THE internet has allowed many people to head to France and still carry on their work with businesses back in the UK.
With a simple email, tax consultants can keep in touch with clients and marketers can brainstorm with their colleagues.
Kevin Raymond is a magazine editor for a variety of motorcycle titles including What Bike? yet he is able to keep on top of articles and deadlines from his home in Normandy.
“It is now much easier for me to work on a 260 page magazine from my home than it was just five years ago,” Kevin said.
“In the past I would have been sat in an office for two months whilst my house was invaded by mice or something.
“Yet today with a high-speed internet connection I only have to be in the office for a couple of days, overseeing the magazine as it is finished off.”
Kevin and his wife bought a run down house ten years ago on the west coast of the Normandy peninsula about an hour south of Cherbourg.
They had never owned a house in the UK but they followed Kevin’s parents who had bought a home in France.
However, in the early years they spent a lot of time travelling backwards and forwards to the house.
“When we bought the place it was in a very bad state with no proper drainage or bathroom, so we had to work on it to get it straight,” said Kevin.
“Fortunately my wife had a home in the UK through her university studies so we were able to do the work and travel between the two.
“But when we were ready to move across we loaded up a van with our things and my wife drove a 2CV van across with the entire contents of our greenhouse in the back.”
And it is the love of all things Citroen that is a great passion in Kevin’s life, as he has owned over a dozen 2CV vans and H-vans.
Now he looks out for examples of these French classics stored away in barns and fields for contacts and friends in the UK.
“I remember seeing H-vans when I was a kid and I used to call them ‘biscuit-barrel’ vans,” Kevin said.
“I’ve always loved the cars and vans so when I ever get the chance to buy one I will chat to people in the UK who are always on the look-out for spares and snap it up.
“Now though I have got a bit of a reputation around the area and the local scrap yard will send people to me to see if I’m interested in buying their car.”
And to give you an idea of Kevin’s current stable, here is his list!
1985 2CV saloon
1981 2CV saloon
1990 2CV saloon
1970 AK350 2CV van currently being restored from a complete wreck.
1975 AK400 2CV van in original Kronenbourg publicity colours (arriving soon).
1963 Massey Ferguson 825 tractor
1974 JCB 2D mkII digger
1991 Mazda MX-5
Three Citroen BXs
The remains of a Citroen Acadiane (like a 2CV van but with the front end of a Dyane).
1974 Citroen H van camper
1972 Citroen H van – For Sale!
1977 Citroen H van – also For Sale
1981 Citroen H van Betaillere (horse box/cow carrier) which is going to be turned into a mobile greenhouse!
1966 VW Beetle
Comments
50 responses to “From email to H-vans”
how much are the 2cv vans or the h vans? give me a call on 0044(0)1600 890435 or email. regards, Pete Rollinson
H-Vans, Kevin Raymond
Hi there, I am looking for a H-Van to restore. Have you one for sale and how much? Thanks.
Tina, Chichester UK
I’m also interested in purchasing an H Van. How much could I expect to pay for one?
I would also love an H van or 2 CV van but fear they are asking “silly”money in UK. How much in France?
Gavin
please can you contact me with any info on any H vans for sale
Please can you contact me with any info on any H vans for sale
cheers Paul
can you give me any info on an h van purchase?prices in france and uk etc..Thanx…Tim
Hi, Ive owned an AK350 and am now looking for a H van with a lifting side panel like the market vans you used to see around rural france, have you any of these or could you source me one and what kind of budget is required. It would need to be in tip top condition and driveable back to Ireland! Thanks, CHris
Hi, I am looking for a H Van, runner, pre 72, diesel. If anyone knows of anything please email me. Thanks, Tony (juiemangan@hotmail.com)
Hi, do u have any H vans for sale ?
Could you possibly email pictures/prices of the H vans for sale?
Many Thanks
jon
Hi We are looking for a H van please can you forward me any you find that have been laid out as a camper.
Up to 6K depending on finish!
Thanks
Hi
I’m looking for a Citroen H Van – ideally one for use as an ice cream van or similar – or one thatIcan convert. Any nfo, pr=ices, or leads gratefully accepted (robin.carr1@btinternet.com)
hi i have just aquired a 1980 diesel hvan i havnt picked it up yet or seen it except in photos.i am hopeing that it isnt too bad though my eyes are telling me it is bad,i was really after a lwb but i am just happy to have got this one i want to restore to use as everyday transport i am a self employed plasterer but in my spare time i restore old german motorcycles,my parents have moved to cordes sw france i will send you a picture of h van do you know of anybody that has installed a cx diesel engine into a h van?or fitted a turbo to the standard diesel i am sorryb to ask these questions but i will not be able to resist a more powerful engine option if its at all possible.thanks stay lucky
Hello, at the risk of following the herd, I too would like to know if you have a basic H van for sale, which I can restore and turn into a four wheeled home in which to tour the continent and (maybe) beyond!
Hi there ! I am looking for a fully restored H van to as an ice cream/snack business.What price price should I expect to pay? Seen one on villagefete website unfortunately sold.would be eternally gratefull for you assistance.
Looks like everyone is in need of a H van myself included, I have a 3 wheeler Lambretta 1968 van with canopy silver and light blue wish to sell this to purchase a h van.
Dear Pete Thanks for the info on your website.
My girlfriend and I wish to sell soup and fresh jusices from a citron H.
Can you sell us one!
M
have 1968 H van for sale original needs a bit of work any offers
Hi, I am on the search for a Tyep H to use as a camper van, if you have one for sale then please contact me asap!
