configurations, was produced by the French automaker Citroën between 1947 and 1981
• Very evocative of the French 'joie de vivre' and ideal for food trucks, mobile bars, brand advertising
• An original configuration pick-up style HY van
• Discovered in a very original state in the South of France, bodywork was exceptional for its age and was still accompanied by its original tools and wheel-brace
• Imported to the UK where it was fully restored by a London-based specialist, including a complete respray, a rebuilt engine (with new liners), and new brakes; passed its MOT just requiring new tyres, which it is now fitted with
• All the hard work has been done, just needs a new owner to utilise its marketing potential 

The Citroën H Van is a light truck (or delivery van) produced between 1947 and 1981 and was developed as a simple front-wheel drive van after World War II. A total of 473,289 were produced in 34 years in factories in both France and Belgium but were not sold in the UK in right-hand drive.

The engine, gearbox and many smaller parts are well known from other Citroën models; the headlights and speedometer were identical to the 2CV for many years. The distinctive corrugated body work was inspired by the German Junkers aircraft of the 1930s with the ribs providing strength without adding weight and requiring 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. Rear hinged 'suicide' cab doors were used until the end of production in 1981.

The HY pickup-configuration van presented here is from 1970 and was discovered in an original state in the South of France; the bodywork was exceptional for its age and, remarkably, it was still accompanied by its original tools and wheel-brace. Imported by a friend of our vendor (our vendor subsequently fell for this characterful van and bought it) with the intention of using it for his building firm, adding a bit of PR as it was driven around London. After restoration, which included a full respray and engine rebuild (including new liners), with a respected London-based specialist, it was deemed just too good for a builder’s run-around.

It has been thoroughly enjoyed and attracted much attention wherever it goes, but our vendor is finding he has less time to use it. Professionally stored with Autostore since restoration, this is a fantastic classic vehicle, as iconic in its own way as the heralded Citroën DS, and will turn as many heads! Offered at ‘No Reserve’, this HY van would add brand awareness or presence to any business or make a great base for a French-themed carnival float!