An exceptional miniature: the 1927 Renault NN in La Poste livery
This 1927 Renault NN miniature revisits one of the most iconic models of interwar France. Dressed in its dark green livery with a black hood in PTT (Postes, Télégraphes et Téléphones) colors, this faithful replica captures the spirit of an era when French automobiles were admired around the world.
This collector's piece is aimed at vintage car enthusiasts and collectors of Renault miniature cars who value authenticity and refinement. Its 1/43 scale makes it a perfectly proportioned addition to any collection devoted to French automotive heritage.
Technical details of the miniature
- Model: Renault NN
- Make: Renault
- Year: 1927
- Scale: 1/43
- Color: Dark green with black hood
- Special livery: La Poste - PTT
- Protective case included: Yes
The Renault NN: a symbol of automotive democratization
Launched in 1924, the Renault NN (nicknamed "6 CV") marked a decisive turning point in the history of the French automobile. Louis Renault wanted to create a vehicle within reach of the many, capable of motorizing post-war France. With its 951 cm³ four-cylinder engine producing 18 horsepower, the car offered a remarkable balance of performance, economy and reliability.
The NN stood out for its modern bodywork with clean lines, moving away from Belle Époque design codes in favor of a more functional style. Its robust construction and proven mechanics quickly made it the preferred choice of French government agencies, particularly the postal services, which valued its versatility and durability.
Commercial success was immediate: more than 180,000 units were produced between 1924 and 1930, making the NN one of the best-selling French cars of its decade. This popularity helped significantly to democratize motoring in France and paved the way for the mass-production vehicles to come.
Renault in the 1920s: a golden age of innovation
By 1927, Renault had already become one of the most influential automakers in Europe. Founded in 1898 by the brothers Louis, Marcel and Fernand Renault, the brand with the diamond badge had built its reputation on technical innovation and manufacturing quality. Victories in motor racing, notably at the Grand Prix de l'Automobile Club de France, had established its sporting credibility.
The company based in Boulogne-Billancourt then employed nearly 25,000 workers and produced a full range of vehicles, from light cars to heavy trucks. Louis Renault, a visionary perfectionist, invested heavily in research and development, anticipating the needs of a society in the midst of modernization. The NN perfectly embodied this philosophy: combining French craftsmanship tradition with modern industrial production.
This golden period allowed Renault to establish itself in export markets, particularly in Europe and the French colonies, where the French miniature cars of that era still bear witness to the brand's international reach today.
The story of the postal cars: how the NN revolutionized communications
The adoption of the Renault NN by the French postal services marked a quiet revolution in national communications. Before 1927, mail delivery in rural areas was done mainly on foot, by bicycle or by cart. The arrival of these small green saloons radically transformed the efficiency of the postal service, cutting round times by two-thirds in some regions.
Postal workers of the time still recall the excitement caused by these "motor cars" in remote villages. For many country residents, the PTT Renault NN was their first direct contact with the modern automobile. Children ran behind the vehicle, fascinated by this symbol of modernity that brought news and parcels from the outside world.
A delightful story tells that in Brittany, some villagers had got into the habit of setting their watches by the passing of the "green car of Monsieur le Facteur", so regular and punctual had the rounds become. This precision, made possible by the mechanical reliability of the NN, paradoxically helped to synchronize the rhythm of rural life with the demands of urban modernity.
Postal archives show that these vehicles covered millions of kilometers on French roads, carrying not only mail but also the hope of an age that believed in technical progress. Some Renault NNs remained in service into the early 1950s, a testament to their legendary durability and perfect suitability for the needs of the time.
Complete your collection of period miniatures
This 1927 Renault NN naturally fits into any collection devoted to French automotive heritage of the 1920s and 1930s. It pairs perfectly with other iconic models of the period, notably Citroën miniature cars from the same era or contemporary Peugeot miniature cars.
Collectors passionate about postal history will especially appreciate this piece alongside other public service miniature vehicles or models from the 1920s car collection. Its special livery also makes it an ideal addition to a themed collection of advertising and commercial vehicles from the interwar years.
This 1/43 miniature appeals to seasoned collectors as well as newcomers eager to discover the world of classic miniature cars. Its historical authenticity and the quality of its replication make it a valuable record of a pivotal era in French motoring, when technical innovation and public service came together to shape modern France.