This miniature of the Renault 11 Taxi from the James Bond film 'Dangerously Yours' (A View to a Kill) represents one of the most spectacular car sequences in the 007 saga. This faithful reproduction captures the iconic moment when the Parisian taxi, literally cut in half during a frantic chase through the streets of Paris, showcases the ingenuity of the special effects of the time.
A true collector's piece for fans of James Bond and French automobiles, this miniature naturally finds its place alongside the iconic vehicles of 1980s action cinema.
Features of the miniature
- Model: Renault 11 Taxi cut in half
- Brand: Renault
- Year: 1985 (film 'Dangerously Yours')
- Scale: 1/43
- Color: Blue with Parisian taxi decoration
- Protective case included: Yes
The Renault 11, urban ambassador of the 80s
Launched in 1983, the Renault 11 embodied the modernity of the diamond brand for the following decade. Developed on the platform of the Renault 9, this three-volume sedan was distinguished by its angular design characterizing the 1980s and technical innovations such as power steering available right from launch.
In its Parisian taxi version, the Renault 11 proudly displayed the traditional blue livery of the capital's taxis, with its distinctive white stripes and bright 'TAXI' on the roof. These vehicles were particularly appreciated by drivers for their spaciousness and sturdiness, essential qualities for intensive urban use.
The commercial success of the Renault 11 was notable, with more than 1.4 million units produced by 1989, confirming its position in the European family sedan market.
Renault in the 1980s: the era of diversification
At the launch of the Renault 11, the French brand was undergoing an ambitious phase of international expansion under the leadership of Bernard Vernier-Palliez. The company was then looking to conquer new markets, particularly in America with the AMC Alliance, while reinforcing its European position.
This time also marked the peak of Renault in Formula 1, where the brand revolutionized the discipline with its turbocharged engines. This sporty and technological image reflected back on the entire civilian range, of which the Renault 11 indirectly benefitted from this innovative aura. The Renault miniatures collection testifies to this rich history of French automobiles.
A legendary car stunt
The chase sequence from 'Dangerously Yours' in the streets of Paris remains one of the most memorable in action cinema history. Rémy Julienne, the famous French stuntman, orchestrated this sequence where James Bond (Roger Moore) and agent Stacey Sutton escape their pursuers in a borrowed Renault 11 taxi.
The most spectacular moment occurs when the taxi, wedged between two vehicles, literally lifts up on two wheels before being 'cut' by a truck in a narrow alleyway. This stunt, achieved without digital effects, required several specially prepared vehicles and weeks of rehearsals in authentic Parisian settings.
The cultural impact of this scene extended far beyond the film, turning this Renault 11 taxi into a symbol of French ingenuity facing the world's most famous British spy. This sequence also contributed to popularizing the image of Parisian taxis internationally, well beyond their function as urban transport.
Even today, this chase is regularly cited by action cinema specialists as a model of narrative efficiency and technical realization, where British humor meets the French know-how of car stunts.
Complete your collection of cinematic miniatures
This Renault 11 taxi naturally finds its place in the world of cinematic vehicle miniatures, alongside other iconic models from the seventh art. It perfectly fits into a collection dedicated to French miniature cars or vehicles from the 1980s.
James Bond saga collectors will particularly appreciate this piece that will sit next to the legendary Aston Martins or other vehicles used by the secret agent. For fans of French automobiles, it ideally completes a collection dedicated to 1980s miniatures, a flourishing period of creativity for the French automotive industry.
This miniature appeals to both experienced collectors and fans of popular cinema, testifying to a time when car stunts relied entirely on the skills of drivers and the ingenuity of preparers, long before the advent of digital effects.
