Renault Colorale Prairie green from 1952
Scale: 1/43rd
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
The Renault Colorale Prairie Green 1952 perfectly embodies the spirit of innovation that defined the French automotive industry of the postwar years. This 1:43 scale miniature faithfully captures the bold, avant-garde lines of this revolutionary utility vehicle, which broke with automotive design of its era.
A true collector's piece for enthusiasts of French automotive heritage, this detailed replica reflects the ingenuity of French manufacturers in their quest for modernity and practicality in the early 1950s.
The Renault Colorale was developed in a context of economic reconstruction, when France was seeking to modernize its car fleet. Launched in 1950, this revolutionary family saloon stood out with its self-supporting body made of glass-fiber reinforced polyester, a world first for a production car. This technical innovation allowed more economical production while offering remarkable resistance to corrosion.
The original vehicle offered a spacious, versatile interior, with removable rear seats that turned the saloon into a utility vehicle. Its 747 cc four-cylinder engine produced 21 horsepower, enough for an era when speed was not the absolute priority. The Colorale Prairie positioned itself as a practical and economical alternative to conventional vehicles, appealing especially to professionals and large families.
Despite its remarkable technical innovations, the Colorale enjoyed only modest commercial success, with around 50,000 units produced until 1957. Nevertheless, its avant-garde design and bold technical solutions made it an important milestone in the history of French automobiles.
The history of Renault in the early 1950s is one of profound transformation. Nationalized in 1945 following the events of World War II, the Régie Renault was undergoing its shift toward modernity under the impetus of Pierre Lefaucheux. The diamond-badged brand set out to entirely renew its lineup, abandoning prewar models in favor of decidedly modern vehicles.
This era also marked the beginning of automobile democratization in France. Renault simultaneously developed the 4CV, which would become a huge popular success, while exploring innovative avenues such as the Colorale. This duality between mass-market vehicles and experimental projects defined the brand's bold strategy during this pivotal decade.
The story of the Renault Colorale holds a fascinating anecdote that perfectly illustrates the spirit of innovation of the time, sometimes a risky one. When it was unveiled at the 1950 Paris Motor Show, visitors were perplexed by this automobile with its so unusual look. Some automotive journalists of the day nicknamed it "the car of the future", while others, more skeptical, saw an "experiment from the lab".
The polyester body was so revolutionary that many garage owners initially refused to repair it, not knowing how to work with this unfamiliar material. This awkward situation paradoxically limited its spread, as potential buyers worried about maintaining their future vehicle. Renault had to organize special training for its dealers to familiarize them with these new techniques.
Even more surprising, the Colorale directly inspired the emerging camper van industry. Its modular design and lightweight body appealed to several specialist coachbuilders, who adapted its principles to their own creations. Thus, this commercially "failed" automobile became the indirect ancestor of many leisure vehicles that would enjoy success in the following decades.
The green shade of our miniature also evokes an era when automotive colors still reflected a certain postwar sobriety, far from the vibrant palette that would characterize the 1960s. This Prairie Green embodied the cautious optimism of a France rebuilding itself, caught between tradition and modernity.
This Renault Colorale Prairie naturally finds its place alongside other iconic French model cars of the postwar period. It pairs particularly well with the Citroën 2CV and other Renault 4CV models, forming a cohesive ensemble representative of French ingenuity in the 1950s.
Collectors passionate about 1950s automobiles will especially appreciate this rare piece, which reflects the bold experiments of the era. It fits perfectly into a themed collection devoted to light commercial vehicles or to automotive technical innovations. This miniature will appeal as much to lovers of French heritage as to fans of avant-garde concept cars, since the Colorale anticipated many solutions later adopted by the global automotive industry.
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.