Renault Reinastella
| Industry | Automotive |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1899 |
| Founder | Louis Renault |
| Headquarters | Boulogne-Billancourt , France |
| Products | Automobiles |
The Renault Reinastella represents a luxury vehicle manufactured by the French automaker Renault between 1929 and 1933. Conceived by the Milanese industrial designer Gianni Reina, the Reinastella marked Renault’s foray into the upscale luxury automobile segment. Initially presented as the Renault Renahuit at the 1928 Paris Motor Show, it was the inaugural model in Renault's Stella series, created to rival prestigious marques like Rolls-Royce, Hispano-Suiza, and Cadillac. The Stella lineup was recognized by a distinctive star emblem on the radiator grille, inspired by the Latin term for "star," while the Spanish word "reina" translates to "queen."
Measuring 5.3 meters in length and 2 meters across, the Reinastella was Renault’s largest vehicle upon release, tipping the scales at around 2.5 tons. It was equipped with an innovative 7.1-liter straight-eight engine producing , and it was Renault’s first model to feature a front-positioned radiator, establishing a design trend for subsequent vehicles.
The Reinastella was available in several body configurations, including closed sedans and town cars, with coachbuilding executed by prominent French ateliers known for their luxurious craftsmanship. These versions remained in production until 1931.
Amidst the economic difficulties of the Great Depression, Renault launched the lighter and more fuel-efficient Reinasport coupé in 1933 to better challenge luxury offerings from British and American manufacturers.
In Francophone regions, the Reinastella became a symbol of affluence and status comparable to the esteem held by Rolls-Royce in English-speaking markets. Its cultural impact is evidenced by appearances in popular media such as the The Adventures of Tintin comic series.
Due to its extensive aluminum components, many Stella models were recycled during World War II, resulting in only a few hundred surviving examples today, most of which are housed in museums.
The Reinastella name was resurrected for a flying car prototype revealed in 1992 at Disneyland Park Paris, supported by Renault until 2002; this prototype continues to be exhibited at select automotive events across Europe.