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A French sports icon in model car
The blue 1971 Renault 12 Gordini perfectly embodies the French sporting spirit of the 1970s. This 1:43 scale model accurately captures the elegant lines and bold character of this high-performance sedan, which left a profound mark on French automotive history. A true collector's item, it is a testament to the golden age of affordable sports cars.
This faithful reproduction is aimed at French car enthusiasts and discerning collectors who wish to own a symbol of Renault's technical excellence from the 1970s . The meticulous workmanship and attention to detail make this model car a must-have for any model car enthusiast.
Characteristics of the model car
- Model: Renault 12 Gordini
- Brand: Renault
- Year: 1971
- Scale: 1/43rd
- Color: Gordini Blue
- Protective case included: Yes
The history of the Renault 12 Gordini
Launched in 1971, the Renault 12 Gordini was born from the Régie's desire to offer a sporty version of its most popular family saloon. Developed in collaboration with Amédée Gordini, the "wizard of Courbevoie," this high-performance version boasted a 1300cc engine developing 113 horsepower, a remarkable output for the time.
The car stands out with its blue decorative stripes , light alloy wheels and sporty interior with bucket seats. With its 5-speed gearbox and remarkable performance (175 km/h top speed), it competes directly with the German and Italian benchmarks in the segment.
Commercial success was immediate, with the Renault 12 Gordini establishing itself as the benchmark French sports car of the 1970s, attracting a young and dynamic clientele in search of performance and French elegance.
Renault and the Gordini sporting heritage
In 1971, Renault was undergoing a period of remarkable expansion and technical innovation. The diamond brand, then a public company, invested heavily in motorsport and developed an extensive range of mass-market vehicles. This period corresponded to the height of the collaboration with Amédée Gordini , a legendary figure in French tuning.
Founded in 1898 by Louis Renault, the brand gradually established itself as a major player in the French automotive industry. In the 1960s and 1970s, under the leadership of Pierre Dreyfus, Renault modernized its range and focused on technological innovation. The Gordini models then represented the brand's sporting excellence, combining French performance and reliability in a context of fierce European competition.
A legend born on the circuit
The history of the Renault 12 Gordini is inseparable from that of Amédée Gordini , nicknamed "the wizard of Courbevoie". This passionate engineer, of Italian origin, revolutionized the French approach to automobile preparation. His Courbevoie workshops quickly became the temple of French performance, attracting professional drivers and enlightened amateurs.
The Gordini's distinctive blue color originates from a delightful anecdote: lacking the budget to afford the traditional Ferrari red paint job, Gordini opted for an economical blue that would eventually become his signature look. This particular shade, dubbed "Gordini blue," has endured for decades and remains synonymous with French sporting excellence today.
On the track, Renaults prepared by Gordini racked up victories in the 1950s and 1960s, notably at Le Mans and in Formula 1. This racing expertise is naturally found in the road versions, making each Gordini a true concentration of competition technology adapted to everyday use.
The Renault 12 Gordini marks the culmination of this philosophy: combining racing performance and bourgeois comfort , thus democratizing access to sporting sensations for a wider clientele who dreamed of speed without giving up family practicality.
Complete your collection of French model cars
This Renault 12 Gordini naturally finds its place at the heart of a collection dedicated to French sports cars of the 70s. It harmonizes perfectly with other emblematic models of the era, creating a coherent whole that tells the story of the French automobile at its peak.
Collectors will particularly appreciate combining it with Alpine Renaults from the same period, as well as other Renault Gordini models to recreate the brand's sporting universe. This model car also complements cars from the 1970s , a boom period for the French automotive industry.
Designed for automotive history enthusiasts, this reproduction appeals to both experienced collectors and enthusiasts eager to own a symbol of French excellence. It is an excellent starting point for exploring the world of sports sedans and fits harmoniously into a collection of 1:43 scale model cars . For those who love diversity, it blends perfectly with other iconic French cars from this golden decade.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to understand the scales of miniatures?
Scale indicates the reduction ratio between the real car and the miniature. For example, at 1:43 scale, each centimeter on the miniature corresponds to 43 centimeters on the real vehicle.
Concretely, a 1/18 scale Ferrari model is approximately 25-30 cm long, while in 1/43 scale it measures approximately 10 cm.
What scales are available?
Our model cars are mainly offered in 1/43, 1/24, 1/18 and 1/87 (HO) scales. The scale is always indicated in the product sheet.
The smaller the second number, the larger the model car (e.g. 1/18 is larger than 1/43).
Does the model car come with protection?
Yes, each model car is systematically delivered in its protective box. This box preserves the collectible value and protects your model car from dust and shocks.
How is my package protected during transport?
We package each order with the utmost care: bubble wrap, appropriate cushioning, and polystyrene. Your model car is perfectly secure during its journey.
What is the delivery time?
In-stock items are shipped within 24-48 hours. Please allow 2-3 business days for France via Colissimo or 4-5 days via Mondial Relay.
The model car is no longer in stock, when will you have it?
It's impossible for me to know exactly when I'll receive a new stock because I receive arrivals in dribs and drabs. Please contact me so I can keep you informed as soon as it's available.
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