Renault isn’t just selling cars—it’s letting go of automotive time machines and bonkers prototypes as it trims its historic collection for a new Paris museum. As over 800 vehicles get whittled down to 600, the French brand’s upcoming auction isn’t just a garage clear-out. It’s a window into Renault’s wildest ideas, motorsport glories, and some truly oddball genius. Let’s dig into why this matters for car lovers, collectors, and the future of classic motoring.
Why This Matters
- Automotive Heritage on the Block: With more than 90% of lots offered without reserve, rare concepts and championship-winning racers are suddenly within (relative) reach.
- Shift in Classic Car Collecting: Major manufacturers are pruning their collections, creating unique opportunities for enthusiasts—but also raising questions about what’s preserved for future generations.
- Electric Pioneering—Decades Early: Some electric prototypes date back to the 1980s and ‘90s, showing Renault’s EV ambitions long before it was trendy.
What Most People Miss
- It’s Not Just About Value: Sure, a Williams FW19 F1 car (€800k–€1.2m est.) grabs headlines, but the real gems are the one-off conversions and oddities—like a six-wheeled Clio pickup or an electric Renault 4 van.
- The Story Behind Each Car: Many of these vehicles are prototypes, movie props, or have motorsport lineage—like a Laguna BTCC car (missing its engine), or a 1985 Renault 4 F4 van restored and electrified for modern times.
- Concepts That Never Made It: The 2006 Twingo II concept and 2004 Trafic Deck’Up are reminders that not every wild idea hits showrooms—but their existence shows Renault’s willingness to experiment.
Key Takeaways
- Manufacturers Are Rethinking Museum Collections: With space, cost, and relevance in mind, even storied brands are offloading history. Expect others to follow suit.
- Collectors’ Market Shifts: No-reserve lots mean more attainable classics, but also potential losses to private hands or even overseas buyers—raising preservation stakes.
- Electric and Experimental Cars Gain Status: Early EVs and concept cars, often overlooked, now attract serious collector interest as the world pivots to electrification.
Timeline: Renault’s Auctioned Dream Machines
- 1959: Floride/Caravelle launched—Brigitte Bardot in the ad campaign; the auction car starred at Euro Disney’s opening.
- 1975–78: Alpine A442’s Le Mans glory days (and heartbreaks).
- 1980s–90s: Electric concepts (Renault 4 F4, Fior Electrocampus), rally and touring cars, and bizarre prototypes like the six-wheel Clio pickup.
- 2000s: Concepts galore—Twingo II, Trafic Deck’Up, and others showcase Renault’s creative streak.
- 1997: Williams FW19 F1 car—Adrian Newey’s last Williams, a world champion chassis.
Pros & Cons: Renault’s Big Sell-Off
- Pros:
- Rare access for collectors and fans
- Potential to see these cars on the road (or at least in private collections)
- Financial support for future museum projects
- Cons:
- Loss of public access to unique heritage vehicles
- Risk that cars end up neglected or hidden away
- Some lots missing engines or road registration—restoration headaches for buyers
Expert Perspective
“This auction isn’t just about selling metal—it’s a rare chance to own a piece of Renault’s DNA, from the Le Mans paddocks to electric dreams ahead of their time. For historians and enthusiasts, it’s both exciting and bittersweet.”
The Bottom Line
Renault’s auction is a flashpoint for the evolving world of car collecting. The mix of race-bred icons, strange prototypes, and early EVs tells a tale of innovation, risk-taking, and changing values in automotive history. If you’re a collector or just a lover of car culture, this is a moment to watch—and a wake-up call for museums everywhere.