Citroën Type H (1953). The only Barou motorhome for sale

This motorhome is not American, it is a Citroën Type H.

A Citroën Type H transformed into a motorhome by the bodybuilder Barou will be offered for auction on September 19. Estimated at more than 40,000 €, this surprising variation of the utility is a unique example.

Among the nuggets of the next L’Aventure Peugeot Citroën DS auction, organized by Aguttes, is a unique Citroën Type H. This copy of the famous herringbone van dating from 1953 was indeed transformed into an American-style motorhome by the coachbuilder Jean Barou, a conversion so complete that it is difficult to recognize the original vehicle at first glance.

Citroën Type H scale camper van — The vehicle deserves a restoration.

A recognized bodybuilder

Somewhat forgotten today, Ardéchois Jean Barou had made a name for himself after the war by transforming utility vehicles into promotional vehicles for various brands, but also thanks to a few re-bodied sports cars bearing prestigious emblems such as those of Jaguar or Delahaye. The Type H in question today was modified at the request of Mr. Charlin, director of Socome, a garage equipment supply company based in Lyon, according to the announcement of the sale.

Citroën Type H motorhome dashboard — The cabin of the motorhome uses the tones of the bodywork, between green and gray.

Citroën Type H motorhome kitchen — This Type H is equipped like a modern apartment from the 1950s.

A Type H witness of its time

Gone is the characteristic angular “nose” of the Type H; this motorhome sports a large curved windshield above a small horizontal, chrome grille between round lights. Each side has a porthole and a large window. The body is sporting a two-tone green finish, but point rust and a restoration is in order. The interior is worthy of a 1950s apartment with its linoleum floor, leatherette upholstery and formica furniture. The van is equipped with a gas stove, refrigerator, water heater, sink and chemical toilet. The icing on the cake: it comes with a tailor-made trailer to serve as an office. This atypical Type H is estimated to be between € 40,000 and € 60,000, to say the least. The sale will be held on September 19, 2021 at the Citroën Conservatory of Aulnay-sous-Bois in Seine-Saint-Denis.