Renault is set to auction a remarkable collection of vehicles from its exclusive heritage vault, offering automotive enthusiasts and collectors a unique opportunity to acquire pieces of history. The auction, organized by Artcurial Motorcars, will take place on December 7, 2023, just outside Paris, showcasing a diverse lineup that spans over a century of automotive innovation.
At the heart of this event is a curated selection of rare vehicles, including early 1900s models, concept cars, and Formula 1 racers. This initiative marks an extraordinary chance for bidders to purchase items that have been part of Renault’s legacy, some of which have never been available to the public before.
Diverse Lineup of Historic and Concept Cars
The collection features notable entries such as a replica of the 1898 Type A, a newly restored 1901 Type D, and a double phaeton Type G from 1903. Fast-forwarding to the 1980s, bidders will find a 1983 Renault 5 alongside a mid-engined Maxi 5 Turbo development prototype from the same year.
One of the most intriguing items is a six-wheel pickup based on the 2001 Renault Clio II, crafted by factory apprentices. This unique vehicle, powered by a 1.9-liter turbodiesel, showcases innovation while serving as a testament to Renault’s apprenticeship program. Among the more extravagant offerings is an armored **1985 Renault 25 V6 Limousine** and the 1986 “Lévy and Goliath” movie car, which features twelve doors and a distinct elevated driver’s seat.
Additionally, Renault is parting with electric vehicle conversions of its classic models, including the original R5, R4, and Twingo, as well as several special Alpines like the 1988 GTA V6 Turbo and the rare A610 Evolution Le Mans from 1993.
Concept Cars and Motorsport Treasures
The auction also highlights a series of concept vehicles, primarily from the 2000s, with expected bids ranging between €3,000 and €6,000. These concepts, while visually striking, cannot be legally registered for road use, adding to their appeal as collector’s items. Among the collection are adventurous models like the 2002 Kango Break-Up, which accommodates two mountain bikes, and the 2004 Trafic Deck-Up, designed for enhanced off-road capability.
Renault’s motorsport heritage is impressively represented, featuring a rich assortment of rally cars, endurance racers, and over twenty Formula 1 single-seaters. Iconic pieces include the Alpine A442, which won the Le Mans 24 Hours in the 1970s, and the Laguna BTCC car from the 1990s.
The star of the auction is the 1997 Williams-Renault FW19, driven by Jacques Villeneuve to his championship title. This historic vehicle is anticipated to fetch between €800,000 and €1,200,000. Other older Renault-powered single-seaters from the 1980s are valued between €200,000 and €800,000, while display models are priced lower, around €20,000 to €30,000.
Renault’s decision to auction these vehicles is part of a strategic move to reorganize its heritage division. The company aims to preserve a collection of 600 landmark vehicles to serve as the foundation for a new exhibition center in Flins-sur-Seine, set to open in 2027. This auction will feature approximately 100 vehicles and an additional 100 lots of automobilia, all of which will be on public display starting from December 4.
For those interested in participating in this once-in-a-lifetime auction, a full list of vehicles and memorabilia is available on the official auction site. The opportunity to own a piece of Renault’s storied history is one that many collectors will not want to miss.
