Renault has decided to auction several of its cars, including Formula 1 race cars and some rather strange concepts that have been forgotten over time.
The “The Renault Icons” auction, organized by Artcurial, includes the 2000 Operandi concept, a minivan with quite unpleasant proportions, featuring a rounded front and short wheelbase.
Designed as a hybrid, the Operandi envisioned the future of delivery vehicles. While electric vans are now common in Europe, nothing as original as the Operandi has ever appeared. The estimated selling price for this model is between $1,000 and $3,000.
While the Operandi remained a dream, the Trafic has long been Renault’s representative in the large van segment. However, in 2004, Renault reimagined the Trafic as an unusual pickup truck, known as the Deck’Up concept.
Although the front design remained the same as the standard Trafic, the van was shortened and widened to give the vehicle a more robust appearance, in addition to receiving all-wheel drive and a small bed.
In terms of design, it features an angular slope at the bottom edge of the side windows and a partially exposed spare tire at the rear.
Although it has a 2.5-liter diesel engine under the hood, it cannot be registered for street use. Those who choose to buy it for their collection will need to spend between $4,600 and $7,000.
The Clio was very popular in Europe, but you probably have never seen this six-wheeled Clio concept.
The concept for a pickup version of the Clio was built by workers at Renault’s factory in Flins, France, as part of their metallurgical training.
Despite its somewhat silly appearance, it would be an interesting car to have in a collection and will be sold for between $3,400 and $7,000.
The auction also includes many other interesting concepts, from the aerodynamic Chausson P.E.R.L.E. of 1989 to a 1997 Renault Espace with a turbine-electric hybrid powertrain prototype and the Evado concept of 1995, which became the first generation of the Laguna station wagon.
Renault race cars are also included in the auction, such as the Renault-Alpine A442 that served as a reserve car in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1978, as well as a pair of race cars driven by the young Carlos Tavares, who later became CEO of Stellantis after orchestrating the merger between Fiat-Chrysler and the PSA Group.
Speaking of race cars, the auction includes a 1983 Renault RE40, driven by Alain Prost, who secured two pole positions in Monaco and Spa, winning the latter.
Other 1980s Renault Formula 1 cars, driven by René Arnoux and Eddie Cheever, are also available. Additionally, there is a 1984 Lotus 95T with the iconic black and gold John Player Special livery, which Elio de Angelis took to second place in the Detroit Grand Prix.
The 1997 Williams-Renault FW19, driven by Heinz-Harald Frentzen, which secured the Constructors’ Championship for Williams that year, is also available for sale.
The auction also includes a series of collectible items, such as a replica of the suit, helmet, and driving shoes from Fernando Alonso’s successful stint at Renault, spare engines from Renault F1 from the 1990s, and scale models of various concept cars.
Aside from the Formula 1 cars, many of the listed items have fairly modest estimated values. Even if you’re not planning on bidding, the auction is still worth checking out, as it offers a chance to learn more about Renault’s long history.
(Photo: Artcurial)[/caption>
Photos: Artcurial. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
