Iconic French brand, Renault producing numerous popular cars that have left a mark on automotive history and the memories of many generations. On June 29, the brand celebrated its 125th anniversary at the UTAC Linas-Montlhéry Autodrome, which was also celebrating its 100th anniversary. This double anniversary could not be missed by Alepoc, who went to the meeting of enthusiasts of the diamond-shaped brand.

Overview of this fascinating event, where vintage cars were celebrated alongside personalities who keep the spirit alive. Renault, like Tony Vos, creator of Losange Magazine, whom we had the pleasure of interviewing.

 

The Autodrome de Montlhéry: Theater of Historical Records of Renault

 

At the beginning of the 20th century, any ambitious car brand must break records. It is in this context that the Autodrome of Montlhéry was established in 1924, thanks to a wealthy industrialist. Designed by architect Raymond Jamin, this 2.5 km speed circuit, complemented in 1925 by a 6.5 km road track, quickly became a major hub of automobile racing. Between 1925 and 1939, 86% of world records were set there. Renault contributes with several iconic models, visible during the organized parades.

Roger remembers the day in 1973 when UTAC bought the Autodrome to turn it into an automotive testing center, a role it still fulfills today.

 

The Renault 40 ch: the beginning of the records

With its 6-cylinder inline engine of 9,121 cm³ and its streamlined body, theRenault 40 hp inaugurates the era of records in 1926. She travels 4,167.578 km in 24 hours at an average speed of 173.649 km/h, breaking the records for 2,000, 3,000, and 4,000 km.

 

The Renault Nervasport: Three World Records

In the early 1930s, Louis Renault asks its engineers to design a car dedicated to breaking records. Marcel Riffard, an aeronautical engineer, designs the sleek body of the Nervasport. Its 8-cylinder engine with a displacement of 4,825 cm³ allows the Nervasport to break three world records On April 4 and 5, 1934, by covering 8,037 km in 48 hours at an average speed of 167.445 km/h.

 

The Bonneville Salt Flats: New Playground

In the 1950s, the race for speed accelerated. Fascinated by the United States, Renault cross the Atlantic with a unique model: The Shooting Star. Equipped with a Turbomeca turbine with 270 hp at 28,000 rpm, it reached 306.9 km/h over one kilometer and 308.85 km/h over 5 kilometers on the Bonneville Salt Flats in 1956, establishing unmatched records.

In 2016, Renault returns to Bonneville with his Étoile Filante for Speed Week. Accompanied by a Renault Competition Dauphine, driven by Nicolas Prost, broke the record in its category (Classic Gas Coupe) with an average speed of 123.2 km/h. A testament that the passion for records is still alive.

 

Renault Riffard-Tank: The Forgotten Prototype

In the 1950s, engineer Marcel Riffard created a prototype to break records, using spare parts of the Renault 4CV. Named Renault Riffard-Tank 4CV, this unique model approved in 1956, has never achieved any notable feats. It's truly a miracle to still be able to admire it today.

These historical exploits of Renault, recorded in the annals of the Montlhéry Autodrome, testify to the brand's relentless quest for performance and innovation.

 

Festival of the Renault Popular: a tribute to the brand's iconic models

 

For its 7th edition, the Losange Passion International, organized by the Club of Classic Car Enthusiasts Renault, offered a rich and varied program. In addition to the 125 years of Renault, several iconic anniversaries were celebrated:

--The 40 years of theRenault Super 5

--The 40 years of the Renault 25 (read V6 PRV)

--The 40 years of the Renault Space

--The 50th anniversary of the Alpine A441

The most memorable birthday was that of the 60 years of the Renault R8 Gordini, which we will talk to you about soon. Many R8 Gordini cars were present, with driving sessions throughout the day. We had the pleasure of get on board a magnificent and rare R8 Gordini "white during the parade, an unforgettable moment on the legendary Montlhéry circuit. To celebrate these 60 years, find a short comic strip created by Faboune."

A gathering of enthusiasts and rare models

Strolling around the Montlhéry circuit is about meeting enthusiasts of Renault and discover forgotten models. The friends of the Super 5 Club came in large numbers to celebrate the 40th anniversary. There were several Renault Super 5 Baccara, which we were able to test recently. Among the rarities, a Renault Super 5 TS New Man, a special Dutch series with specific bumpers, was present. The platform of Renault Super 5 GT Turbo Issues from the single-model Cup delighted spectators with some impressive runs.

