French automaker Renault is holding a unique auction on December 7th, offering collectors and enthusiasts a rare opportunity to purchase design artifacts from its secret archives. The sale includes not just full-scale concept cars, but also highly detailed scale models used in the development of some of the company’s most iconic vehicles.
The Significance of Scale Models in Automotive Design
Scale models are not just toys; they’re essential tools in the design process. Before expensive clay models and prototypes are built, designers rely on smaller-scale versions to evaluate proportions, aerodynamics, and aesthetics. These models, often crafted at 1:5 scale for detail and portability, provide a tangible way to refine designs before committing to full production.
What’s Up for Auction?
The auction, curated by Artcurial Motorcars, features approximately 40 wind tunnel and styling mockups spanning from the late 1950s to the early 2010s. Highlights include:
- Early Concepts: A “berline” study from the late 1950s, a sleek coupe from the late 1960s, and a never-produced mid-engined sports car from 1973.
- Iconic Models: Examples of the Renault 4L, Alpine A110, and Twingo.
- Forward-Thinking Designs: The 1988 Megane concept with camera-based mirrors and adaptive suspension, and the 1997 Pangea, a hybrid light commercial vehicle with a detachable trailer.
- Imaginative Visions: The Reinastella, a 1992 flying car concept designed for the distant year 2328.
Recent Designs and Racing Heritage
Renault’s more recent design evolution is also represented, with models such as the 2001 Talisman (not related to the later sedan), the Ellypse minivan, and the Captur concept, which foreshadowed the popular subcompact SUV.
The auction also includes scale models of Formula 1 cars from various eras, featuring drivers like Nigel Mansell, Damon Hill, Fernando Alonso, and Daniel Ricciardo. These miniature racers are expected to fetch between €1,000 and €10,000 depending on their rarity.
Pricing and Future Plans
Most scale models are estimated between €1,000 and €2,000, though some unique pieces may reach €5,000 to €10,000. Full-size concepts are priced between €4,000 and €6,000. Renault’s decision to sell these models comes as the company prepares to open a new brand heritage showcase in Flins-sur-Seine near Paris in 2027.
Renault’s auction is a unique glimpse into the creative process behind some of the most beloved cars in automotive history, offering enthusiasts a chance to own a piece of the automaker’s legacy.
A complete catalog of the auction items is available on Artcurial Motorcars’ official website.
