Renault Is Auctioning Off a Treasure Trove of 100 Cars This Winter
You could drive away with a piece of Renault’s rich history this winter.
The French automaker is teaming up with French auction house Artcurial for a landmark sale this December. The auction, which will fittingly be held at the Renault factory in Flins-sur-Seine, will feature 100 vehicles that have shaped the storied, century-old marque.
Brothers Louis, Marcel, and Fernand Renault established their eponymous nameplate in 1899. Louis, an engineer, actually built the first official Renault, the Voiturette, or “little car” in English, a year prior, in 1898, following up the initial Type A with more variants (Type B, C, D, E, F, and G) in the subsequent five years. The Type A notched a few wins in racing events and helped put Renault on the map. The automaker has consistently driven forward the automotive industry, introducing groundbreaking innovations from direct-drive transmission to disc brakes to push-button start. Renault remains a pioneer in the industry, contributing to the growing electric revolution. It has also become a force in motorsport, enjoying success in Formula 1 and other racing series.
Models of some of Renault’s concept cars.
Ferreira Flora
The vehicles in the upcoming auction are steeped in that history. The lots range from rare prototypes to influential road cars to high-octane track beasts, including 20 F1 single-seaters that have competed in the World Championship. Renault says all are entirely new to the market, making them particularly attractive to collectors. Highlights include a 1983 RE40 racer and a 1975 Alpine A442 prototype. (No estimates have been given yet.) The sale will also feature automotive memorabilia, including F1 engines, models, and mock-ups.
The auction came about because Renault is in the process of preserving 600 of its most iconic models for a new museum. It plans to keep at least one example of every vehicle produced since 1898, but will put any duplicates up for sale. The private collection will be showcased to the public in the new exhibition space. Set to open in 2027, the museum is located about 25 miles from Paris in Flins, which is the birthplace of the Dauphine, the Renault 5, four generations of Clio, and the Zoe EV.
The Renault Icons auction will take place live in Flins on December 7.
Click here to see more photos of the Renault Icons auction highlights.
