Citroen CX Hollander Vans: History & Unique Features
Have you ever heard of a vehicle that served not only as a means of transport but also as a symbol of innovation and a testament to bespoke automotive craftsmanship? The Citron CX Tissier, particularly those modified for the now-defunct Hollander company, holds a special place in automotive history, embodying a blend of French ingenuity and a dedication to specialized transport solutions.
The story begins with Hollander, a company that commissioned a series of unique vans based on the Citron CX. These were no ordinary vehicles; they were equipped with the most powerful turbodiesel engines available, promising both performance and reliability. While the rise of the internet and digital communications in the 1990s would eventually reshape the world, the Hollander CX vans were, in their time, vital in the distribution of newspapers and periodicals throughout Europe. The firm Hollander S.A., based in Paris, relied heavily on these vehicles to deliver news swiftly across the continent. These remarkable vehicles, the Citron CX Tissier, were crucial to the efficient circulation of news across Europe, traversing the roads with the dependability and style that were hallmarks of their era.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Company | Hollander S.A. (France, later expanded) |
| Primary Business | European Newspaper and Periodical Distribution |
| Vehicles Used | Citron CX Tissier Vans (Customized for Press Delivery) |
| Key Features |
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| Operational Area | Primarily Northern Europe, including France, and the Netherlands. |
| Historical Significance |
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| Legacy |
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| Associated Company | Tissier (Bodywork Specialist) |
The Hollander company's commitment to excellence in their operations extended to their choice of vehicles. They sought a solution that combined speed, reliability, and the capacity to handle large volumes of printed materials. The Citron CX, renowned for its innovative hydro-pneumatic suspension, provided a comfortable and stable ride, making it ideal for long-distance transport. However, the Citron CX that the company had chosen was taken to a different level of uniqueness and functionality, thanks to the skills of Tissier, a specialist coachbuilder.
Tissier's modifications were more than just cosmetic. They transformed the standard Citron CX into highly specialized vehicles. These vehicles, with their extended wheelbases and reinforced bodies, were able to carry vast quantities of newspapers and magazines, ensuring that news reached its readers promptly. The distinctive design, often featuring a yellow rectangle with "France" inscribed in it, added a visual identity to the Hollander fleet, immediately identifying them on the roads. The color palette, including the Vallelunga red, gradually evolved to the deeper Delage red, further establishing brand recognition.
The impact of these vehicles extended beyond the delivery of publications. Tissier also developed other versions of the Citron CX, including ambulances, flatbeds, and even luxury passenger versions like the CX 14, which could accommodate 14 passengers in comfort. A motorhome version, known as the CX Penthouse, further expanded the versatility of the model. These adaptations illustrate Tissier's ability to transform the Citron CX into a versatile platform for various purposes.
The Hollander company, however, was not alone in appreciating Tissier's craftsmanship. Other companies recognized the value of customized Citron CX vehicles for specialized transport. Belgian coachbuilder Pijpops created similar vehicles used to transport documents between locations of the European Community, particularly Strasbourg and Brussels, demonstrating a demand for these bespoke transport solutions beyond the newspaper industry.
The Citron CX Tissier vans employed by Hollander showcased a level of attention to detail that went beyond the norm. The vans often featured advertising for the transported newspapers, maximizing the impact of their presence on the road. These rolling billboards were not just functional vehicles but also integral parts of the news distribution network's brand identity.
The unique aspects of these vehicles include the digital, but not electronic, speedometers and tachometers, and the air freshener-like device that was positioned above the radio. These fine details are testament to the era in which they were produced. These are small details that offer collectors insights into the specifics of the era.
The lifespan of these specialized vehicles is a tribute to their rugged design and meticulous construction. While many standard production vehicles have come and gone, a few of the Hollander Citron CX Tissier vans have survived. These rare machines have become prized possessions for collectors and enthusiasts, who see them as symbols of a bygone era. Today, finding one of these vehicles is a testament to the enduring quality of the Hollander and Tissier partnership, a partnership that brought innovation and craftsmanship together to change the way the world got its news.
These unique vehicles also provided the inspiration to convert the Citron H van into food trucks. These were a piece of France brought to the US. This reflects the vehicle's enduring appeal and its capacity to adapt to the times.
The Hollander interchange manual, considered the 'bible' of the parts industry, shows you which parts are used. The manual shows the extent of customization and the importance of each component in the vehicles.
The Citron CX Tissier vans employed by Hollander were the embodiment of a very specific business model, a combination of speed, efficiency, and reliability. They represent a unique chapter in automotive history, where bespoke solutions were valued for efficiency and practicality. The vehicles were the foundation of Hollander's ability to provide reliable news service to readers. The legacy of Hollander and Tissier's customized Citron CX vans remains not only in their remarkable history but also in the inspiration they continue to inspire today.
