Highlights

Extremely rare Pick-Up version
Solid underpinnings
Mechanically sound
Solid basis for many projects
Originally registered in Southern France

The Appeal

This very rare flatbed version of the beloved Citroen HY has obvious appeal. It has spent its life in the warm dry atmosphere of southern France and is in great original condition. The paintwork was being prepared for repainting but stopped as it was realised that it looked fabulous in this condition.

Mechanically sound with lots of work done to ensure it starts straight from the key and is a reliable basis for whatever the new owner has in store. Repainted or Rat Look, it’s an unbelievably cute and charming machine that you’d be hard-pushed to find anywhere else.

The History and Paperwork

Imported in 2020
Original French registration document present
Nova completed. UK & European tax paid. Can be registered in the UK or Europe.
V55/5 is partially completed and ready for a new owner to complete name and address
Authenticity document from Citroen Car Club
Car Tax and MOT exempt

Brought into the UK in 2020 this little gem has undergone a good deal of preparation both mechanically and electrically. It has had a full inspection by Dragon Classics who are noted as being Citroen HY Specialists. It carries its original French registration and as yet does not have a registered UK owner with a V55/5 form partially completed for the new owner to finish. It has an Authenticity document issued by the Citroen Car Club UK which clarifies the year of manufacture of May 1959.

The Interior

Original seating
Solid floors
Original steering wheel and instruments

As with most early commercial vehicles, the interior is basic and practical, but just like the rest of this Citroen, it is full of rustic, original charm. There is plenty of patina around mixed with factory switchgear, instruments and a fabulously worn original steering wheel. The floor is solid and the doors hang reassuring well. The windscreen and side glass has all been removed and stored safely and comes with new required rubbers.

The Exterior

Original panels
Solid chassis
New load bay under-floor
Characterful patina throughout
New tyres on factory wheels
Restored Trafficators

The originality and solid construction of this delightful vehicle are what make it so desirable. Of course, it’s a rare thing and some may feel it would benefit from repainting, but there will be plenty of others in the opposite camp calling for it to remain as it is. And that’s just fine because whichever way you want to take this little HY you can be sure you have a sound base to work from.

The paintwork is partially removed to a small area which has left the most remarkable patina finish and shows that the panels are in sound condition. Many components including all the glass have been stored safely ready to refit. The odd bump, scrape and faded number plate just pile on the sheer charm, it really is a blank canvas.

The Mechanics

Overhauled braking system
Converted to 12volt supply with new wiring throughout
Flushed original engine and gearbox. New hoses and ancillaries
Fully inspected by Dragon Classics (HY Specialists)
New fuel lines
Steering serviced with new components
Large original Jack

The originality continues with the engine and gearbox as both have been fully flushed and serviced and work well. The engine fires up immediately and the gear selection is remarkably easy with a light clutch. The vehicle has been thoroughly inspected by the renowned HY Specialists, Dragon Classics of North Wales. It has had the electrical system overhauled and now benefits from being 12 volts and with an alternator.

The fuel system has also been serviced and has had all fuel lines replaced. The steering has been fully inspected and any components that needed replacing have been. Close attention has been paid to the brakes where new lines and hoses have been introduced as well as new brake linings and wheel cylinder internals, all of which allow the little HY to stop with confidence.

Summary

What a sheer delight this little French Fancy is. What with its amazing originality, strong solid underpinnings and of course that glorious, aged patina that covers the whole vehicle. Just think of what use this vehicle could be put to. Promotional vehicle, trendy food wagon, unique delivery truck or just a sweet little runabout, the options are endless. Whether you keep that aged look or give it a new coat of paint, you know that you have a solid and rare thing to begin with and something you may never have the opportunity to find again.

Notice to bidders

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