Highlights
- Professionally fitted wood-fired pizza oven
- A great business opportunity
- Engine replaced in 2016
The Appeal
Citroen produced nearly half a million H Vans from 1947 until the model was discontinued in 1981.
The plain simplicity and unapologetically utilitarian styling has led them on to become something of a cultural icon, coveted far more now than they ever were while in production.
The plain simplicity and unapologetically utilitarian styling has led them on to become something of a cultural icon, coveted far more now than they ever were while in production.
This H Van, like many others, has been converted to allow the van a new lease of life. It comes fitted with a traditional wood-fired pizza oven, which makes it an attractive business opportunity.
It was purchased by the vendor in 2014 and converted into a pizza van by 2015. Since then it has been used professionally by the seller and remains in presentable condition, with a few jobs that could be done to bring it back to a roadworthy condition.
But many of these vans are never driven on the public highway, either remaining stationary or being trailered to their destinations.
But many of these vans are never driven on the public highway, either remaining stationary or being trailered to their destinations.
The History and Paperwork
- Professionally converted to pizza van in 2015
- Serviced by Devon Tractions
- Believed to have spent time in Spain
- Currently SORN
- MoT and Road Tax exempt
The Interior
- Professionally fitted wood-fired pizza oven
- Fitted kitchen area
- Driver’s compartment in original condition
This van's defining feature is the professionally fitted wood-fired pizza oven which was installed during the van’s conversion in 2015.
The vendor states that this work was carried out by Tudor Trailers, including fitting a kitchen area which remains in excellent condition.
The vendor states that this work was carried out by Tudor Trailers, including fitting a kitchen area which remains in excellent condition.
In addition to the pizza oven the kitchen area is fitted with a twin burner gas cooker and stainless steel worktops, as well as a pizza dough roller and double sink.
One of our favourite features of this van, available in all markets other than Holland – you are greeted by a reassuringly large steering wheel and spartan dashboard.
It's nice to see that during the van's conversion the driver’s compartment was left largely untouched. It still bears the warm patina of use, built up over the years, which cannot easily be replicated.
The vendor reports that the heater and windscreen wipers are no longer functioning.
The vendor reports that the heater and windscreen wipers are no longer functioning.
Overall, this van’s interior is very practically arranged and will provide its next owner with a great place to do business.
The Exterior
- Unmistakable utilitarian design
- Serving hatch fitted
- Grey paintwork largely presentable
The H Van’s trademark corrugated body panels give it an unmistakably utilitarian aesthetic, which is now highly sought after.
This van’s bodywork is largely in quite presentable condition, although there are a few notable sections exhibiting some bubbling beneath the paint.
This van’s bodywork is largely in quite presentable condition, although there are a few notable sections exhibiting some bubbling beneath the paint.
The glass in right-hand wing mirror has been cracked and there is a dent on the rear left wheel arch. A repair has been carried out to the drivers door and front wheel arch, and there is a patch of bubbling on the roof just above the passenger door.
These issues are commonly found on H Vans, which were often well-used by their original owners.
These issues are commonly found on H Vans, which were often well-used by their original owners.
This appears to be a van which could be used straight away as it is, or the next owner may wish to improve upon it.
The Mechanics
- Engine reportedly professionally replaced in 2016
- Regularly serviced by Devon Tractions
- Currently SORN
Citroën wisely opted for a policy of sharing parts between models during the H Van's production.
This means that parts availability for these vehicles is not an issue. The engine and gearbox were very similar to Traction Avant and DS cars and various ancillary components are shared with other models. The headlights, for example, are the same as fitted to the 2CV.
This means that parts availability for these vehicles is not an issue. The engine and gearbox were very similar to Traction Avant and DS cars and various ancillary components are shared with other models. The headlights, for example, are the same as fitted to the 2CV.
The vendor states that this van's engine was replaced professionally in 2016, making it reliable and dependable. The 1.9 litre unit gives good performance for a commercial vehicle of this age. And H vans are well known for handling better than one might expect, with independent suspension front and rear.
Having been off the road for sometime, currently SORN, and not serviced for the past two years, it will clearly need to be inspected before use on the road. The vendor states that there is some smoke on start up, but this is to be expected from an engine of this vintage.
The steering is a little heavy, given the presence of a pizza oven to the rear, which has also affected its top speed a little, but this van is said to chug along happily.
The steering is a little heavy, given the presence of a pizza oven to the rear, which has also affected its top speed a little, but this van is said to chug along happily.
Summary
The ever-popular Citroën H Van remains a familiar sight to this day, thanks largely to vehicles such is this one, which have been converted into mobile food and beverage stalls.
The sight of corrugated body panels is a universally recognised harbinger of high quality pizza or coffee.
The sight of corrugated body panels is a universally recognised harbinger of high quality pizza or coffee.
This particular van could make an excellent business opportunity, with potential to be improved upon to bring it back to tip-top condition.
Notice to bidders
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
All bidding, buying and offers are subject to our Terms and Conditions.
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
