Simplicity and unprecedented possibilities were the characteristics of the Citroën HY making this model one of the most famous delivery vans ever produced in Europe. The low loading floor, simple rear axle construction, front-wheel drive - therefore without cardan tunnel - guaranteeing 'standing height', easy accessibility of the load, the opening rear doors and tailgate that could also serve as protection against rain, all contributed to popularity.
The fries wagon
In our country the car was known as 'the Patatwagen'. The design requirements of the HY were in fact the same as those of the 2CV. Front-wheel drive, low fuel consumption and good road holding. The plan was already ready during the 2e World War, but the first prototype was not ready for use until after 1945, at the end of 1947 production started. A HY has a self-supporting body with all drive technology at the front. As a result, such an orderer could easily be extended. A matter of sawing through behind the driver, a piece in-between and welding again.
Variants
The HY has appeared in hundreds of variations in its lifetime. From closed delivery van to pickup, passenger van, horse transport truck, chip shop, mobile café, fire truck, police car, camper van and so on. The car was available with a four-cylinder gasoline or diesel engine. The version with a higher load capacity was called HZ. In 1981, after an 34 year of production and 473.289 copies, the curtain fell. Between 1963 and 1970 they were also screwed together at the Citroën importer on Stadionplein in Amsterdam.
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