Cheers
John
We have a 1980 HY van for sale, MOT until June 2008, 5 months tax. LHD Diesel engine. Runs well, but in need of some cosmetic work. Please send me an email if interested.
Hi. I am looking for about 3 H vans and a couple of 2cv vans for a business idea. Bodywork is more important than mechanical condition because some will not go on the roads.
Do you know of any available?
Thanks.
Chris
we have a 1974 Diesel h van for sale. It is in good condition and runs well but needs new batteries. It is in France at present (Lot Valley)Call me if you are interested on 07702291333
Malcolm
we may be selling our swb hvan as we have two it is set up for market trading. uk 01962774679
Hi – I have just bought a citroen 2cv arcadiane (1980) and need a couple of back doors. Do you have any of these and if not any ideas where i might get some ? We live in central france.
Many thanks
Hi All
Looking for a H van for market and festival trading plus a little bit of fun and nostalgia. Cash purchase. 07709860939
Cheers
George
Hi Kevin
My wife and I live about half an hour from you (South of Vire) and are contemplating purchase of a 6 wheel H van at the moment to pubicise our upcoming bar / restaurant that we hope to open next year. Any hints and tips on price for a full renovation item? Are these as rare as I think? Give me a call on 0233 906 483 if you fancy a chat?
Regards
Martin Felton
Hi everyone;
I live in Normandy ( 100km from Deauville )
I have an H van ( to carry 2 horses )I didn’t finish to set-up the van ( horses box ) because I’ll have to sell it.Very nice to build a caravane, ( 2,20m under the roof ).New radiator,just little ,usual,licking oil for H-vans.Gray original paint,little rust and wood on the sides.Petrol,DS engine,63000km.
Regards,
Emmanuel Ortiz
http://www.cheval-photographie.com/
H VAN WANTED PLEASE. PREFERABLY SPLIT SCREEN, WITH ROUND WHEELARCHES AT THE REAR (1960’S) BUT ANYTHING CONSIDERED, IN THE UK OR IN FRANCE. E-MAIL CONTACT FIRST, PLEASE. CASH WAITING.
REGARDS, BRAZ.
Hello,
I’m currently looking for H Van, please contact if you’ve one to sell.
Regards, Chris
hi,i am repairing a l.h.d. 1980 H,Van and in need of a drivers side front door, and a drivers side front nose cone panel{complete in metal}
any help to locate these parts would be appreciated.
regards, steve.
Hi Kevin
I am looking for an H Van,wondering if you have anything in stock
Regards Ian
To everyone who’s left messages and requests here, sorry for not replying – I’ve only just seen them! The bad news is I don’t have any vans or parts for sale. The Good news is I know a man who does! Jeff Winterman of HY Spares is the world’s authority on H vans and lives a few miles from me in Normandy.
He’s got thirty or more H vans at his place and more in Holland and in storage elsewhere, and he can supply just about any part you need – he’s had a lot of scarce parts re-made.
You can get him on 00 44 (0)233 479648 or email jeff@hyspares.com.
His website is http://www.hyspares.com/
For 2CVs and vans, contact Nick at Sutton Cordiner 2CV in the UK on 01509 881804.
Cheers,
k
r u from sudbury if so it’s me mate ‘gordon’ and please get back to let me know.
I’m sure that’s you mate.Would really love to know how things have gone for you but it sounds like you’re happy and in the country allways liked. life is good for me even if it did take some time to sort out. living in wales helping people with drug problems and training to be a counsellor. G
Hi Gordon, thanks for your message, but if you hover over the name of the person you are trying to contact you will see their email address. From there you can contact them directly.
All the best, Craig
I hate to be a sheep but I to are looking for an H van any chance of what is available and prices etc thanks Nigel
anyone got a 2cv van for sale we are in normandy and brittany June/July
Hi, I’m looking for a long wheel base H van for a new catering business, can anyone help?
hi citroen h vans came in a light gold,champagne colour…
would u happen to know the colour and the paint code,kind regards
miles
Am looking for a good condidtion le cube utile, to convert to a mobile coffee shop. Looking at spending around £3000/£5000. Any help would be fantastic.
I have a beautiful citroen H Van for sale or possible lease ready to go as a catering unit. For more info and discussion call Fifi on 01728 720115.
V
hi…am looking for an Hvan camper…..any suggestions? hava a housein Pas-de-calais…next over end October. geoff
Hi there, looking for a H Van for promotional use, body more important than mechanical condition. If you have one, can you let me know. Call me on +44(0)1758720188 or e-mail me.
Best regards
Dafyn
1971 H van nicely converted to a camper van for sale around £5000. lovely comfy leather seats. new piston rings (and one piston), head gasket, points, coil, plug leads, silencer and starter motor. Whople year’s MoT. needs a respray. email for information pipers@homecall.co.uk
Hi, I am looking for a H van for use as a mobile shop. Side hatch preferable but can convert.
If you have one and looking to sell I am looking for one as soon as possble
Gorgeous citroen H van for sale.
Needs to be seen and driven to be appreciated! Lots to tell about this lovely little van call Fifi 07787103508
I’m looking for a restored catering H-Van, anyone selling and how much? Thank you.
I am looking for an H van (preferably long/semi-long).Please email if you have one to sell.
hi,i have an H van im thinking of selling, near Montelimar(south France). drives well,though tires could do with replacing. 1973 horse box. diesel.3 gears.ive been meaning to drive it back to uk for a couple of years, but never seem to find the time…or make the time…am now considering transporting it on a trailer for speed. if you or anyone else is interested , email me on barnymaurice@hotmail.co.uk . thanks.Barny