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Même marque : Renault
Model Car Renault 5 Gr. 2 "GITANES blue number 05 - Rallye du Bandama 1978 - VITESSE"
Echelle: 1/43ème
Pilotes: G. Fréquelin / Delaval
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The Renault 5 Gr. 2 Gitanes from 1978 represents one of the most exciting chapters in French motorsport. This 1/43 miniature accurately captures the iconic blue Gitanes livery that marked the rallies of the late '70s.
Faithfully reproducing the car of Guy Fréquelin and Delaval during the 1978 Rallye du Bandama, this Vitesse model reflects the golden age of French rallying in Africa.
Features of the miniature
- Model: Renault 5 Gr. 2 Gitanes
- Brand: Renault
- Year: 1978
- Scale: 1/43
- Color: Blue Gitanes number 05
- Protective box included: Yes
The saga of the Renault 5 in rallying
The Renault 5 made its competitive debut in 1975, transforming this popular city car into a true rally weapon. The Group 2 version develops nearly 160 horsepower thanks to its modified 1.4-liter engine, allowing this little French car to take on the biggest names in international rallying.
The 1978 Rallye du Bandama represented a particular challenge for European crews. This African event, held in Côte d'Ivoire, tested both mechanical endurance and drivers' stamina on dusty tracks and broken roads. The Renault 5, with its legendary robustness and ease of handling, emerged as a credible candidate against the Ford Escort and other Opel Ascona of the international field.
Renault and the spirit of competition
In 1978, Renault was going through a pivotal period in its sporting history. The diamond brand was simultaneously developing its rally program with the R5 and its ambitions in Formula 1 with the revolutionary turbo engine. This dual approach reflects Renault's desire to conquer all fields of motorsport.
The commitment of Guy Fréquelin as an official driver perfectly illustrates this strategy. A former French rally champion, Fréquelin brings his experience and knowledge of African events, a favored hunting ground for Renault since the successes of the R8 Gordini in the '60s. The Renault collection from this era reflects this exceptional sporting diversity.
The African adventure of the Renault 5
The 1978 Rallye du Bandama is remembered for its extreme conditions. Temperatures regularly exceeded 40°C inside the car, while the red laterite dust infiltrated everywhere despite protective measures. Guy Fréquelin recounts how the mechanics had to completely disassemble the engines between stages to remove this abrasive dust that destroyed moving parts.
The Gitanes livery quickly became iconic in the African landscape. This deep blue, chosen for its visibility in the bush, contrasts spectacularly with the continent's red earth. Local populations affectionately nicknamed these Renault 5s the "blue birds," as their passage raised clouds of colored dust.
A humorous anecdote tells how the Fréquelin-Delaval crew, lost in the bush during a night stage, was guided to the finish by villagers who recognized the characteristic sound of the Renault engine. This solidarity between local populations and European crews forged the unique spirit of African rallies during that time.
Complete your rally miniature collection
This Renault 5 Gr. 2 Gitanes naturally finds its place alongside other glorious French rally cars. It pairs perfectly with Citroën cars from the same era and ideally complements a collection dedicated to 70s rallies.
Collectors passionate about the 1970s will particularly appreciate this Vitesse model, which captures the very essence of French rallying. This miniature appeals to both those nostalgic for that heroic era and young enthusiasts discovering the history of the tricolor motorsport through the legendary French cars.
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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