Citroën HY (1963). Ultimate freedom

This camper van with a friendly appearance was registered as a closed van. The box body was set up as a camper van by the first owner. JJ Blom was a general practitioner in the region who meant a lot to his fellow human beings and is therefore a welcome resident of Dokkum. Even now the corrugated bush makes this Citroën- with its great cuddlyness - still a lot in people. Wherever the Citroën HY appears, thumbs up in the air. 

By: Dirk de Jong

Doctor JJ Blom: “For all these years it has been a story of discoveries in other countries, about encounters. Every holiday is all about experience. The 57-year-old falls between all those spotless and brand new campers Citroën HY certainly on. It is perhaps the oldest camper in the Netherlands. Out of respect for old age, I invariably call it a 'camper' ”. 

Uses 

There were many developments over the course of the Citroën HY. The simple, light and inexpensive bus with its ribbed sheet metal was used by many companies. After all, the wonder vehicle had a lot to offer thanks to its rectangular shape. 

Affection value

That is the value that JJ Blom to his Citroën HY awards camper. He has now been on vacation for many years to all kinds of destinations within Europe, from the Scandinavian countries to Italy. Time is the most valuable resource. That's the only thing we can really lose. When it is gone it remains irrevocably lost. Taking time and enjoying the time, that is ultimate freedom. 

Old with dignity 

Have a look at the beautiful windscreen in two parts. The practical interpretation of the interior, simply walk through the large space inside. The beautiful tubular frame of the chairs. In short, an example of useful 'minimalism'. 

Technique 

The technique of the Citroën HY is good, but there have been technical problems on every trip that required a solution. Of course it remains a car of more than half a century old, an age that the materials also have. With spontaneous help along the way, it was always possible to keep the HY moving. Perhaps the tension was also a bit of the French charm. Citroëngarages are unfortunately no longer waiting for the maintenance of the Citroën HY. But luckily JJ Blom has a handy son who takes care of him perfectly. If you study the photos carefully, you will also come to the conclusion that the Citroën HY is a great beautiful and perfectly maintained camper. 

Fun fact 

JJ Blom: “I would like to tell you that Citroën- certainly in the early days - it was not really known for offering buyers a wide choice of colors. (Any color available as long as it is metallic gray.) I gave it a fresh green natural color after purchase. I am still proud of mine Citroën HY, and I am also stared at a lot in my hometown Dokkum when I am on the road. Because I have owned the HY for fifty years, people don't say: 'Look, there is a classic one Citroën', but' Here goes Doctor Blom '. Amazing, right?

Also read:
- 100 years Citroën. The company car history. Part One
- 100 years Citroën. The company car history. Part 2 (slot)
- Campers can also be classics
- Volkswagen T2 Westfalia camper. A guarantee for 'summer jitters'
- Volkswagen T2b Amescador, original Dutch VW camper