Renault Sovam red - 1/43 automobile model
This red Renault Sovam model car represents one of the most secretive and exciting models in French automotive history. Reproduced at a scale of 1:43, this collector's item perfectly captures the essence of this little-known sports coupe that marked a unique era in the French automotive industry.
Intended for demanding collectors and enthusiasts of rare French automobiles, this model car bears witness to a unique collaboration between Renault and the Sovam company, embodying the audacity and innovation of the 1960s and 1970s.
Characteristics of the model car
- Model: Sovam
- Brand: Renault
- Year: 1965-1975
- Scale: 1/43
- Color: Red
- Protective case included: Yes
The original model: an exceptional coupé
The Renault Sovam was born in the 1960s from a collaboration between Régie Renault and the Sovam company (Société des Véhicules Automobiles de Parthenay). This ambitious project aimed to create a French sports coupe capable of competing with the Italian productions of the time, notably the creations of Bertone and Pininfarina.
Based on the Renault R8 Gordini engine , the Sovam was distinguished by its polyester bodywork, an innovative material at the time, which allowed for flexible artisanal production. Its elegant design, taut lines and racy silhouette made it an object of desire for fans of French sports cars.
Produced in only a few hundred units, this car represented French know-how in sports bodywork, offering respectable performance thanks to its 1108 cm³ 4-cylinder engine developing 95 horsepower.
Renault in the 1960s: innovation and diversification
In the mid-1960s, Renault was undergoing a period of remarkable expansion and innovation. The national company, headed by Pierre Dreyfus, launched a series of bold projects and external collaborations to expand its product range and expand into new market segments.
This era saw the birth of iconic models like the revolutionary Renault 4L , but also more confidential projects like the collaboration with Sovam. Renault was then seeking to demonstrate its ability to produce sporty and elegant vehicles, beyond its popular models that had made it successful.
The French company does not hesitate to explore new avenues, whether in racing cars with the Alpine-Renault or in more experimental projects like this Sovam which testifies to the creative effervescence of the diamond brand.
A little-known industrial adventure
The story of the Renault Sovam perfectly illustrates the ambitions and challenges of the French automotive industry in the 1960s. This collaboration between a major national manufacturer and an artisanal coachbuilder reveals an era when innovation took precedence over immediate profitability.
Sovam, based in Parthenay in the Deux-Sèvres department, represented French expertise in custom bodywork. Run by enthusiasts, it attracted Renault's attention with its ability to create unique shapes and master new composite materials. This partnership symbolized France's desire to rival Italy in the field of automotive design.
Unfortunately, this industrial adventure ended prematurely due to economic difficulties and strategic changes at Renault. The few hundred examples produced quickly became collector's items, witnesses to an era when creative audacity prevailed over purely commercial considerations.
Today, finding an authentic Sovam is a miracle for collectors. These vehicles, scattered to the four winds, embody the creative soul of the French automobile industry and serve as a reminder that our national industry was able, for several years, to compete with the greatest names in global automotive design.
Complete your model car collection
This red Renault Sovam model car naturally finds its place alongside other iconic French models. It harmonizes perfectly with Renault model cars from the same era, particularly sports models like the Alpine-Renault or the Gordini versions.
Passionate collectors of French automobiles will particularly appreciate this rare piece, which is the perfect addition to a collection dedicated to cars from the 1960s . It sits beautifully alongside the other model car coupés in the collection, creating a coherent ensemble based on French automotive design.
This model car is aimed at both seasoned collectors and enthusiasts of French automotive history. It is an exceptional conversation piece, evoking a little-known but fascinating period in our industrial heritage, where creativity and audacity still guided the choices of car manufacturers.
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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