French carmaker Renault is preparing to sell off 100 historically significant vehicles from its own collection to make space for a new exhibition centre the brand is opening near Paris.
The company confirmed that, ahead of the opening of the brand’s new heritage showcase in Flins-sur-Seine, it had partnered with Artcurial Motorcars to organise the auction of these exceptional models which have been selected for their exceptional character and unique history.
But ‘Rellu’ tragics need not throw down their berets in disgust, as the models going under the hammer are vehicles Renault owns several examples of, so other examples will continue to be represented in the new collection.
The initiative has come about because of Renault bringing its collection of historic vehicles, artworks and archive documents together under one roof at a new exhibition centre located at its historic manufacturing site Flins-sur-Seine, near Paris.
Currently undergoing a complete transformation, the historic site will provide a unique showcase from 2027 for all the collections making up Renault’s heritage, and will be the future home of the brand’s collections.
The venue will be open to the public with visitors able to explore the Renault’s 125-year history, including a century of automotive innovation and passion.
As part of the project to create the new showcase, Renault is reorganising its collection of historic vehicles with the aim of keeping 600 iconic and unique models built since 1898, including at least one of each model in its 125-year history.
Artcurial Motorcars are organising the auction of rare Renaults that are surplus to requirements, with the auction due to take place on December 7 in Flins-sur-Seine.
The sale will involve around 100 historic cars from among the more than 800 currently in the Renault collection, as well as a similar number of objects including, models, drivers’ jumpsuits and miscellaneous items.
More than 90 per cent of the lots will be offered without reserve, giving enthusiasts an opportunity to acquire an iconic model steeped in history, or exceptional pieces.
A statement from Renault said the unique sale is part of an approach that seeks to showcase the brand’s heritage, giving collectors and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire an iconic model steeped in history. The cars were selected for their exceptional character and the unique history they represent.
The 100 models making up the selection span over a century of innovation and automotive passion
The Beginnings:
A step back in time with a Type D from 1901, which is still functional, or a rare bus from 1933. These vehicles demonstrate the ingenuity of Louis Renault. The collection workshops will also be presenting replicas of the Type A from 1898 in both ICE and electric versions, built by the collection team in a small number of examples for the brand’s centenary in 1998.
Motorsports:
An exceptional tribute to Formula 1 and the Turbo revolution. As the pioneer of turbocharged engines in Formula 1, Renault Sport made its mark in this discipline by taking up one of the boldest technological challenges in motorsports. As far back as 1977, the first turbocharged F1 vehicle – the celebrated RS01 – shook up the established order, paving the way for a decade of major innovations. After a difficult start, the perseverance of Jean-Pierre Jabouille, René Arnoux, Alain Prost and the entire Renault Sport team paid off in 1979, when Jean-Pierre Jabouille claimed the first victory for a turbocharged F1 car in Dijon, a historic turning point that would inspire all the other manufacturers.
The sale pays tribute to this legendary period with around twenty authentic racing cars from the Turbo years (1981-1985), from the RE27B to the RE60 01B, driven by some of the biggest names of the time: Arnoux, Jabouille, Tambay, Cheever and Prost. The legendary RE40, winner of the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa, embodies Renault’s success in this visionary decade.
Some of the F1 cars will be presented with their original technical notebooks, rare documents retracing the work of the engineers at Viry-Châtillon. Between 1977 and 1985, Renault competed in 123 Grands Prix, claiming 15 victories and 31 pole positions – a pioneering adventure whose bold vision continues to inspire the brand and the world of motorsports.
Endurance:
The iconic Alpine A442, symbol of the Le Mans 24-Hour event, will be presented in a chassis 0 version – the first in the lineage. Driven by the greatest drivers of the time, it made its mark at Imola and at the Nürburgring in 1975 and at Le Mans in 1977. Since then, it has remained in the Renault collection, and is present today in a livery close to that seen at the high-speed trials at the Columbus speed ring in November 1977.
Rallying:
Icons of this discipline, the Maxi Turbo 5 prototype B0 and the Renault 5 GT Turbo Bandama recall Renault’s success in rallying. A vehicle of exceptional authenticity, it still carries traces of red earth from Bandama, a vibrant souvenir of the World Championship with Alain Oreille.
Iconic classics:
The sale also celebrates popular and iconic models from the 4CV to the R5 Police, the Floride “Disney” and the Clio Williams. Restored (in the case of the 4CV) or maintained in superb original condition (in the case of the Clio Williams), some of these cars will be offered with registration documents, a rare opportunity to acquire a piece of history directly from the manufacturer.
Alpine:
Several Alpine models will also be featured, including the exceptional A610 Evolution, the most powerful model ever built, as well as the Alpine V6 Turbo and a mock-up of the A110.
Renault sale to also include around 100 objects, reflecting the brand’s technological and human adventure
Wind tunnel and design mock-ups:
Around 40 wind tunnel, study and design mock-ups, often produced in just a few examples, illustrating the expertise of Renault. They include several iconic models: R4, R5, a pearlescent Supercinq, and an astonishing series of Twingos featuring different finishes. Among the design mock-ups are 1:5 scale concept cars, along with a few rare Formula 1 mock-ups.
Legendary Formula 1 engines and other driver memorabilia:
Motorsports enthusiasts will be drawn by the selection of legendary Formula 1 engines, including an exceptional Renault Elf V6 Turbo EF15, complete with its crate for transport. This was the engine that powered the Lotus driven by Ayrton Senna at the Detroit Grand Prix and during qualifying at Adelaide in 1986. Also on sale are helmets, replica jumpsuits and Renault F1 promotional items, retracing Renault’s finest hours on the racetrack.
Original and rare objects:
Renault is also a brand of boundless creativity. The sale will include a range of surprising objects such as railcars, clocks, boats and prestige mock-ups. They include one of only three known examples of the ‘Reinastella’ flying saucer, produced in partnership with Eurodisney. Symbolising a bygone era, an agency mock-up of a Liberty Ship (circa 1957) for the export of Dauphine vehicles to the United States will also be on show, alongside a 1:20 scale mock-up of a panoramic railcar. Finally, a double-sided Bodet clock from the Flins-sur-Seine factory is a reminder of the golden age of this industrial site.
