Renault Type AX Bordeaux 1908
Scale: 1/43
Box tarnished and scratched
PLEASE NOTE: the first image is a computer-generated render and may not exactly match the vehicle in this listing, so please check the photos that follow it.
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Get it between Tuesday 17 and Wednesday 18 November
This 1908 Renault Type AX miniature is one of the most iconic models from the dawn of the French automotive industry. Faithfully reproduced at 1/43 scale, this collector's piece captures with precision the elegance and technical innovation that defined this revolutionary car of the early 20th century.
Designed for discerning collectors and vintage car enthusiasts, this Renault Type AX miniature is an authentic tribute to French ingenuity in automotive engineering. It naturally finds its place in any collection dedicated to Renault model cars or historic vehicles.
The Renault Type AX was launched in 1908 amid a wave of technological ferment, when the French automotive industry was competing fiercely with its European counterparts. This car marked a decisive step in the evolution of automotive construction techniques, notably through the adoption of mechanical innovations that would become industry standards.
The original vehicle stood out for its water-cooled twin-cylinder engine producing 8 horsepower, and its shaft drive, a remarkable technical novelty for the time. Its elegant bodywork, typical of the Belle Époque style, combined functionality and aesthetics, foreshadowing the styling codes that would characterize prestige vintage model cars.
The commercial success of the Type AX did much to build Renault's emerging reputation in the European car market, paving the way for the brand's future developments under the diamond logo.
In 1908, Renault was still a young company, founded just nine years earlier by brothers Louis, Marcel and Fernand Renault. The Billancourt company was then experiencing remarkable growth, evolving from a craft workshop into a true industrial manufacturing plant. This period marked the golden age of French automotive innovation, when national manufacturers vied with one another in ingenuity.
Louis Renault, a visionary and brilliant engineer, was already developing the technical concepts that would make the brand famous: the shaft drive, water-cooled engines, and a modern industrial approach to car production. This industrial philosophy is perfectly reflected in classic model cars that carry on the legacy of these pioneering innovations.
The Type AX embodied this drive for technical excellence and Renault's ambition to democratize the automobile while maintaining high quality standards, foreshadowing the strategy that would define the brand throughout the 20th century.
The history of the Renault Type AX is inseparable from the saga of the first motorized Parisian taxis. Indeed, as early as 1909, many vehicles built on this technical platform were converted into hire cars, revolutionizing urban transport in Paris. These "mechanical cabs" gradually replaced the traditional horse-drawn cabs, marking a major societal shift.
A delightful anecdote tells of how, in 1910, a taxi driver using a modified Type AX managed to cross Paris from Montmartre to Montparnasse in under thirty minutes, a feat that caused a sensation in the press of the day. This performance demonstrated the reliability and remarkable performance of the model, qualities that appealed as much to professionals as to wealthy private owners.
Even more surprisingly, some Type AXs took part in the first automobile races organized in the Bois de Boulogne. Although they were not racing cars as such, their participation reflected the popular enthusiasm for this new form of mobility. These society events drew the Tout-Paris of the Belle Époque, helping to forge the legend of the French automobile.
This cultural and social dimension explains why collectors today so passionately seek out faithful reproductions of these legendary vehicles, as shown by the popularity of 1910s model cars.
This 1908 Renault Type AX holds a prime place in the world of historic die-cast model cars. It fits perfectly into thematic collections devoted to the pioneers of French motoring, alongside other iconic models from the heroic era of motorization.
Collectors will particularly appreciate how it complements other vehicles from the Belle Époque, notably Peugeot model cars from the same period or Citroën models from the early decades of the 20th century. This synergy makes it possible to recreate a coherent panorama of the emerging French automotive industry.
Aimed at both seasoned collectors and automotive history enthusiasts, this miniature is also an excellent entry point into the world of 1/43 scale miniatures. Its documentary value and aesthetic appeal make it an essential collectible for anyone who wants to understand and celebrate the origins of the French automotive adventure.
Stephane Bazille
14 November 2026
Always delivered within the agreed deadlines, well-packaged and protected materials. Nothing negative to report. A constantly renewed range that, despite the intention to remain cautious, always finds new temptations...
Claude Lang
13 November 2026
I placed my second order and everything went smoothly, delivery without issues, items in good condition, and delivered on time. After this second order, I can only recommend the site to Bernardminiature, a serious person. Top delivery, thanks again to him and good for a next order.
Serge PINSON
12 November 2026
In addition to the fact that the 1/43 miniatures received are perfectly in line with the photographs and my expectations and are of great finesse, they arrived very quickly (I was even informed of the shipment) and very carefully packaged. Very satisfied, I placed a new order with Bernard Miniatures, a seller I recommend for their selection and reliability.
The scale is the reduction ratio between the real car and the model. At 1:43 scale, for example, every centimetre of the model represents 43 centimetres of the real vehicle.
In practice, a 1:18 Ferrari model is about 25–30 cm long, while at 1:43 it measures roughly 10 cm.
Our model cars mainly come in 1:43, 1:24, 1:18 and 1:87 (HO) scale. The scale is always listed on the product page.
The smaller the second number, the bigger the model (e.g. 1:18 is larger than 1:43).
Yes, every model car ships in its protective box. The box preserves its collector value and protects your model from dust and knocks.
We pack every order with great care: bubble wrap, snug padding and polystyrene. Your model car is fully secured on its way to you.
In-stock items ship within 24–48h. Allow 2–3 business days for mainland France with Colissimo, or 4–5 days with Mondial Relay.
I can't say exactly when new stock will arrive, as it comes in a trickle. Feel free to contact me and I'll let you know as soon as it's available.