Renault is set to auction a remarkable collection of vehicles from its private heritage vault, featuring an eclectic mix of automotive history and innovation. Scheduled for December 7, 2023, near Paris, the auction offers collectors and enthusiasts a rare opportunity to acquire everything from vintage models to groundbreaking prototypes.
Curated by Artcurial Motorcars, the event, dubbed the Renault Icons sale, showcases a rich assortment of cars spanning over a century. Among the highlights are replicas of the 1898 Type A, a freshly restored 1901 Type D, and the 1903 Type G double phaeton. Fast forward to the 1980s, and visitors will find the iconic 1983 Renault 5 alongside a mid-engined Maxi 5 Turbo development prototype from the same year.
The auction includes an array of unique creations, such as a six-wheel pickup based on the 2001 Renault Clio II. Built by factory apprentices, this one-of-a-kind vehicle features a 1.9-liter turbodiesel engine and showcases the innovative spirit of Renault’s craft training programs. For those with a penchant for luxury, an armored 1985 Renault 25 V6 Limousine and the quirky 1986 Renault 21 “Lévy and Goliath” movie car are also available.
Among the collection are several electric vehicle conversions, including models of the original R5, R4, and Twingo. Special Alpines, such as the 1988 GTA V6 Turbo and the rare A610 Evolution Le Mans from 1993, add to the auction’s appeal.
Concept Cars and Motorsport Legends
The auction’s concept car segment is particularly intriguing, with most models dating back to the 2000s and expected to fetch between €3,000 and €6,000. Although these vehicles cannot be registered for road use, they are highly sought after by collectors. Notable entries include the adventurous 2002 Kangoo Break-Up, equipped with two mountain bikes, and the 2004 Trafic Deck-Up, featuring increased ground clearance.
Several concepts evolved into production vehicles, such as the 2004 Modus and the 2005 Clio III RS. Additionally, Renault’s zero-emission innovations are represented by the Kangoo Be Bop van and Fluence sedan, both bearing the now-retired Z.E. badge.
For motorsport enthusiasts, Renault’s extensive collection of rally cars, endurance racers, and over 20 Formula 1 single-seaters is a tantalizing prospect. Highlights include the Alpine A442, a Le Mans-winning car from the 1970s, and the Laguna BTCC car from the 1990s. The most illustrious piece is the 1997 Williams-Renault FW19, the vehicle that helped Jacques Villeneuve secure his championship title, with an estimated auction value between €800,000 and €1,200,000.
The Future of Renault’s Heritage
Renault’s decision to auction these vehicles aligns with its strategy to reorganize its heritage division. The company aims to preserve 600 landmark vehicles that will eventually form the core of a new exhibition center in Flins-sur-Seine, slated to open in 2027. To streamline its collection, Renault plans to sell duplicates while ensuring at least one example of every vehicle produced since 1898 remains in its possession.
In total, the auction will feature 100 vehicles and an additional 100 lots of automobilia, all on display starting December 4 before the auction begins on December 7. Interested buyers can find the complete list of cars, engines, memorabilia, and concept vehicles on the auction’s official website.
This unprecedented event not only offers a glimpse into Renault’s storied past but also provides a unique opportunity for collectors to own a piece of automotive history.
