René Bonnet Djet Blue 1962
Scale: 1/43rd
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
The René Bonnet Djet of 1962 represents one of the most fascinating chapters in French automotive history. This 1/43 scale miniature captures with precision the revolutionary spirit of this sports coupé, which marked the 1960s with its avant-garde design and innovative technical concept.
A true collector's item, this faithful reproduction is aimed at enthusiasts of French cars and collectors who wish to own a testament to the creative boldness of the French automotive industry. The René Bonnet Djet perfectly embodies an era when French manufacturers dared to challenge established conventions.
The René Bonnet Djet was born in 1962 in a French automotive context in full ferment. This sports coupé stood out immediately thanks to its rear mid-engine layout, a revolutionary configuration for the time that was found only on a few Italian supercars. Equipped with the 1108 cm³ Renault R8 Gordini engine, the Djet initially produced 70 horsepower, later rising to 95 horsepower in its most refined version.
Its design, created by the René Bonnet team, contrasted sharply with contemporary French production. The taut and aerodynamic lines of the Djet, with its tapered nose and truncated tail, already foreshadowed the supercars of the following decades. The car also used a fibreglass construction, a material that was still marginal in the French automotive industry.
Despite its undeniable technical qualities and respectable performance for its time, the Djet achieved only limited commercial success. Its artisanal production and high price reserved it for an exclusive clientele, yet it left a lasting mark on French automotive history through its conceptual boldness.
In the 1960s René Bonnet established himself as one of the most innovative French manufacturers, heir to the DB (Deutsch-Bonnet) tradition that he had co-founded with Charles Deutsch. After the two partners separated in 1961, René Bonnet launched his own brand with the ambition of creating authentically French sports cars capable of competing with foreign productions.
The company from Champigny-sur-Marne quickly developed a coherent range built around the Djet, available in coupé and convertible versions. René Bonnet relied on technical innovation and refinement, extensively using fibreglass and optimised Renault mechanical solutions. This approach allowed him to offer light, high-performance cars with a distinctive style.
Unfortunately, financial difficulties forced René Bonnet to sell his company to Matra in 1964. The Djet then became the Matra Djet, and later evolved into the famous Matra 530, perpetuating the technical and stylistic heritage initiated by René Bonnet.
The history of the René Bonnet Djet holds a particularly delightful anecdote that perfectly illustrates the spirit of the 1960s. In 1963, the producers of the film "Un singe en hiver" (A Monkey in Winter) were looking for a modern sports car to embody the success of the character played by Jean-Paul Belmondo. The choice naturally fell on the Djet, then the flagship of French industry.
However, filming quickly revealed the practical constraints of the mid-engine layout. Access to the engine, located behind the seats, proved particularly complex, and the set technicians had great difficulty making the necessary adjustments between takes. This mishap, reported by the specialist press of the time, paradoxically contributed to the car's fame.
Even more surprising, the Djet used in the film belonged to a Parisian collector who agreed to lend it in exchange for substantial insurance cover. The man also owned several Ferraris and Porsches, but considered his Djet to be "the most French of sports cars", a phrase that struck a chord with the media.
This cinematic exposure left a lasting impression on the image of the René Bonnet Djet, firmly associating it with Parisian elegance and the sophisticated lifestyle of the 1960s. Even today, collectors regularly cite this appearance as a defining moment in the perception of the French brand.
This René Bonnet Djet miniature holds a prominent place in the world of French car replicas. It fits perfectly alongside other iconic French miniature cars, offering collectors the opportunity to recreate the golden age of French innovation.
Enthusiasts of 1960s cars will find in this Djet an ideal complement to their Renault miniatures and other French productions of the era. Its relative rarity also makes it a sound investment for discerning collectors, who are aware of the unique place René Bonnet occupies in automotive history.
This replica is especially suited to lovers of unusual sports cars and enthusiasts of French automotive history. It also makes an exceptional conversation piece, evoking an era when creative boldness took precedence over purely commercial considerations, perfectly embodying the pioneering spirit of 1/43 scale miniatures.
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.