The Citroën H Van was produced from 1947 through 1981. Its 34-year production run made it one of Europe’s most enduring postwar commercial vehicles.
Citroën developed the H as a practical, low-cost front-wheel-drive van after World War II. Its unitary construction eliminated a separate chassis, while independent front suspension and a low, flat floor made loading easier. The tall body could accommodate standing-height cargo, an important advantage for tradespeople and delivery businesses.
The van’s corrugated metal panels are among its most recognizable features. The ribs strengthened the body without adding much weight and allowed Citroën to use relatively simple, inexpensive tooling. Most examples were sold as the HY, although the H family also included variants such as the lighter HX, flat-bed HP, and higher-capacity HW and HZ.
The basic shape changed surprisingly little over the decades. Citroën introduced detail updates, including a single windscreen in 1964 and revised rear wings in 1969, but production continued until 1981. Today, surviving H Vans are especially popular as food trucks and mobile shops.