Renault Frégate Domaine cream from 1956 - 1/43 scale collector's model car
This magnificent cream 1956 Renault Frégate Domaine represents one of the most iconic models of French motoring from the 1950s. Reproduced with remarkable attention to detail at 1:43 scale, this model car captures all the elegance and refinement of this family saloon that marked its era.
A true collector's item for French car enthusiasts, this faithful reproduction is aimed at both experienced collectors and automotive history enthusiasts wishing to discover the treasures of Renault's heritage.
Characteristics of the model car
- Model: Renault Frégate Domaine
- Brand: Renault
- Year: 1956
- Scale: 1/43rd
- Color: Cream
- Protective case included: Yes
The Renault Frégate, ambassador of French renewal
Launched in 1951, the Renault Frégate embodied Régie Renault's ambition to offer a high-end automobile capable of competing with foreign production. This model, developed under the direction of Pierre Lefaucheux, marked a break with pre-war designs and demonstrated the modernization of the French automotive industry.
The Domaine version, which appeared in 1956, was the estate version of this prestigious saloon. With its flowing lines and spacious body, it met the needs of a bourgeois clientele seeking comfort and practicality. Its 2.1-liter 4-cylinder engine developing 70 horsepower offered respectable performance for the time, allowing it to reach a top speed of 140 km/h.
Despite its undeniable qualities, the Frégate enjoyed mixed commercial success , with around 177,000 units produced until 1960. Its complex manufacturing and high price limited its distribution in the face of increasingly present international competition on the French market.
Renault in the 1950s: the era of reconstruction
In the mid-1950s, Renault was going through a pivotal period in its history. Nationalized since 1945, the Renault company was striving to modernize its ranges and win back a demanding customer base. The Frégate was part of this upmarket strategy, alongside popular models like the 4CV, which was enjoying immense success at the time.
This period also marked the rise of mass production at Renault, with the adoption of new industrial methods inspired by the American model. The Flins factory, inaugurated in 1952, symbolized this modernization and allowed the diamond brand to strengthen its position in the European market.
The Frégate thus demonstrates Renault's ambition to no longer be content with the popular market alone, but to offer vehicles capable of attracting a more affluent clientele, foreshadowing the future Renault 16 and 20 of the following decades.
A presidential ambassador with controversial lines
The Renault Frégate occupies a special place in French political history. Indeed, it was chosen as the official vehicle of the Presidency of the Republic under Vincent Auriol, then René Coty. This institutional recognition helped establish its prestigious image, even if it never managed to establish itself in the long term against the Citroën DS that succeeded it in this role.
The Frégate's lines sparked much debate at the time. While some saw it as a decidedly modern design inspired by American designs, others criticized its aesthetics, deeming it too massive for French taste. The famous designer Raymond Loewy himself expressed reservations about certain aspects of its bodywork, particularly its rear end, which he found disproportionate.
A delightful anecdote tells us that during testing of the Domaine estate version, Renault engineers were surprised to discover that the vehicle could carry an upright piano, a capability that was highlighted in advertising at the time. This technical feat perfectly illustrated Renault's ambition to offer a family vehicle with exceptional capabilities.
Today, the Frégate has become a nostalgic symbol of the 1950s, embodying an era when the French automobile industry attempted to combine technical innovation and bourgeois elegance, in a context of economic and social reconstruction of the country.
Complete your collection of French model cars
This 1956 Renault Frégate Domaine naturally finds its place at the heart of a collection dedicated to French model cars from the 1950s. It sits perfectly alongside other iconic models from this golden decade, notably the Citroën DS which succeeded it in the hearts of the French.
Passionate collectors of Renault model cars will particularly appreciate this faithful reproduction, which ideally complements a range including the legendary Renault 4CV and the Renault Alpine sports cars. This model car also fits perfectly into a thematic collection dedicated to model car estate cars or classic cars from 1950 to 1979 .
Whether you are a beginner or an expert collector, this Frégate Domaine is an excellent entry point into the fascinating world of 1/43 scale model cars . It will appeal to both those nostalgic for French automobiles and those who love objects that reflect the art of living in the 1950s, a period when the automobile was beginning to democratize leisure activities and family travel.
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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