Renault Fregate

Parts for Classic Cars Renault Frigate by Alépoc

The Renault from the immediate post-war period, the most well-known are small cars. However, as early as 1950 for the press and 1951 for the general public, Renault proposes a large touring car: the Frégate.

The ambition of the Renault Frigate

His ambition is nothing less than to capture market share from the Traction, which appeared long ago, it's true. The new car is therefore designed to be classic: three-box, rounded shapes, front engine, and rear-wheel drive, it is large enough to carry a family and their luggage. Its engine is a new 1996 cm³ that produces 60 hp. A considerable power for the time, but the prestige of the Renault Frigate and its weight of 1200kg will make this 4-cylinder the weak point of the car. In terms of handling, the newcomer is praised, with its independent wheels and good braking.
It evolves little in the early years, with only the introduction of the basic "business" model being a real novelty.

The evolution of the Renault Frigate

However, in 1955, a real reshuffle takes place. The Renault Frigate It receives the Etendard engine of 2141 cm³ and 77hp. Additionally, a station wagon, the Domaine, is launched, along with a luxury version, the Grand Pavois. In 1957, a new fully synchronized gearbox appears, and in 1958, the Transfluide, slightly more powerful, is equipped with a semi-automatic gearbox.
Some coupe and convertible versions will be made by major coachbuilders, including Chapron and Ghia, but the Frégate's career will not really take off.

The end of the Renault Frigate

Its production was discontinued in 1960 due to a sense of failure: only 180,000 were produced in almost 10 years! Additionally, it left a bad memory among Renault, In 1955, Pierre Lefaucheux, CEO of the company, skidded on a patch of ice while driving a Renault Frigate and kills itself.

Despite its limited distribution, it is not so uncommon to come across some Renault Frégate at vintage car gatherings. A high-end car offering beautiful features in addition to being original, it is a car that deserves to return to the road. Engine parts Alepoc will help you: