Citroën and Caselani: Retro vans arrive in the Czech Republic

Citroën is one of the brands with the richest heritage, with models that have become true icons in automotive history. While passenger cars are often highlighted, it's rare for commercial vehicles to achieve such status. Yet Citroën has made a lasting impression with models such as the Type H and the 2CV van. The Italian company Caselani has understood this and is reviving these legendary models by adapting them to the current Chevrolet vans. Today, this trend is spreading to the Czech Republic with the official marketing of these conversions.

Caselani, a bodybuilder with a passion for Citroën history

For several years, Italian coachbuilder Caselani has been transforming Citroën vans, giving them a neo-retro touch inspired by the brand's iconic vehicles. The Citroën Jumpy and Jumper feature the styling of the famous Type H, while the Berlingo borrows features from the 2CV van. More recently, the Ami One has also been transformed along these lines.

Although Citroën is not directly involved in these transformations, the brand is benefiting from a renewed interest in its heritage. The success of these conversions proves that Citroën's timeless design remains a modern staple. With its expansion into the Czech Republic, Caselani continues to strengthen its presence in new markets.

Czech expansion driven by neo-retro craze

The introduction of Caselani retro vans in the Czech Republic was born from a unique experience. The Czech DUCKAR team, led by Bára Holická, presented a support vehicle at the Dakar Rally using a Citroën Jumper converted in the style of the Type H. This project created a growing interest in these conversions and led to the models being marketed in the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

Bára Holická explains: "Last year, when we were thinking about which car to take to the Dakar, Tomáš Neruda said: 'We'll take Hčko...' and looked at the small French utility vehicle parked in the yard. I knew that they did renovations in Italy, so I contacted the Caselani factory and a partnership was born. Shortly afterwards, I collected the kit from a factory near Milan and took it to a Citroën dealer in Brno, where we entered into a partnership with their Techsport subsidiary, which specialises in vehicle conversions. They have a lot of experience, whether it's ambulances, fire engines, etc. In Brno they installed my kit, including painting, and that's how the first Czech NEO-RETRO Hčko was born. We mounted it on the new Jumper and a few months later we went for a test drive in the desert" .

Today, Bára Holická is the contact person for marketing Caselani conversions in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. The kits are installed locally by BRNOCAR and TECHSPORT, companies renowned for their expertise in commercial vehicle conversions.

Caselani's success is based on a simple but effective formula: modernising Citroën vans by restoring the iconic style of historic models. This reinterpretation showcases Citroën's exceptional heritage while offering an aesthetic and functional alternative to automotive professionals and enthusiasts.

The expansion into the Czech Republic is a further step in spreading this trend. It is also in line with the strategy outlined by Thierry Koskas, Citroën's CEO, to draw inspiration from the brand's heritage to create new iconic models. Time will tell whether this neo-retro trend will continue, but one thing is certain: Citroën's history will continue to be written with passion.