This miniature Renault Estafette in its beige and blue ice cream vendor livery represents one of the most iconic utility vehicles of French automotive heritage. This faithful reproduction perfectly captures the spirit of these mobile ice cream vendors that have punctuated French summers for decades.
A true symbol of an era when itinerant ice cream vendors roamed the streets of our towns and villages, this miniature instantaneously evokes childhood memories and the art of living in France during the 1960s and 70s.
Miniature Features
- Model: Renault Estafette ice cream vendor
- Brand: Renault
- Year: 1959-1980
- Scale: 1/43
- Color: Beige and blue
- Protective case included: Yes
Description of the Real Model
The Renault Estafette, launched in 1959, revolutionized light utility transport in France. Designed by Philippe Charbonneaux, it stands out for its avant-garde silhouette with its rear overhang engine and completely flat floor. This innovative architecture provides exceptional loading volume in a compact size.
The Estafette quickly became the preferred vehicle for craftsmen and mobile traders. Its ease of driving, robustness, and multiple layout possibilities make it an ideal work tool. Ice cream vendors particularly appreciate its generous volume allowing for the installation of refrigerated bins and its side doors facilitating customer service.
Produced until 1980, the Estafette achieved a remarkable commercial success with nearly 530,000 units manufactured. It accompanied the modernization of France during the Glorious Thirties, becoming a familiar element of the French urban landscape.
The Renault Brand in the 1960s
At the launch of the Estafette, Renault was undergoing a period of profound transformation. The national company, created in 1945, sought to democratize the automobile while diversifying its range. The company focused on technical innovation and design to stand out from its French and European competitors.
Pierre Dreyfus, who led Renault at the time, implemented an ambitious expansion policy. The Estafette was part of this strategy to conquer the light commercial vehicle market, a sector booming with the economic development of the 1960s. The diamond brand thus confirmed its ability to innovate beyond passenger cars, laying the groundwork for its future success in commercial vehicles with upcoming Renault models.
The Estafette, Ambassador of Summer Pleasures
The ice cream vendor Estafette holds a special place in the French collective memory. These colorful vehicles, often adorned with attractive decorations, would roam residential neighborhoods playing their characteristic tunes. The sound of their chimes announced the impending arrival of frozen delights, sparking excitement among children and nostalgia among adults.
These mobile ice cream vendors developed real marketing strategies, establishing regular circuits and precise schedules that their young customers knew by heart. The Estafette, with its recognizable silhouette and bright colors, fully participated in this theatricalization of street commerce.
Some ice cream vendors even developed special relationships with their clientele, becoming familiar figures in the neighborhood. The Estafette was not just a commercial vehicle; it embodied a way of life, a certain idea of simple and shared happiness.
Now disappeared from our streets, these ice cream vendor Estafettes have become nostalgic symbols of a time when life seemed to flow differently, punctuated by these little daily pleasures that marked the rhythm of the seasons.
Complete Your Miniature Collection
This Renault Estafette ice cream vendor naturally finds its place in a collection dedicated to French utility vehicles. It pairs perfectly with other iconic models like the Citroën Type H or the Peugeot utility vehicles of the time. Collectors passionate about the 1960s will appreciate its historical authenticity.
This miniature will also appeal to fans of advertising vehicles and nostalgic lovers of classic French cars. It is an excellent starting point for a thematic collection around mobile trades or French craftsmanship vehicles.
Whether you are a seasoned collector or a discerning enthusiast, this ice cream vendor Estafette brings a unique emotional dimension to any collection, reminding us of those magical moments when the automobile was intimately involved in everyday life and the simple pleasures of existence.
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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