A roaring twenties icon in miniature
The Renault Type NN of 1927 is one of the most iconic creations of the French interwar years. This 1/43rd scale miniature finely captures the elegance and revolutionary modernity of a model that left a deep mark on the French car industry of the 1920s.
A true collector's piece, this faithful replica is made for car history enthusiasts and collectors keen to preserve the memory of great French innovations. It reflects the craftsmanship that defined the golden age of the French automobile.
Miniature specifications
- Model: Renault Type NN
- Make: Renault
- Year: 1927
- Scale: 1/43rd
- Colour: As per period version
- Protective case included: Yes
The real car: a technical revolution
Launched in 1924, the Renault Type NN marked a true break from the manufacturer's range in Billancourt. Louis Renault wanted to make motoring accessible to everyone by offering a reliable, modern and affordable car for the emerging middle classes of the post-war era.
This four-door saloon stood out for its 951 cc four-cylinder engine, delivering respectable power for its time. Its design prioritised driving comfort and durability, with shaft drive and a particularly well-finished chassis. The Type NN marked the gradual shift from artisanal methods to more industrialised production.
Commercial success was immediate: over 40,000 units were built between 1924 and 1929, making this Renault one of the best-selling French cars of the decade. It played a significant role in modernising the French car park and bringing personal mobility within reach of many more people.
Renault in the 1920s: Billancourt's golden age
When the Type NN was created, Renault enjoyed an exceptional international reputation. The company founded by Louis Renault in 1898 had made a major contribution to the war effort with its tanks and aircraft engines, cementing its position as Europe's technological leader.
The 1920s saw Renault's innovation reach its peak. The Billancourt plant employed over 20,000 workers and produced a full range, from light commercial vehicles to prestige saloons. Louis Renault pushed his vision of a modern French car, competing with the emerging American models.
This prosperous period established Renault as a symbol of French industrial dynamism. The diamond-badged brand became synonymous with technical innovation and build quality, paving the way for future successes such as the Juvaquatre and then the 4CV.
A movie star car ahead of its time
The Renault Type NN had a unique destiny that went far beyond its role as a simple means of transport. From 1927 onwards, it became one of the most photographed cars of its era, regularly appearing in illustrated magazines and newsreels.
Its natural elegance and balanced lines immediately appealed to the filmmakers of the day. Abel Gance used it in several scenes of his films, helping to anchor this Renault in the collective imagination of the Roaring Twenties. The Type NN perfectly embodied the optimism and modernity of that carefree decade.
One delightful story tells of how, in 1928, at the Paris Motor Show, a Type NN was entirely covered in flowers by an anonymous admirer to celebrate its commercial success. This spontaneous gesture, widely reported in the press, showed the particular affection the French felt for a car that accompanied them into the modern age.
Even more surprisingly, the Type NN inspired several fashion creations of the time. Leading Parisian couturiers drew on its flowing lines when designing their dresses, creating a genuine aesthetic dialogue between the automobile and haute couture. This mutual influence reflects the profound cultural impact of this French car on the society of its time.
Complete your miniature collection
This replica of the Renault Type NN naturally finds its place in any collection devoted to exceptional French cars. It sits harmoniously alongside other interwar Renault models and makes a valuable record of the evolution of automotive styling.
Collectors passionate about French history will particularly appreciate how it complements miniatures of other French manufacturers of the period. It fits perfectly into themed collections dedicated to the 1920s or to French classics.
This miniature appeals as much to seasoned collectors as to newcomers eager to discover the golden age of the French automobile. It is an excellent introduction to the fascinating world of Renault miniatures, opening the way to exploring an automotive heritage of exceptional richness.
