Pale green Renault Dauphine miniature n°9 at 1/43 scale, a tribute to the 1956 Tour de Corse
This Renault Dauphine miniature recreates one of the most memorable cars of the late 1950s: a pale green Dauphine carrying number 9, in reference to its victory in the first edition of the Tour de Corse in 1956. Produced by Norev, it comes in a rectangular box that showcases the model and keeps it in good condition.
For a collector, this piece is a witness to an era when motor racing and everyday cars coexisted. It appeals equally to rally enthusiasts and to those seeking post-war French saloons, and fits naturally in a display cabinet dedicated to French automotive heritage.
Miniature characteristics
- Model: Renault Dauphine n°9, winner of the 1956 Tour de Corse
- Brand: Norev
- Year: 1956
- Scale: 1/43
- Colour: pale green
- Protective box included: Yes
The Renault Dauphine, a popular and sporty saloon
The Renault Dauphine was launched in 1956, at a time when the diamond-badged marque sought to replace the 4CV, its popular rear-engined small-capacity saloon. The project, carried out within the Régie Renault, aimed for a car that was roomier, more comfortable and more modern than its predecessor, capable of attracting a rapidly expanding customer base. Its name, borrowed from a French province, reflected the desire to offer a car associated with the idea of a France that was recovering and equipping itself.
Technically, the Dauphine kept the rear-mounted engine layout inherited from the 4CV, but gained interior space thanks to a more generous body and more sophisticated suspension. The four-cylinder engine, initially around 845 cc and later increased to nearly 950 cc, offered modest but sufficient performance for everyday use. This compromise between mechanical simplicity and improved comfort partly explains the model's success.
Commercially, the Dauphine enjoyed an exceptional career for its time. Produced for more than a decade, it exceeded two million units and was widely exported, notably to the United States, where it was among the European imports that found an audience. It was also assembled in Argentina and other countries, a sign of its international reach. Its sporty image, reinforced by derived versions, helped establish the Dauphine as a reference of its era.
Renault, a marque at the heart of French automotive history
At the time of the Dauphine's launch, Renault was going through a pivotal period. Nationalised at the Liberation, the company had to start almost from scratch after the war, rebuilding its factories and seeking to meet massive demand for affordable vehicles. The 4CV, launched in 1947, was the first major success of this revival and allowed the marque to regain a leading position on the domestic market.
The Dauphine follows in this continuity. It consolidated Renault's strategy of offering accessible models while investing in competition, a field where the marque sought to demonstrate the reliability of its products. Rallies, such as the Tour de Corse, became valuable showcases for manufacturers, and the presence of Dauphines in competition contributed to their image with the general public.
The history of Renault dates back to 1899, when Louis Renault built his first cars in Boulogne-Billancourt with his brothers Marcel and Fernand. The company grew rapidly, survived both world wars and became one of the pillars of French industry. The diamond badge, present since the early decades, remains today one of the most recognisable emblems of European automobiles, and the models of the 1950s hold a special place in this collective memory.
Anecdote: a victory born on the roads of Corsica
The Tour de Corse, created in 1956, is an event renowned for its winding roads, tight bends and spectacular gradients. From its very first edition, it demanded rigorous driving from crews and tested both the robustness of the vehicles and the talent of the drivers. For a car like the Dauphine, whose primary vocation was family motoring, finishing at the front of such a race was a particular challenge, and each success was seen as proof of quality in the eyes of buyers.
This era was also when rallying gradually established itself as a popular discipline. Spectators gathered along the roads, newspapers followed the standings and manufacturers saw these events as a direct way to reach motorists. The number 9 painted on the miniature's bodywork recalls this almost craftsmanlike dimension of motorsport at the time, when teams often worked with modest means and a great deal of improvisation.
Beyond competition, the Dauphine accompanied an entire generation of drivers on their daily journeys, holidays and first experiences on the road. It reflected the aspirations of a society in transformation, where the car became a symbol of freedom and regained mobility. It is precisely this link between the everyday car and sporting epic that makes this model so appealing to collectors.
Finally, Dauphines prepared for competition gave rise to sportier versions, which greatly contributed to the marque's reputation. They showed that a popular car could, with a few well-considered modifications, compete with rivals on the most technical roads in Europe.
Complete your Renault miniature collection
In the world of miniatures, this Renault Dauphine naturally finds its place among models that tell the story of French automotive history. At 1/43 scale, a size highly valued by collectors for its balance between detail and footprint, it allows you to build a coherent display of cars from the 1950-1960 period. Discover our full range of Renault miniatures to complete your selection.
This piece also gains interest when paired with other models from the same era. Competition enthusiasts may wish to pair it with our rally miniatures, while fans of French saloons will find what they need in our saloons selection. For a more historical approach, the classics 1950-1979 collection offers many points of comparison.
This miniature is primarily aimed at Norev collectors, a brand valued for the quality of its reproductions of French cars, but also at rally and automotive history enthusiasts. It will also suit those who wish to give a themed piece to a friend who loves vintage cars. You can explore more references in the French cars section or browse the vintage models and the Norev manufacturer pages.
