Citroën DS Safari Cameramobil(1:43, Matrix Scale Models)

modelcar Citroën DS Safari Cameramobil produced by Matrix Scale Models 1:43

Original:
Citroën DS Safari Cameramobil (from 1963)
Model producer:
Matrix Scale Models
Scale:
1:43
Motorized:
Showcase model / No engine
Material:
resin
Color:
Grün/Weiß
Source:
online dealer
Condition:
Perfect mint condition
Packaging:
Original packaging exists
For sale:
Not for sale

Limited #131 of 400

modelcar Citroën DS Safari Cameramobil produced by Matrix Scale Models 1:43 2

Historical background of the Citroën camera car

The prototype for this miniature is the conversion based on the wagon “Safari/Break”, the Citroën DS Safari Cameramobil, a retrofit of the DS series. The DS is a milestone of European car design. It belongs to the 1st generation of DS cars and was produced from 1955 until 1975. The wagon version “Safari” arrived in 1958 and, with a longer wheelbase, beefed-up rear axle and larger cargo area, offered a especially sturdy platform for uses like ambulances, service vehicles or camera cars. Compared with the earlier Citroën Traction Avant, the Citroën DS used front-wheel drive, a unibody construction and — most importantly — a hydropneumatic suspension. That suspension with pressure accumulators allowed constant ride height, self-leveling and very smooth movement — a big plus for shooting with moving cameras. Other tech specs of the real car: front disc brakes (a novelty at introduction), a transverse-mounted inline-four with 1.9 to 2.3 liters (116 to 140 cubic inches) displacement and a semi-automatic “Hydraulique” gearbox that hydraulically controlled the clutch. In the later years many DSs got the well-known steerable headlights that light into corners — a feature camera cars often had too because it helped with night exterior shoots.

modelcar Citroën DS Safari Cameramobil produced by Matrix Scale Models 1:43 3

Modifications and use of the BBC camera vehicle

For camera work, broadcasters like the BBC made typical mods to make a Citroën DS Safari Cameramobil. The hydropneumatic suspension was a great base for putting a rotating, tilting camera platform on the roof plus a seat for the operator. That let them do 360° pans and very stable low-speed moves. Multiple radio antennas handled audio and comms, while a separate single-axle trailer was often used as a power source or for extra kit like cable reels. The pictured setup in British livery with the “BBC tv” lettering matches the look of many outside broadcasts from the early 1970s; the British plate with an M suffix puts the real example around 1973/1974. The Citroën DS Safari Cameramobil generally kept the DS’s basic tech intact: front-wheel drive, disc brakes and the hydropneumatic system with high-pressure pump helped keep ground clearance under extra load. The wagon’s roomy doors and low load lip made stowing tripods, cables and camera gear easier — back then that equipment still weighed a lot.

modelcar Citroën DS Safari Cameramobil produced by Matrix Scale Models 1:43 4

The model in viper64’s collection: details at 1/43 scale

The pictured model car in 1/43 scale from Matrix Scale Models shows that exact BBC vehicle as a Citroën DS Safari Cameramobil. It’s part of model collector viper64’s collection. The body is made of resin, which allows crisp edges and thin, delicate parts; explicitly, the model is made from resin. Notable is the two-tone paint: a dark green body with a light roof and a blue side panel that neatly carries the “BBC tv” logo. On the roof there’s a diamond-plate platform with a rotating camera mount, operator seat and cabling. Several vertical antennas are mounted on the sides; the front wings have two large exterior mirrors. The front shows the late-DS look with wide headlight lenses and a chrome bumper. From above you can see the camera wiring and the open operator’s seat. At the rear there’s a tow hitch with a single-axle trailer in the two-tone green/beige scheme; it has taillights and two small windows. The hubcaps are chrome, the trim strips are present all around, and the license plate “UCY 557M” is reproduced to scale. This 1/43 scale model from Matrix Scale Models was limited to 400 pieces worldwide — this example is one of them, which is clearly noted for collectors.

modelcar Citroën DS Safari Cameramobil produced by Matrix Scale Models 1:43 5

Build quality, scale accuracy and collector appeal

Using resin lets this Citroën DS Safari Cameramobil capture the long roofline of the Safari and the DS’s distinctive front end cleanly. The fine antennas, the side mirror mounts and the rooftop camera are mounted delicately; the cable runs are shown separately and emphasize the technical vibe of an outside-broadcast vehicle. Inside you can make out blue seats and the wide DS dashboard on the photos. The printing — especially the “BBC tv” logos and the black rubber trim — is nicely positioned. The trailer is fitted with lights and a jockey wheel and completes the look you’d expect from historic OB vans. For collectors focused on service and media vehicles, this model is a great niche item: DS tech plus TV equipment is a neat combo. Made by Matrix Scale Models as a small-run resin piece, it fits well in themed display cases thanks to the authentic BBC livery and the extra trailer. The piece in viper64’s collection shows how well the DS’s long lines translate to miniature. The clear chrome trim, mirror placement and proportionate camera rig give a factual, convincing representation of the Citroën DS Safari Cameramobil that sits nicely in a 1/43 display.

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