Renault Frégate Red and Off-White Roof - La Nationale 7 - La Route Bleue
Scale 1/43rd
Box slightly faded
PLEASE NOTE: the first image is a computer-generated render and may not exactly match the vehicle in this listing, so please check the photos that follow it.
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Get it between Tuesday 17 and Wednesday 18 November
This stunning Renault Frégate Red with Off-White Roof is part of the prestigious "La Route Bleue" collection, which takes you along the legendary roads of 1950s France. This 1/43 scale model captures the elegance of this iconic French saloon perfectly, with its distinctive two-tone livery that instantly evokes summer holidays on the Nationale 7.
A true collector's piece for French car enthusiasts, this Renault Frégate is car No. 32 in the collection, corresponding to stage No. 4 between Souppes and Montargis. It reflects an era when French motoring shone for its refinement and craftsmanship.
The Renault Frégate was launched in 1951, marking Renault's entry into the prestige saloon segment. Designed under the direction of Pierre Lefaucheux, it embodied the ambition of the Régie to rival the great American saloons while retaining a distinctly French identity. Its elegant styling, penned by the Renault design team led by Gaston Juchet, stands out for its flowing lines and modern monocoque body.
This high-class family saloon is powered by a 2.1-litre 4-cylinder engine producing 58 horsepower, allowing it to reach 140 km/h. Its spacious, comfortable interior and generous standard equipment for the period (heating, optional radio) made it the car of choice for French executives and professionals. The Frégate perfectly captures the French art of living during the Trente Glorieuses.
Sold until 1960, the Frégate enjoyed a modest success with close to 163,000 units built. It quickly became the symbol of family trips along French roads, especially the famous Nationale 7 linking Paris to the Côte d'Azur, the great artery of the French summer holidays.
In the early 1950s, Renault went through a period of reconstruction and major innovation. Nationalised in 1945, the Régie Renault under Pierre Lefaucheux established itself as the spearhead of the French automotive industry. It was in this context that the Frégate was born, driven by a desire to democratise automotive luxury while asserting French expertise against international competition.
The history of Renault, founded in 1899 by the brothers Louis, Marcel and Fernand Renault, is marked by a succession of technical and commercial innovations. From early racing cars to the Marne taxis of 1914, and the FT tanks of the First World War, Renault always stood out for its adaptability and pioneering spirit. The Frégate follows in this tradition of excellence, representing Renault's entry into the modern era of high-end production cars.
This period also saw Renault emerge as a major European manufacturer, with modern factories and production methods inspired by American industry, while retaining the touch of elegance and refinement typically French that still characterises the brand with its diamond badge today.
The story of the Renault Frégate is inseparable from paid holidays and the democratisation of travel in France. Launched during the Trente Glorieuses, it quickly became one of the iconic cars of the Nationale 7, the "holiday route" immortalised by Charles Trenet in his 1955 song of the same name.
Every summer, thousands of Frégates cruised French roads, loaded with entire families and luggage, heading for the Mediterranean beaches. Its elegant silhouette and two-tone livery, often like our red and off-white roof model, made it a familiar sight at the rest stops of the time. Total, Esso and Shell petrol stations saw these French saloons roll through, a reminder of an era when a car holiday still felt like an adventure.
The Frégate also left its mark on French cinema. It appeared in many films of the 1950s and 1960s, often associated with bourgeois characters or senior executives. Its distinguished look and natural presence made it the ideal choice for directors portraying social climbing and the aspirations of the French middle class of the day.
A well-known anecdote tells that General de Gaulle himself owned a personal Frégate, which he used for private journeys to Colombey-les-Deux-Églises. This recognition at the highest level of the State reflects the special status this Renault held in 1950s French society, a true symbol of success and the art of French living.
This Renault Frégate from La Route Bleue naturally fits into a collection dedicated to French motoring during the Trente Glorieuses. It pairs perfectly with other iconic models of the era, creating a cohesive display that tells the story of our roads and our holidays.
To expand your collection, this Frégate goes wonderfully with Citroën miniatures from the same period, notably the legendary Traction Avant or the early DS. Fans of French living will also enjoy pairing it with Peugeot models from the 1950s and 1960s, or with the elegant Simca cars that shared the same roads.
This miniature appeals equally to experienced collectors and enthusiasts of French automotive history. Its refined finish and historical authenticity make it a reference model for anyone wishing to relive the golden age of French cars. It also has its place in thematic collections devoted to prestige saloons or 1950s models, celebrating a prosperous period when the French automotive industry shone across the world.
Stephane Bazille
14 November 2026
Always delivered within the agreed deadlines, well-packaged and protected materials. Nothing negative to report. A constantly renewed range that, despite the intention to remain cautious, always finds new temptations...
Claude Lang
13 November 2026
I placed my second order and everything went smoothly, delivery without issues, items in good condition, and delivered on time. After this second order, I can only recommend the site to Bernardminiature, a serious person. Top delivery, thanks again to him and good for a next order.
Serge PINSON
12 November 2026
In addition to the fact that the 1/43 miniatures received are perfectly in line with the photographs and my expectations and are of great finesse, they arrived very quickly (I was even informed of the shipment) and very carefully packaged. Very satisfied, I placed a new order with Bernard Miniatures, a seller I recommend for their selection and reliability.
The scale is the reduction ratio between the real car and the model. At 1:43 scale, for example, every centimetre of the model represents 43 centimetres of the real vehicle.
In practice, a 1:18 Ferrari model is about 25–30 cm long, while at 1:43 it measures roughly 10 cm.
Our model cars mainly come in 1:43, 1:24, 1:18 and 1:87 (HO) scale. The scale is always listed on the product page.
The smaller the second number, the bigger the model (e.g. 1:18 is larger than 1:43).
Yes, every model car ships in its protective box. The box preserves its collector value and protects your model from dust and knocks.
We pack every order with great care: bubble wrap, snug padding and polystyrene. Your model car is fully secured on its way to you.
In-stock items ship within 24–48h. Allow 2–3 business days for mainland France with Colissimo, or 4–5 days with Mondial Relay.
I can't say exactly when new stock will arrive, as it comes in a trickle. Feel free to contact me and I'll let you know as soon as it's available.