René Bonnet Model cars - Collection Available in Stock

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Illustration Voitures Rétros Vintage France
The mysterious red jet of Charles de Gaulle

A little-known automotive story that reveals why this French brand made its mark on the racetracks before disappearing into the shadow of its more famous rivals.

Did You Know? Anecdotes and Curiosities about our Miniatures

Who was René Bonnet and why is he famous in the French automobile industry?

René Bonnet was a French car manufacturer who founded his own brand in 1962 after leaving DB (Deutsch-Bonnet). He is famous for his small, lightweight, and aerodynamic sports cars, including the Djet, which was the first French sports car with a rear mid-engine.

What is the revolutionary technical feature of the René Bonnet Djet?

The Djet was revolutionary because it adopted a mid-rear engine architecture, a first for a production French sports car. This configuration, inspired by racing cars, offered excellent weight balance and exceptional handling for the time.

How many René Bonnet cars were produced in total?

René Bonnet's total production was very limited, with around 1,500 examples produced between 1962 and 1965. This rarity makes these cars highly sought after by collectors today and explains the value of model cars representing these models.

What is the link between René Bonnet and the Matra brand?

In 1965, René Bonnet ran into financial difficulties and the brand was bought by Matra. René Bonnet models, notably the Djet, were then rebadged Matra-Bonnet and then simply Matra, giving rise to the famous Matra Djet line and later the Matra Bagheera.

Why are René Bonnet model cars particularly popular with collectors?

René Bonnet model cars are highly sought after because they represent extremely rare and historically significant cars. Few manufacturers produced these scale models, and they reflect a pivotal era in French sports cars, just before Matra's entry into the field.