header image
Main Menu
Home
Robin Hood
Kit Car history
Locost Phenomenom
Bubble cars
Owning a Classic
H van history
Locost restoration
H Van Resto
H Van accident repair
Another H Van
H Van conversion
Our cars
Samples of past work
Forum

Please register

Register Here

or log in

for the

Classic & Kit car

Forum

 

Users Gallery

Gallery add your pics

Register here

or log in

to add own

pics

Online Parts


Direct Car Parts Shop

Syndicate
your location


Show us were you are located

Locations of visitors to this page



Home arrow H van history arrow H van history
H van history Print E-mail

Sureterm


The H Van was introduced after the 2nd World War. It followed on from the TUB and later the TUC that were only produced in small numbers - in fact, I've only seen one! These became known as "Le Tube". They were made from 1938 to 1941. After the war France needed a van to get its goods moving again and Citroen had been preparing for this since 1943 using the lessons drawn from the TUB. The basic design idea was to provide a "walk through" interior with a low loading floor, easy access from the side through a sliding door and a wide, versatile rear entry. Citroen were already using monoque type construction front wheel drive in the Traction Avant and used this for the Type H, so there is no separate chassis. Many parts were borrowed from the Traction among them the engine, the front hubs and even the door handles! In fact, depending on year, parts were used from all the range including 2CV, Ami, and DS. M. Franchiset who had worked for Citroen since 1922, designed the body. He invented the lightweight corrugated panels and the pinless clasp hands type hinges (as fitted on 2cv model vehicles) for the doors and all removable panels, except on the Benelux version which has forward mounted hinges instead of the suicide doors at the front. It also features a front sub frame which carries all the mechanical parts, engine, gearbox, transmission, suspension, steering-everything; it is held by just four bolts . With all the weight saving there is enough power from the 1628cc or 1911cc engine to provide a load capacity between 850 and 1600 kg. dependant on model. Over the years, until production stopped in 1981, there was some detail change. You could get a diesel engine, longer wheelbase, rear overhang or extra height. Standard production included van (fourgon), "beast carrier" (betaillere) and pick up (plateau). If you wanted something different then several coachbuilders could provide it, e.g. minibuses, fire engines or mobile laboratories. Most impressive were the purpose built promotional advertising vehicles; sadly these, by their very nature, had short lives and few survive. The H van makes an ideal camper, and that is one reason they are increasingly popular today. With standing height for all but the tallest, enough width to sleep across if you are short It does away with the erecting of the tent when camping.Plus, of course, whilst it can (and will!) leak you do have some extra cover in a storm with the advantage of a reasonable heater if the engine is running. The parts situation is very good with the specialists that are around although can be quite expensive for some body panels. So what is it like to drive? First you climb up into a seat which is higher than any other van. The view is wonderful! You can see over all the fences and hedges and spot all the things you didn't know were there. This has the added advantage of seeing when the cars in front are stopping and will allow you to start slowing in good time, as even with the brakes in good order they can only be described as adequate. The engine starts easily with a short stab at the red button and idles smoothly. First and second gears are soon finished with using the long shift and the motor pulls well from low speed in top. Steering is light and accurate once moving and the handling is excellent, Top speed is about 100 kph but motorway cruising is usually in the range 75-95kph.

Citroen H type van
Restored H van



Citroen vehicles were first unveiled in 1919 by a revolutionary man named Andre Citroen. His grandfather used to sell lemons, which is how the family name 'Citroen' meaning citrus, came about through his Dutch background. Andre Citroen was the first to provide consumers with a road accident prevention service for their vehicles. Citroen vans specifically the H van, was used mainly between 1947 and 1981. Other Citroen vehicles were also introduced such as 2CV, DS and CX models. Andre Citroen was the first to build light utility vans used for business as well as pleasure. 473,289 Citroen vans were manufactured in France, Belgium and the Netherlands for approximately 34 years.

The first Citroen vans were introduced with cutting edge technological features for its era. It included features such as walk through interiors, sliding doors, wide rear entry and easy access from the sides. In 1928, Citroen presented the first full steel bodied vehicle to the public. Citroen acquired heavy duty machines from Chrysler manufacturers to attain this creditable feat. By introducing the first full bodied steel vehicle, they had gone way ahead of their competitors who were still producing simple wooden framed vehicles. When their competitors started manufacturing vehicles with aerodynamic designs, Citroen fell behind. Then Citroen finally presented traction avant which was so innovative and new that their competitors had no way to retaliate.

During that era, Citroen vans appealed to high utility and service fields such as the police departments, fire stations, merchants and public transport. Police departments in that generation found Citroen vans to be ideal for any scenario because they were reliable, safe and secure. Fire departments enhanced the Citroen vans with ladders and hoses to provide effective support to the public during fires. Citroen vans also were used for public transport by adding seats to the back area of the vehicle. After World War II, simple front wheel drive Citroen vans were unveiled.

Today, Citroen vans still maintain the quality and effectiveness since they were first manufactured. There are a variety of models available including Nemo, Berlingo, Dispatch and Relay vans. The Nemo Citroen vans are small but will not hinder you from carrying large loads. Nemo vans provide you with 3.86 metres of length and have a height and width of 1.72 metres. Nemo vans include features such as asymmetrical rear doors, side door loading option, easy parking steering, foldable seats, low pollution emissions guarantee, and comfortable, convenient designs.

Berlingo Citroen vans are highlighted for their practical and reliable features. It's a van with modern designs and increased load capacity, perfect for businesses. Berlingo vans are available in petrol as well as diesel models. They are considered to be efficient heavy load carriers and if required, they have the ability to extend space into the passenger seating area. Berlingo vans are characterized for its safety and security features, traffic guidance technology, front and side bumper protection, and central locking.

Dispatch Citroen vans are fully equipped with technology, style and space for loading. It has the latest technological enhancements such as satellite navigation, Bluetooth software and stolen vehicle tracking systems. Dispatch Citroen vans consist of electronic windows, cruise control, improved traction control, airbags and an adjustable steering wheel. It's aerodynamic styling and durable mid sized capacity makes it the ideal utility vehicle for businesses.

Relay models are the largest Citroen vans produced today. There are 30 versions of relay vans available full of safe, secure and pleasurable driving characteristics. Relay vans offer details such as air bags, GPS tracking systems, twin lens door mirrors, lockable storage, and traffic guide systems. It has an advanced over speed warning system which warns the driver when exceeding the speed limit. The vans contain office specifications such as document clipboards on the dashboard and foldable seats creating a tabletop. These features are ideal for businesses involving a large amount of travelling and are relatively cheap to insure, with typical Van Insurance costs lower than many other models in their class..

Citroen vans have proven their reliability and efficiency continuously over the history of the automobile industry. They have contributed and enhanced the driving experience with their innovative designs and features aiming towards the perfect vehicle whether it be for professional or personal pleasures.

 

About the Author

Motor Direct is UK's largest firm of independent insurance consultants. Motor Direct offers Citroen Van insurance and also other types of automotive insurance. They aim to provide efficient low cost benefits for your personal and professional needs.

Polls
Best Kit Car
  
Braking



Tiger Cars

www.tigerracing.com

Breakdown

Servicing

Bikers

Who's Online
We have 3 guests online