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Citroën H facts for kids

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Former fire truck Citroën H.

The Citroën H is a famous van that was made by the French company Citroën. It was built for a very long time, from 1948 all the way to 1981. People also used it as a small minibus. This unique vehicle is known for its corrugated metal body, which looks a bit like a washboard.

What is the Citroën H Van?

The Citroën H van is a type of light commercial vehicle. This means it was mainly used for businesses. It was designed to carry goods or people. Its full name was often "Type H" or "H Van." It became very popular in France and other parts of Europe.

A Unique Design

The Citroën H van has a very distinct look. Its body panels are made of corrugated (wavy) sheet metal. This design was not just for looks. It made the van's body stronger and lighter. It also helped to save on materials during its production. The van had a "cab over" design. This means the driver sits right over the engine. This design helps to make the vehicle shorter. It also gives more space for cargo.

The H van was built on a simple chassis. It used parts from other Citroën cars. For example, it used the engine and gearbox from the Citroën Traction Avant. This made it easier and cheaper to produce. It also had front-wheel-drive. This was quite advanced for a van at the time.

Many Uses for the H Van

The Citroën H van was incredibly versatile. It was used for many different jobs. You could see it as a delivery van for bakeries or shops. It was also used by police forces and as ambulances. Some were even converted into mobile shops or food trucks. Today, many H vans are still used as trendy food trucks or camper vans. Their unique look makes them very recognizable.

A Long History

The Citroën H van was first shown to the public in 1947. Production started in 1948. It was built for 33 years, until 1981. Over 470,000 H vans were made during this time. Its long production run shows how successful and reliable it was. It became a symbol of French everyday life. Even today, it remains a beloved classic vehicle.

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See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Citroën H para niños

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