The Roaring 20’s to the Swinging 60’s and Beyond
Renault History
The 1920s was a time where the people of Europe were throwing off the shackles of shackles of war. There was peace across the continent, and the winds of change were blowing. While Renault was very much in tune with the general feeling, as one of the leading motor industry innovators since the company’s inception in the 1880s, this era of modernisation was nothing new to the French car company.
The early 20th century saw industrialisation revolutionise many industries, particularly the motor vehicle sector. While World War 1 saw most manufacturers putting their efforts into the war, the armistice saw business resume as usual. The years between the wars were a huge leap for Renault. The company moved towards mass production of its vehicles, resulting in the growth of the Boulogne-Ballincourt plant and the creation of a bigger plant on the Ile Seguin – a small island in the River Seine near the town.
The remaining years of the 20th century saw Renault grow from strength to strength as it continued innovate and to create cars that broke the mould in terms of design, technology and practicality.
Renault Reinastella – The 1920s were a decade of boom – post war optimism swept across Europe. And the Reinastella was Renault’s embodiment of this euphoria. Unveiled at the 1928 Paris Motor Show, it was instantly a classic. The long sleek lines, low profiled body and elegance were all synonymous of high end quality cars of the time. The focus was on comfort and luxury, while keeping the price point low enough for this to offer an affordable alternative to Rolls Royce and other exclusive car brands of the time. The sales information at the time read: “Reinastella will easily top 130 km/h, and achieve excellent journey averages. This Pullman of the road is undaunted by the longest journeys, and outclasses the best luxury trains in terms of comfort, speed and safety.”
Renault Reinastella
Renault Juvaquatre – Initially launched at the 1938 Paris Motor Show, this vehicle’s success was somewhat hindered by the outbreak of war. It was conceived as an affordable two door family car with good fuel efficiency, but soon got upgraded to a four door saloon to compete with its counterparts from Citroen and Peugeot. But when the war came production slowed dramatically. After the war, the Juvaquatre was released as a light commercial vehicle and proved to be very popular among tradesmen and as a delivery vehicle.
Renault Juvaquatre
Renault Fourgon 1000kg – The war was over and there was much rebuilding to do in France, and this involved the cooperation of big industry. Renault was tasked with creating vehicles in the 1000kg – 1400kg sector. 1945 saw the birth of the Fourgon, colloquially referred to at the 1000kg. It was designed to be sturdy and powerful, with rear wheel drive with a side mounted engine like its cousin the Primaquatre. Wooden framed bodywork and the tell tale horizontally slatted grille that is still typical of Renault’s today made it highly recognisable around the towns of France.
Renault Fourgon
Renault Colorale – Renault’s range of post war utility vehicles was missing a mid size van, so in 1950 this was remedied. The Colorale was practical, robust and got the job done. Available in a range of models, it was used as a van, taxi, pick up truck and passenger car. Spacious, but simple, the Colorale was the first choice of farmers, traders and craftsmen everywhere.
Renault Colorale
Renault Estafette – The Renault Estafette, released on to the market in 1958, was a breakthrough for Renault and would change the future of all its passenger cars moving forward. Breaking from the traditional rear wheel drive of the past, the Estafette saw the company introduce front wheel drive. It was a stylish but highly practical van with a sliding driver’s door. Modern and suited to the times it was available in a range of models that ranged from passenger van to work horse.
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Renault Estafette
Renault 16 – The 1960s were a time of huge change. Fully recovered from the second world war, there was a reinvention of cultural identities and styles. And so it is no surprise that Renault was leading charge when it came to the automotive industry. Enter the Renault 16. Modern, sassy and unlike anything seen before, this hatchback was to set the trend for its competition in the future. Showcasing the all new die-cast aluminium engine and electric windows, it was to later be fitted with a five speed gearbox, iodine headlights and rear spoiler when it was re-imagined in 1975.
Renault 16
Renault 5 – Perhaps one of the most iconic vehicles to come out of the Renault plant, the 5 was a feat of innovation for the French car company, and was to become the most sold car in France. Fun, funky, affordable and able to adapt to almost any situation it was the car of choice for many.
Renault 17 – The 1970s was a decade of glitz and glamour. Flashy was in, and so too were Renault’s two coupe models, the 15 and the 17. A coupe to lead the way, the Renault 17 was the sporty sister to the 15, which was a much more family orientated design. Zooty, athletic and a real head turner, the 17 had a powerful engine, and the TS version was kitted out with a soft top or removable hard top, and was to be the first ever front wheel drive coupe on the market.
Renault 17
Renault Espace – The 1980s was Renault launch what today we refer to as a people carrier. The company’s first MPV was slow to take off initially, but once it did the Espace proved one of the company’s most popular models. With design that was inspired by the groundbreaking TGV train, the Espace is a monument in French history. Spacious, practical and very popular, it has been reworked and modernised for several generations, and remains one of the most popular models in the company’s history.
Renault Espace
While these models are icons for Renault’s innovation track record, it is the cars of today that really show how the French company has not only continued to set trends, but have also changed the way we drive. From the Clio to the Megane, its Formula 1 and self drive technology, Renault continues to create vehicular history. For more information on the cars of today, visit www.group1renault.com
