The
H Van
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Studies
for the vehicle that would eventually become the Type H began in 1942 on
the instructions of André Lefèbvre. The design brief was
for a commercial vehicle which would employ the principal mechanical components
of the Traction . The engine came from the 11 CV while the gearbox, suspension and the interior were derived from those fitted to the 15 CV. Unusually, the H had different wheelbases on each side. The superbly practical and aesthetically odd body was designed by Franchiset.
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Scale
model of the H Van bodywork |
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In
1947, the Type H was launched.
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Engine:
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4 cylinders in line, wet liners, bore 78mm, stroke 100mm, cubic capacity 1 911cm3, 11 CV rating, 50 bhp @ 3 800 rpm
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Transmission:
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Front wheel drive via 3 speed manual gearbox, single dry plate clutch
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Brakes:
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Hydraulically operated drums, handbrake operates on front wheels
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Suspension:
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Torsion bars, four shock absorbers on front, two on rear
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Steering:
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Rack and pinion
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Dimensions:
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| Length - |
4,26m |
| Width - |
1,99m |
| Wheelbase |
(left) - 2,53m, (right) - 2,50m |
| Front track - |
1,61m |
| Rear track - |
1,65m |
| Unladen weight - |
1 400kg |
| Maximum payload |
1 200kg |
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Maximum speed:
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78 kph
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Fuel consumption:
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13 litres/100km
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In
1949 came the HZ with a maximum 850kg payload and with a top speed
of 88 kph.
Then in
1958 the H was superceded by the HY with a maximum payload of 1
500kg.
In 1961,
the HY DI and HY DI were launched, fitted with a four cylinder
Perkins diesel engine of 1 621cm3 capacity developing 42 bhp @ 3 600 rpm
and rated at 7 CV. The six volt electrical system was replaced by a 12
volt one.
At the
end of 1963, the HY-72 and HZ-72 were launched, fitted with
a new petrol engine of 1 628cm3 capacity developing 45 bhp @ 4 200 rpm.
The reduction in capacity was achieved by a reduction in cylinder bore
to 72mm - hence the model numbers.
In 1964,
a single windscreen was fitted to all models. The Perkins diesel was replaced
by an Indénor engine of 1 816cm3 capacity developing 50 bhp @ 4
000 rpm. These models were called HY-IN and HZ-IN.
In 1966,
the HY 78 and HZ 78 were launched, fitted with the 1 911cm3
engine developing 58bhp @ 4 500 rpm. The maximum payload of the HZ 72
IN and HZ 78 IN was increased to 1 000kg thanks to the Indénor
engine being increased in capacity to 1 946cm3 developing 57 bhp @ 4 000
rpm.
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In
1969, a new model, the HX IN2 was launched with a fully laden weight
of 3 100kg, increased to 3 200kg in 1969 when it was called HW IN2.
Also in 1969, the vehicle was given a minor facelift with rectangular rear
wheel arches, new front indicators, and, less visibly, the fitting of two
instead of four shock absorbers at the front. In Holland models were fitted
with front hinged doors (left).
In 1972,
the HW was made available with hydropneumatic suspension at the
rear - and fitted with an ambulance body.
Numerous
minor improvements were made until the end of production in December 1981.
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A
total of 478 743 models were built in the factories at Javel and Aulnay-sous-Bois
with a further 10 016 being built in Holland.
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More H Vans at Steve Weinert's H Van Conspiracy
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1947 - 2007 - 60th Anniversary
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