We also came across superb Renault 4, including a rare version with four side windows, as well as special series like the R4 Sixties (produced in 2200 copies) and the R4 Jogging (produced in 5000 copies). All models of Renault old ones were present, each more beautiful than the last. Our favorite is a station wagon. Renault 12Yellow, accompanied by its cut derivativesI'm sorry, but "R15" doesn't provide enough context for translation. Could you please provide more information or context? and R17. The alignment of the Renault 16Reminded us of our childhood memories and going on vacation just like during the Traffic jam on the N9.

The festival also highlighted manyRenault 5 of all colors, including models featuring the logo Renault-Kentread story), and even a Renault 5 Laureate, the last special series before the launch of the Super 5. Among the curiosities, a rare Renault 5 Gordini, the equivalent of the Renault 5 Alpine for the British market. Due to trademark rights, the name "Alpine" was not available there.

 

The Renault "Foreigners" in the spotlight

The festival also featured models. Renault unknown in France. Among them, the Renault Seven, trunk version of the Renault 5 reserved for Spanish market, and the Renault-IKA Torino coming straight from Argentina. The Renault born from the alliance with AMC were also in the spotlight, with:

-I'm sorry, but it seems there is no text to translate. Could you please provide the text you would like translated?The Renault Rambler,

--The Renault Alliance and Encore, derived from the Renault 9 and 11 for the American market,

--The Eagle Medallion, the American version of the Renault 21,

--And the rare Eagle Premier, a high-end model inspired by the R21.

 

We had the chance to meet the chief engineer of the program of Renault Americans, who explained to us the unique design of the Premier and its few common points with the R21. A fascinating encounter that crowned this exceptional event !

The owner of the Eagle Premier also shared with us his experience and love for this car. Its owner is none other than Tony Vos!

Interview with Tony Vos: Creator of Losange Magazine, the Specialist Renault

Losange Magazine, dedicated to enthusiasts of the diamond-shaped brand, was founded in the Netherlands in 2007 thanks to Tony Vos, a fervent admirer of Renault. Its mission: to share the small stories within the grand history of Renault, by highlighting the little-known models and rare vehicles.

Polyglot, Tony Vos quickly decided to launch a French version of its magazine, initially available online. This year, Losange Magazine is now available at newsstands, much to the delight of vintage car enthusiasts Renault.

If you are a fan of classic vehicles, you have no doubt already come across in its pages some ads for spare parts for popular French cars. Christian Bat, founder of ALEPOC, had the opportunity to interview Tony Vos. A rich and captivating exchange that will immerse you in the universe of Renault through the eyes of this passionate man, a true ambassador of the brand worldwide. Discover his anecdotes and unique journey that are sure to fascinate you !

 

Legendary Drivers Honored at the Losange Passion International

During the 7th edition of the Losange Passion International, fans of Renault were able to witness spectacular demonstrations performed by renowned pilots. Among them, Jean Ragnotti, a true icon of the house Renault, who shone with his impressive track record in the French Rally Championship at the wheel of the legendary Renault 5 Turbo and Maxi 5 Turbo.

Jean Ragnotti has handed over the wheel of his Renault Maxi 5 Turbo To Julien Saunier, official pilot Renault in rallying. The latter performed 360-degree spins "à la Ragnotti" in a breathtaking Gymkhana session. Discover the 350 horsepower of this historic car in action in our exclusive video !

Another highlight, Alain Serpaggi, winner of the sports car championship in 1974 with Alpine, took charge of The Alpine A442. This legendary car, victorious at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1978, roared on the Montlhéry track, offering spectators an unforgettable moment.

Yvan Muller, a quadruple champion in the Touring Car Championship and holder of 10 victories in the Andros Trophy, also put on a show. He delivered an impressive demonstration behind the wheel of the Renault 5 Turbo 3 E, a modern and electric reinterpretation of the Renault 5 Turbo, designed in collaboration with Ligier. Although silent, the visual performance of this futuristic model left spectators speechless.

 

Assessment of the Losange Passion International 2024

The International Diamond Passion 2024 was a true celebration of the history of Renault, highlighting the many innovations of the French manufacturer. The event, organized by the Amateurs Club of Renault Ancient, brought together an impressive lineup of vintage vehicles and legendary drivers on the mythical Montlhéry circuit.

Among the highlights, the meetings with iconic figures like Tony Vos, creator of Losange Magazine, and Jean Ragnotti, legendary driver, will remain etched in memory. Spectacular driving demonstrations and the presence of iconic popular cars allowed visitors to relive the great moments of Renault.

Excite the brand's enthusiasts while offering to the general public a journey to the heart of this fascinating automotive history, it's a successful bet!

 

Want to know more about the history of Renault and its iconic vehicles ? Discover our dedicated articles to dive into the heart of this unique automotive adventure.