Renault Estafette Model car - Collection in Stock
30,00 € / Renault estafette van 60 grise tôlé et avec toit bas - CITY référence CV004BLow Stock (1)
![Renault Estafette 60 Microcar Low Roof Gray]()
25,00 € / Renault Estafette blue and yellow MICHELIN from 1962 (Solido reference 82106)Low Stock (1)
![Renault estafette jaune orangée et rouge SHELL]()
![Orange Renault Estafette from 1962]()
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In the Miniatures Journal, I share the history of your favorite models and brands. Over 100 articles, podcasts, and videos to help you learn more about the miniature cars you collect. You'll find anecdotes about specific models, brands, and eras.
Discover the Miniatures JournalDiscover the Renault Estafette Model car collection
Welcome to the fascinating world of Renault Estafette Model cars , where each model tells the story of a utility vehicle that has influenced several generations of French people. This collection presents a carefully chosen selection of faithful reproductions of this iconic van, a witness to the industrial and social evolution of France from the 1960s to the 1980s.
A specialist dealer at your service
As a specialist car model dealer, I offer a representative selection of Renault Estafette model cars currently available in stock. This collection does not claim to be exhaustive, but it faithfully reflects the models I was able to obtain and which are available for sale today.
The collection is regularly updated based on arrivals and market opportunities. You will mainly find models in 1/43rd scale, the reference format for collectors, but also some remarkable pieces in 1/24th and 1/18th for those who appreciate more imposing details. A few models in HO scale (1/87th) complete this offer for model railway enthusiasts.
Each Model is available in limited quantities , usually only 1 or 2 pieces. This relative rarity guarantees the exclusivity of your purchase and reflects the reality of the collectible Model market. All the models you discover in this selection are actually in stock and ready to join your collection.
What you will find in this collection
This collection of Renault Estafette Model cars invites you to explore the different versions of this versatile vehicle. You will discover utility versions in their original liveries, advertising vehicles in the colors of emblematic companies, as well as specialized versions such as ambulances and emergency vehicles .
Fans of Post Office and EDF vehicles will find particularly sought-after models, witnesses to the era when Post Office and Electricité de France used the Estafette extensively for their rounds. Collectors with a passion for public services will also be seduced by the diversity of liveries on offer.
The history of the Renault Estafette
Launched in 1959, the Renault Estafette revolutionized the world of light commercial vehicles. Designed by Renault engineers under the direction of Pierre Dreyfus, it stood out for its avant-garde architecture, with an engine positioned under the floor, thus freeing up maximum loading space. This technical innovation optimized the usable volume while maintaining compact exterior dimensions.
Produced at the Renault plant in Batilly until 1980, the Estafette enjoyed remarkable commercial success, with over 530,000 units manufactured. It quickly became the preferred work tool for French craftsmen, traders, and government departments. Its exceptional versatility allowed it to adapt to all professions: delivery, passenger transport, emergency vehicle, or even recreational motorhome.
The Estafette accompanied the Trente Glorieuses , this period of exceptional economic growth in post-war France. It actively participated in the modernization of the country, transporting goods and people in a society undergoing rapid transformation. Its functional design and reliability made it a symbol of this era of optimism and prosperity.
A striking anecdote
The Estafette has made an unexpected mark on French cultural history. In 1968, during the May events, many Estafettes were requisitioned or used spontaneously to transport students and protesters. Their ability to quickly carry several people made them the vehicles of protest , circulating between universities and gathering places.
Even more surprising, in the 1970s, the Estafette became the emblem of the French hippie movement . Transformed into travel vehicles, decorated with psychedelic paintings, they transported an entire generation to music festivals and alternative communities. This unexpected reconversion of a utility vehicle into a symbol of freedom testifies to the Estafette's adaptability and its anchoring in the French collective imagination.
The Estafette also inspired French cinema. It appeared in numerous films from the 1960s and 1970s, often as a vehicle for popular characters : friendly craftsmen, resourceful delivery men, or large families on vacation. This cinematic presence helped anchor the Estafette in the collective memory as a witness to a bygone era.
Complete your Model collection
Renault Estafette Model cars occupy a special place in the world of French automotive Models. They fit perfectly into collections dedicated to light commercial vehicles and are an ideal complement to more general Renault collections.
For collectors passionate about French automobiles from the 1960s and 1970s , the Estafette represents an authentic witness to this period. It harmoniously interacts with the sedans and estates of the time, creating coherent dioramas that tell the story of French mobility.
Fans of thematic Models will find the Estafette a versatile model that enriches many types of collections. Whether used for trade vehicles, public transport, or advertising vehicles, the Estafette brings a touch of authenticity and nostalgia. Its presence in a collection demonstrates a knowledge of French automotive history and a commitment to popular vehicles.
The perfect gift idea
A Renault Estafette Model car makes an original and meaningful gift. For a birthday, it evokes childhood memories for those who grew up with this familiar vehicle in the urban landscape. On Father's Day, it honors a generation of men who worked with these reliable and robust vans.
This Christmas, giving a Model Estafette is a way of passing on a piece of French history to young people, allowing them to discover a vehicle that shaped the daily lives of their elders. It's also a gift that will please car enthusiasts, whether they are seasoned collectors or simply lovers of authentic objects.
Features of our products
- Each product is sold with its base and protective box.
- Made of metal (alloy) for optimum durability
- Faithful reproduction of the original model with attention to detail
- Package carefully packaged and protected for secure transport
- Quality finishes respecting period colors and markings
- Documentation provided for some models
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A little-known story that reveals why this small utility vehicle revolutionized French transport in the 1960s
Did You Know? Anecdotes and Curiosities about our Miniatures
Why is the Renault Estafette so popular in model car?
The Renault Estafette, produced from 1959 to 1980, has achieved cult status thanks to its unique design and iconic role in French culture. In model car, it captivates with its characteristic rounded shapes and faithful representation of the French artisanal spirit of the 1960s and 1970s.
What is the technical particularity of the real Estafette reproduced in the model cars?
The Estafette was revolutionary in that its engine was located under the floor between the axles, a rare configuration called 'mid-engine'. This feature allowed for a completely flat floor, a detail often faithfully reproduced on high-end model cars.
How many different versions of Estafette can be found in model car?
Collectors can find the Estafette in many variations: van, pickup truck, camper van, fire brigade version, ambulance, and even special versions like the French Post Office. Each manufacturer generally offers 3 to 8 different variants.
Who are the most reputable manufacturers of Estafette model cars?
Dinky Toys was the pioneer with its 563 model in 1960, followed by Solido, Norev, and more recently Eligor. Original Dinky Toys versions are particularly sought after, fetching up to €200-300 in perfect condition with their original box.
Is there a particular anecdote about the Estafette that interests collectors?
The Estafette was nicknamed 'Patinette' by its users because of its distinctive handling. This affectionate nickname is sometimes engraved or printed on certain collector model cars, creating a strong emotional connection with buyers who knew the original.






















































































































