€5,900

offers 0

1940 Citroën Type 45 U

Highlights

  • Vintage Imbert-Köln 'Holzvergaser' (wood gasifier) conversion
  • Beautifully preserved with a charming patina
  • Registered as a tow truck, a function it adopted in 1955

The most


This vehicle is much more than just an old truck. It's a fascinating piece of French history.

The Type 45 was a heavy commercial vehicle produced by Citroën from 1934 to 1955. It was an extremely successful model, so much so that some 18,500 were requisitioned for the Wehrmacht after the factory was taken over during the Occupation of Paris. These trucks played a key role in transporting supplies, ammunition and personnel for both sides during the Second World War, and the few surviving examples deserve to be preserved for future generations.

Here we have a 1940 petrol-engined example that has held up remarkably well over the decades. Available evidence suggests that Type 45 'U' chassis were reserved for army trucks, and this may well have been the case with this truck before its conversion to a tow truck in 1955.

As you can imagine, running a huge in-line six-cylinder petrol engine was expensive, and wartime shortages made the Franco-German invention of the wood-fired gasifier popular. Pioneered by Georges Imbert, this "gazogène" was a device mounted directly on vehicles, burning wood to extract a combustible gas that fed the petrol engine's carburettor. It was an ingenious invention, and here we find a very rare surviving example of the 1939 Imbert-Köln gasifier fitted to this Citroën. Although this truck currently runs on petrol, the fact that it retains this system after all these years is astounding, and is sure to be of interest to collectors.

Today, the truck sports a charming patina and retains its towing equipment and corresponding special vehicle registration card.

IMG_20240530_104448 Lavallade.jpg 4.65 MB


History and documentation

  • HGV licence required to drive this vehicle in France
  • Special vehicle registration card (the forerunner of the VASP indication), officially stating "dépanneuse munie d'un engin de levage" ("tow truck with lifting gear")
  • 96,000 km indicated
  • Offered without MOT
  • The car has had all EU duties paid and the car is registered in Belgium

Condition

  • Remarkably well preserved for its age
  • Charming red paint patina
  • No visible damage to panels or corrosion
  • Retains its heavy towing equipment
  • No known problems with the chassis
  • The interior of the cab is well worn, but in good condition considering the age and nature of the vehicle

The mechanics

  • The seller informs us that this truck is fitted with a 5.2-litre in-line six-cylinder petrol engine.
  • Currently runs on petrol, although it is still equipped with its 1939 Imbert-Köln gasifier
  • Four-speed manual gearbox
  • Everything in the engine compartment appears to be in good condition
  • The vendor informs us that the vehicle is roadworthy and drivable
BEFORE BUYING
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✓ The seller is registered as a private seller, which means that consumer rights arising from European consumer protection legislation do not apply. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic's terms and conditions.
✓ We require a non-refundable fee to be paid if you are the lucky winner of the auction or if your bid is accepted. Please refer to our FAQs and terms and conditions for specific fees.
✓ This vehicle is "sold as is", on an "as is, where is" basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are for illustrative purposes only and it is customary to carry out a full vehicle inspection prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final offer or tender price, as specified in the advert.
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Vehicle specification
  • Year 1940
  • Make Citroen
  • Model Type 45
  • Colour Multicolour
  • Odometer 96,000 Kilometres
  • Engine size 5200
Listing Details
  • Seller type Private
  • Location International
  • Country France

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