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Renault Dauphine with sunroof - A French icon in model car

This magnificent dark beige Renault Dauphine with sunroof is a true treasure for French car enthusiasts. Produced by Solido under reference 4542, this model car accurately captures the timeless elegance of one of the most iconic models in French automotive history.

This collector's item stands out as an authentic testimony to the golden age of the French automobile industry, offering collectors a faithful reproduction of a vehicle that marked an entire generation of motorists.

Characteristics of the model car

  • Model: Renault Dauphine with sunroof
  • Brand: Renault
  • Year: 1950s-1960s
  • Scale: 1/43rd
  • Color: Dark beige/light brown
  • Manufacturer: Solido
  • Reference: 4542
  • Protective case included: Yes

The Renault Dauphine, symbol of French revival

Launched in 1956, the Renault Dauphine represented Régie Renault's ambition to conquer the global market with a modern and affordable sedan. Designed to succeed the legendary 4CV, it perfectly embodied the optimism of the Trente Glorieuses with its flowing lines and remarkable interior space for the time.

The model was distinguished by its 845cc rear-mounted engine developing 30 horsepower, a configuration that gave it exceptional handling and balanced weight distribution. Its sunroof, a popular option, allowed drivers to fully enjoy the good weather, transforming every journey into a moment of pleasure.

With more than 2 million units produced until 1967, the Dauphine enjoyed phenomenal success, particularly in the United States where it became the best-selling foreign car for several years, even outselling the Volkswagen Beetle.

Renault, innovation at the service of automobile democratization

By the 1950s, Renault had established itself as the leading name in the French automotive industry . Under the leadership of Pierre Dreyfus, Régie Renault pursued an ambitious strategy aimed at democratizing the automobile while maintaining a high level of technical innovation. The Dauphine fit perfectly with this philosophy, offering modern equipment at an affordable price.

This period marked the height of the French school of automotive design , characterized by original technical solutions and a pragmatic approach to design. Renault, with its experience gained with the 4CV, perfectly mastered the codes of the popular car while integrating elements of comfort and style that distinguished it from its European competitors.

The diamond-shaped company then developed unique expertise in the design of rear-engined vehicles, a configuration that would quickly become a signature of the French brand on international markets.

A French ambassador to conquer America

The history of the Renault Dauphine in the United States remains one of the most fascinating pages of the French automobile industry. In 1958, at the New York Auto Show, this little French car created a sensation by winning the "Import Car of the Year" award. Americans, accustomed to imposing Detroit automobiles, were amazed to discover this compact and economical sedan .

The Dauphine's American adventure took on an almost surreal dimension when Renault decided to establish an assembly plant in New Jersey. American workers were then introduced to French production methods, creating a veritable industrial culture shock . The American Dauphine was distinguished by a few local adaptations, notably larger turn signals and a slightly modified interior to adapt to American safety standards.

Its success was such that the Dauphine quickly became a symbol of European sophistication in American suburbs. It embodied the chic and economical alternative to the behemoths of local industry. Many celebrities of the time, seduced by its Latin charm and maneuverability, made it their vehicle of choice for urban travel.

This transatlantic epic ended around 1961, but it left a lasting mark on Renault's image as a manufacturer capable of attracting customers beyond European borders . The Dauphine had proven that the French art of living could be exported, foreshadowing the future international successes of the diamond brand.

Complete your collection of French model cars

This Renault Dauphine Solido naturally finds its place at the heart of a collection dedicated to French automobiles from the 1950s and 1960s. It interacts perfectly with other iconic models from this golden era, creating a cohesive ensemble that tells the story of French motorization.

Collectors will appreciate the opportunity to combine it with other Renault model cars to create a gallery representative of the stylistic evolution of the brand. It also blends harmoniously with classic cars from the years 1950-1979 , a period which saw the birth of the greatest successes of the French automobile industry.

This model car is aimed at both automotive history enthusiasts and collectors looking for authentic Solido-made pieces. Its presence in a collection immediately evokes the blessed era when French manufacturers shone on the international scene, driven by innovative and attractive models like this unforgettable Dauphine.

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.

What our customers say

Customer feedback and testimonials

Emile reversat Vérifié
Very good contact
Very good contact. Delivery. Correct. Perfect packaging. Very satisfied with my purchase.
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Very High Quality Site
Very high quality site, professionalism, responsiveness, never disappointed.
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A huge choice
A huge choice, fast delivery, and very well protected miniatures. Additionally, the seller is very friendly 👍
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Perfect 👍
Excellent communication, precise tracking of the shipment, impeccable packaging. Very fast delivery.
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Good contact
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I recommend with my eyes closed
I recommend with my eyes closed, very serious sellers, fast and very careful and protected shipping, perfect thank you again for everything
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cordial seller
fast shipping, very good quality of the products, hyper protective packaging and excellent relations with the seller
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Papinou Vérifié
2CV enthusiast
I have already ordered several times the cars are well packed and conform to the description
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Reg Vérifié
Perfect
Speed, proactive regarding the choice of delivery point, care in packaging, value for money. I recommend.
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Satisfied
I have placed several orders with him and I have never been disappointed, I recommend him.
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Celia Vérifié
Servicio rápido, cuidado excepcional y un toque muy humano
Hice el pedido el día 17 por la noche y el 18 ya estaba enviado. Teniendo en cuenta que hubo un fin de semana de por medio, la rapidez ha sido realmente admirable. Además, el seguimiento personalizado ha sido excelente: Bernard me ha escrito personalmente en cada fase del envío para mantenerme in...
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