Oxford Diecast 76CIT001

Citroen H Catering Van

Manufacturer catalogue image - please note that pre-release images may be CAD renders or CGI images rather than photographs

Prototype Eras
Era 4 (1948 to 1956) British Railways Early Crest
Era 5 (1956 to 1966) British Railways Late Crest

Manufacturer description

You may well have seen this frothy pink, pale blue, white and silver catering van parked outside Jamie Oliver's restaurant! The Citroen H light van in an amazing colour confection with a white interior, registered simply OLIVER. It heralds his 'Traditional Ice Cream & Smash Ups' according to the lettering on the sides of the van, which is topped off with an ice cream cone positioned on each side of the windscreen. The model is presented in a special Jamie's Italian Ices windowed sleeve with a legend on the back giving a fascinating history of his unique restaurant style and ethic.

The Citroen H was produced by the French motor company between 1947 and 1981, during which time the styling changed little. The familiar corrugated body had no separate frame and the vehicle featured four wheel independent suspension and front wheel drive. The flat low welded floor had tremendous strength, had a standing height of 6 feet and was accessed from a sliding side door. Often referred to as a panel van, most of the 473,000 produced were sold in France, Belgium and the Netherlands. Many of the components were the same as those used on the Traction Avant, Citroen 2CV and even the DS. Only three body styles were available - the standard closed van, a pick-up version and a stripped down body which went to coachbuilders who turned it into other variants, including a cattle truck.

Catalogue listing

Oxford Diecast Citroen H Catering Van – Model 76CIT001

This die‑cast model represents a Citroen H light van from the British Railways Early Crest period. The vehicle is finished in a combination of frothy pink, pale blue, white and silver, with a white interior and the registration “OLIVER”. Side graphics read “Traditional Ice Cream & Smash Ups” and each side of the windscreen bears an ice‑cream‑cone motif.

The real Citroen H was produced by the French manufacturer between 1947 and 1981. It retained a largely unchanged corrugated body throughout its production run, featured front‑wheel drive, four‑wheel independent suspension and a low, welded floor. The van measured approximately 6 feet in standing height and was accessed via a sliding side door. Of the 473,000 units built, most were sold in France, Belgium and the Netherlands and were available in three body styles: standard closed van, pick‑up, and a stripped version for coach‑builders.

The die‑cast piece is supplied in a windowed sleeve branded “Jamies Italian Ices”, with a legend on the back that provides historical information about the restaurant style and ethos associated with the vehicle’s livery.