Renault is Releasing Its Hidden Treasures, and the Concept Cars Within Are Incredible | Carscoops

      A unique auction is set to unveil Renault’s heritage vault, featuring a wide array of items from 1890s replicas to 2000s concepts and racing vehicles.

      Renault is making available dozens of vehicles from its private heritage collection. The assortment includes cars from the early 1900s, film props, concept vehicles, and F1 racers. All items will be auctioned on December 7 near Paris, where they will be fully displayed.

      Renault is opening up its well-protected heritage vault not just for a rare viewing, but more enticingly, for the opportunity to purchase a wealth of concept cars, racing machines, prototypes, and unique creations.

      Organized by Artcurial Motorcars, the Renault Icons auction on December 7, just outside Paris, gives the impression that an entire museum has been transported into an auction space.

      Additionally, the collection features scale models, which will be auctioned separately. Early highlights from Renault’s history comprise a replica of the 1898 Type A, a recently restored 1901 Type D, and a 1903 Type G double phaeton.

      Fast forward nearly a century, and you will find a 1983 Renault 5 next to a mid-engine Maxi 5 Turbo development prototype from the same year.

      One of the more intriguing items available is a six-wheel pickup based on the 2001 Renault Clio II supermini, resembling something created by AI, yet very much real, crafted by factory apprentices to improve their metalworking abilities. A 1.9-liter turbodiesel powers it, though the vehicle is restricted to low speeds.

      For those inclined toward luxury and a touch of eccentricity, there’s a 1985 armored Renault 25 V6 Limousine by Heuliez, and the 1986 Renault 21 “Lévy and Goliath” movie car that boasts twelve doors and a raised driver's position, which feels like a mix between a limo and a watchtower.

      Renault is also selling electric conversions of classic models such as the original R5, R4, Twingo, and Clio, along with special versions of Alpines, including the 1988 GTA V6 Turbo and the rare 1993 A610 Evolution Le Mans.

      The most captivating (and colorful) portion of the auction is the collection of concept vehicles. Most are from the 2000s and are anticipated to sell for between €3,000 and €6,000 ($3,500–$7,000). Although they would make a stunning display, none can be legally registered for road use.

      It is uncertain if components from certain concepts could be retrofitted to compatible production models with existing VINs, but some collectors may be tempted to try, even if it risks compromising the originality that makes these vehicles exceptional.

      The lineup consists of two LCV-based concepts with an adventurous theme: the 2002 Kango Break-Up equipped with two mountain bikes in the back, and the 2004 Trafic Deck-Up that has higher ground clearance and a permanent AWD system.

      Among the concepts that transitioned into production vehicles are the 2004 Modus subcompact minivan, the 2005 Clio III RS hot hatch, the 2006 Twingo II city car, the 2007 Clio III Gran Tour subcompact estate, the 2007 Kangoo Compact LCV, and the 2016 Alaskan pickup concept. There is also the 2006 Renault Logan Steppe, which was later sold under the Dacia brand.

      Renault's zero-emission projects are included as well, showcasing the Kangoo Be Bop van and the 2009 Fluence sedan, both bearing the now-defunct Z.E. badge. For something with a bit more thrill, the Renault Spider roadster is available in both roadgoing prototype and Trophy racing versions.

      For motorsport enthusiasts, Renault's extensive inventory of rally cars, endurance racers, and no less than 20 Formula 1 single-seaters will be of great interest, many still showing signs of their racing history. Notable entries include the Le Mans-winning Alpine A442 from the 1970s and the Laguna BTCC car from the 1990s.

      Some may also find value in replicas like the widebody 1996 Megane Maxi or static display items such as the Megane III V6 Trophy, which is being sold with spare body panels that may cost less than a new set of winter tires.

      Additionally, Renault is parting with a remarkable collection of single-seaters and memorabilia from Formula 1, including flight cases filled with original computers, helmets, and race suits, as well as full-size promotional chassis.

      The standout item is the 1997 Williams-Renault FW19, the car that helped Jacques Villeneuve secure his championship title, with an expected auction price of between €800,000 and €1,200,000 ($930,000–$1