Model Car Renault Mégane Schlesser blue (2000 Paris - Dakar - Cairo rally) in blister pack
Scale 1/43
JL Schlesser / H. Magne
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Renault Mégane Schlesser - The Paris-Dakar adventure in model car
This blue Renault Mégane Schlesser model car faithfully represents the vehicle that marked the 2000 edition of the legendary Paris-Dakar-Cairo rally. Driven by the duo Jean-Louis Schlesser and Henri Magne, this version specially prepared for the most demanding event in motorsport is a valuable testament to Renault's commitment to motor racing.
This collector's item captures the very essence of the Dakar adventure, transforming a production model into a racing machine capable of tackling the most hostile terrain. It naturally finds its place in any collection dedicated to competition vehicles or iconic French models.
Characteristics of the model car
- Model: Renault Mégane Schlesser
- Brand: Renault
- Year: 2000
- Scale: 1/43rd
- Color: Blue
- Crew: JL Schlesser / H. Magne
- Protective case included: Yes
The Mégane, symbol of Renault's revival
Launched in 1995, the Renault Mégane marked a new era for the French automaker. Succeeding the R19, it embodied Renault's desire to offer vehicles with bolder designs and enhanced performance. This compact sedan stood out for its modern lines and versatility, qualities that quickly won over the European public.
The Mégane also represented the culmination of Renault's efforts to develop a robust and scalable technical platform. Its varied engine options, ranging from economical to sporty variants, demonstrated the manufacturer's ability to meet the expectations of a diverse customer base. This technical flexibility would prove invaluable when it came to adapting the model to the extreme constraints of rally-raid racing.
Choosing the Mégane for the Dakar adventure demonstrated Renault's confidence in the intrinsic qualities of its model. This participation in the Paris-Dakar provided a formidable full-scale test bench, enabling the robustness of the design to be validated in the most severe conditions.
Renault and the heritage of competition
Renault's commitment to motorsport dates back to the brand's very origins. By the early 20th century, the Renault brothers were competing in the first motor races, forging a reputation as an innovative and daring manufacturer. This competitive tradition would span the decades, from Grand Prix victories to Formula 1 successes.
At the turn of the millennium, Renault was looking to diversify its sporting presence beyond Formula 1. Rally-raid represented a discipline perfectly suited to the brand's image of adventure and robustness. The partnership with Jean-Louis Schlesser, an iconic figure in the Paris-Dakar, provided the technical credibility needed for this ambitious project.
This period also marked Renault's stylistic renewal, initiated by Patrick Le Quément. Participation in the Paris-Dakar was part of this dynamic of modernizing the brand image, demonstrating that Renault's innovation was expressed as much on the road as in the extreme conditions of the desert.
The epic of the Paris-Dakar 2000: when Africa changes face
The 2000 edition of the Paris-Dakar will go down in history as the last to bear this legendary name. For the first time, the finish line moved from Senegal to Egypt, transforming "Dakar" into "Cairo" and offering competitors a unique route across the African continent. This change in route brought its share of additional challenges, crossing new territories and adapting to varied climatic conditions.
Jean-Louis Schlesser, then 52 years old, approached this edition with the experience of many previous participations. Partnered with Henri Magne as co-driver, he represented one of the most credible French teams in the car category. Their prepared Mégane sported a distinctive blue livery that would become emblematic of this historic participation.
The 2000 rally was also notable for its geopolitical implications. Crossing several rapidly changing African countries, the event became a true bridge between cultures, perfectly illustrating the spirit of adventure and discovery that characterized the Paris-Dakar. Crews had to demonstrate constant adaptability, navigating between the Saharan dunes and the rocky tracks of the highlands.
This edition also marked the technological evolution of the vehicles entered. The Mégane Schlesser benefited from specific adaptations: chassis reinforcement, increased engine protection, special tires, and cutting-edge navigation equipment. These modifications radically transformed the production vehicle, creating a true raid machine capable of withstanding the 10,000 kilometers of the event in often unforgiving conditions.
Complete your model car collection
This Renault Mégane Schlesser naturally finds its place alongside other Paris-Dakar rally vehicles in any collection dedicated to motorsport. It harmonizes perfectly with other Renault competition models , creating a cohesive ensemble that traces the diamond's commitment to automotive adventure.
Passionate rally car collectors will particularly appreciate this piece, which documents a pivotal era in French motorsport. It is the perfect addition to collections dedicated to French racing cars or models from the 2000s .
This model car is aimed at both experienced collectors and car enthusiasts wishing to discover the world of 1/43 scale model cars . Its rich history and careful finish make it an excellent entry point to the fascinating world of French competition cars , testifying to the golden age of rally-raid and the audacity of French manufacturers in this demanding discipline.
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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