Renault Classic
| Company type | Division |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive heritage and preservation |
| Predecessor | Renault Histoire et Collection |
| Founded | mid-1980s |
| Headquarters | Plessis-Robinson and Flins , France |
| Products | Conservation, restoration, exhibition of historic Renault vehicles |
Number of employees | 13 |
Renault Classic functions as a specialized unit within Renault's Marketing and Communications division, focused on the conservation, restoration, and exhibition of Renault's historic automobiles. Originating in the mid-1980s and rebranded in 2011 from its former name Renault Histoire et Collection, this department is based in both Plessis-Robinson and the Flins manufacturing site in France.
Operations
The Renault Classic workforce consists of 13 staff members divided between two main sectors: five professionals dedicated to communications at Plessis-Robinson and eight technicians stationed at Flins. In 2013 alone, the team organized approximately 120 events, showcasing close to 500 vehicles to an audience exceeding 3.4 million attendees.
Role and Strategy
The mission of Renault Classic centers on preserving the brand’s legacy by maintaining and presenting historic vehicles at prominent occasions such as the World Series by Renault, Le Mans Classic, Goodwood Festival of Speed, and Mondial de l’Automobile. Restoration and upkeep of cars—from early models to Formula 1 racing machines—are managed by the technical crew at Flins. Meanwhile, the Plessis-Robinson office oversees engagement with fan clubs and coordinates event participation. Collaboration with seasoned drivers like Jean Ragnotti and volunteers further amplifies the department’s presence at these gatherings.
The Collection
Renault Classic maintains a comprehensive archive comprising over 740 vehicles that chronicle the company’s evolution since 1898. The assortment features legendary models including the Marne Taxis, NN, Juvaquatre, 4CV, Floride, Estafette, Renault 4, and Renault 5, complemented by concept cars and rare items such as a metro carriage adapted with wheels, buses, locomotives, a panoramic train, and a WWI FT tank—highlighting more than a century of Renault innovation.
Supporting this vast collection are extensive documentary archives containing thousands of shelving units filled with materials, alongside more than 3,200 scale miniatures and toys, approximately 2,200 posters, 270 pedal cars and scale replicas, plus assorted memorabilia.
Renault Classic actively promotes this heritage throughout Europe via exhibitions, motor shows, historic racing events, and sporting occasions to sustain brand awareness and celebrate automotive history.
See also
Bibliography
Renault La collection, Antoine Pascal, éditions EPA