The Renault Dauphine tour support car from the 1959 Tour de France is a fascinating piece of French cycling history. This 1/43 scale miniature captures the spirit of that golden era, when the small saloon from Billancourt followed the giants of the road across the byways of France. A true witness to a bygone age, this faithful reproduction will appeal to motoring history enthusiasts and cycling fans alike.
This collector's miniature is a standout addition to any collection dedicated to Tour de France vehicles or to the iconic French cars of the 1950s.
Miniature details
- Model: Dauphine tour support car, Tour de France 1959
- Brand: Renault
- Year: 1959
- Scale: 1/43
- Colour: White
- Protective case included: Yes
The Renault Dauphine, a symbol of the Trente Glorieuses
Launched in 1956, the Renault Dauphine embodies the optimism of the postwar years. Designed to put motoring within reach of French households, this compact rear-engined saloon stands out for its rounded lines and easy handling. With its 845 cc four-cylinder engine producing 30 horsepower, it offered affordable mobility to the rising French middle class.
The Dauphine marked a shift in Renault's approach with its monocoque body and modern design. Its roomy cabin, despite compact exterior dimensions, made it the ideal choice for French families of the 1950s. The 1959 Tour de France support version featured specific modifications to carry the equipment needed to follow the race.
The Dauphine was a commercial triumph, with more than 2 million units built until 1967. It did much to put France on wheels, and it was even exported to the United States, a rare feat for a French car of its time.
Renault in 1959, the golden age of the Régie
In 1959, Régie Renault was enjoying a prosperous period under Pierre Dreyfus. The company, nationalised since 1945, had become the flagship of the French car industry. That year, Renault strengthened its leading position on the domestic market with the Dauphine at the peak of its sales.
Renault's involvement in motorsport and in popular events such as the Tour de France reflects the brand's innovative marketing strategy. The Régie understood the importance of brand image and invested heavily in communication, making its vehicles the preferred companions of major French sporting events. This high-profile presence at the 1959 Tour helped anchor Renault in the French collective imagination.
The 1959 Tour de France, a legendary edition
The 1959 Tour de France remains etched in memory as one of the most thrilling in history. That year, Federico Bahamontes won his first and only Grand Boucle, becoming the first Spaniard to take the final yellow jersey. The white Renault Dauphine support car followed the riders over the race's 4,391 kilometres, a privileged witness to sporting feats.
Support vehicles played a crucial role in the running of the race. With its proven reliability and ease of maintenance, the Dauphine naturally became the vehicle of choice for following the riders. Its white colour, easily spotted among the official convoy, made it an iconic element of the 1959 Tour.
That edition also marked the television debut of the Tour de France, with the first live broadcasts. The Dauphine support car thus became one of the first motor vehicles to be regularly filmed at a sporting event, helping to popularise the Renault image with the French public.
The special atmosphere of the 1959 Tour, with its legendary stages in the Alps and the Pyrenees, remains inseparable from these support vehicles which, through their discreet yet essential presence, played their part in the legend of the Grande Boucle.
Complete your miniature collection
This Renault Dauphine support car fits perfectly into the world of 1/43 scale miniatures dedicated to historic French vehicles. It sits naturally alongside other iconic Renault models or vehicles from the 1950s.
Collectors who love cycling history will especially appreciate this piece, which harmonises well with other classic vehicles from 1950 to 1979. This miniature appeals to car enthusiasts and Tour de France nostalgics alike, bridging two passions. Its historical authenticity and careful finish make it a valuable addition to any collection devoted to French automotive heritage or to vintage cars.
