The type-like is undoubtedly the coolest heavy quadricycle you can buy, with a redrawn exterior inspired by the iconic Citroen Hy Van
February 3, 2025 at 1:10 PM
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- Italian coach Caselani has created a new conversion kit for the Citroen Friend.
- The type-like is like a miniature version of the Van Citroen Hy from 1947.
- The EV is at a price of € 13,000 ($ 13,400), while the fiberglass kit costs € 5,000 ($ 5,200).
The Citroen Friend obtains a new look for 2025, but for those who want a little more character, and specifically, a retro touch, there is now the type-friend. This conversion kit, manufactured by Italian coach Caselani in collaboration with the Citroen Style Center, transforms the tiny EV into something that has the impression that it came directly from a French post-war campaign.
The man behind the design, David Obendorfer, has a reinvention experience of classic Citroens – not to mention certain other proposals that have never been materialized, such as the Mercedes -Benz E W115 and BMW CS Vintage icon.
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He is the same designer responsible for Type H and van conversions and van, who modernized the Citroen rider, Jumpy, Spacetourer and Berlingo while keeping their charm in the old -fashioned. Like these models, the type-friend is inspired by the Citroen Type H (HY), a popular utility van which was produced from 1947 to 1981.
A nostalgic youth cure
The transformation is carried out with a set of fiberglass bodywork panels that imitate the distinctive corrugated metal of the type of original H. The kit is delivered with all the supports and screws necessary for installation while keeping the greenhouse of the Donoring car, door mechanisms and unchanged lighting units. Buyers can choose from nine standard colors, but Caselani will also offer personalized paint correspondence for those who want something more unique.
According to Obendorfer, originally, the type-like was intended for a unique project for Fabrizio Caselani, the founder of the company. However, after showing the first racing prototypes at the 24-hour Citroen 2CV 2CV race at Spa-Francorchamps, in Belgium, the decision was made to offer it as a commercial product.
To ensure that the design has remained faithful to Citroen’s vision, the final version was refined with the contribution of a team dedicated to the Citroen Style Center, giving it an official sign of the approval of the French automaker .
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While the exterior obtains a complete makeover, everything else remains unchanged. The type-like keeps its 8-horsepower electric motor (6 kW / 8 PS) and its 5.5 kWh lithium-ion battery. With a top speed limited to 28 MPH (45 km / h), it is classified as a heavy quadricycle, which means that in Europe, even 14 -year -old children can take the wheel, just like with the Fiat Topolino and Opel Rocks closely linked electric.
The type-friend will make its public debut at the Retromobile Show in Paris on February 5. Pre -orders are already open, with prices starting at € 13,000 ($ 13,400). For owners of existing Citroën Friend who wish to upgrade their journey, the conversion kit alone costs around € 5,000 ($ 5,200).
