There are usually no brand new cars in the ‘In the Wild’ section, but we are happy to make an exception for this Citroën ë-Jumpy. This is not just an average copy, but a ‘Type HG’ converted by coachbuilder FC Automobili: a modern incarnation of the Citroën HY. So a rarity!
The Type HG is designed by designer David Obendorfer. He previously devised a similar retro conversion for the Citroën Jumper: the Type H. The HG is its little brother, with the ‘G’ referring to the Type G prototype of Citroën from the 1940s. At the time, the Type G was intended as a smaller model under the HY, but in the end that model never materialized. The Type HG is built by bodybuilder Fabrizio Caselani (FC Automobili). He received the necessary licenses from Citroën to be able to sell the retro conversions of the Jumper and Jumpy. This is possible via the local Citroën dealer, according to the FC Automobili website.
Citroen Type HG
In any case, one Dutchman took the decision to purchase the Type HG as ‘E-Type HG’, which means that the ë-Jumpy was taken as the basis. Actually, the car is only recognizable as Jumpy by the window pillars, because otherwise the complete bodywork was overhauled. From front to back, the Type HG was fitted with the characteristic ‘corrugated sheets’ of the HY, at the front the body was given two oblique corners and striking round headlights that poke out of the sheet metal. The chrome grille contains a large double chevron. At the rear, the doors were given the ribbed pattern from top to bottom and the Jumpy now has round taillights. The Type HG is already hard to miss in the street scene, but this copy takes it one step further with its light blue color.
This copy also seems to contain an element that is not mentioned on the FC Automobili website: a folding roof. This suggests that this Type HG is mainly used as a camper, even if you cannot cover particularly long distances with the ë-Jumpy. In any case, it is commendable that someone opts for such a conversion instead of a standard van. That certainly brightens up the street scene!
Thanks to CitroënAZU (flickr) for uploading the photos. Have you seen a special car on the street yourself? Share it in the ‘What special did you see today’ topic on the AutoWeek Forum (minimum 2 photos) and maybe you’ll see your entry in the section!
– Thanks for information from Autoweek.nl