For more than a hundred years, Renault has been writing automotive history. Founded near Paris by the brothers Fernand, Louis, and Marcel Renault, the company has produced everything that has four wheels: from small cars with a French touch to successful Formula 1 race cars - even throwing in some tractors for good measure.

Renault in the tides of history

It did not take Renault long after the company was founded to achieve the first big successes. After only one year, the company already employed one hundred people who manufactured cars in Boulogne-Billancourt. After the brothers Fernand and Marcel died at an early age, Louis took over the reigns at the company. He proved to be talented in more than just business matters. Under his technical direction, the company developed the turbo charger and the drum brake.

During World War I the company’s focus shifted towards military issues: Renault now produced trucks, plane engines, and ammunition for the military. Due to the great importance of vehicles from Renault to the French war effort, Louis Renault was named officer of the Honor Legion in 1918. During the German occupation of France during World War II, Renault was forced to operate under German management. After the liberation of the country and the death of Louis Renault in 1944, the company was nationalized.

Classic Renault models

After producing mainly luxury cars in the years between the World Wars, Renault conquered the roads after the Second World War with iconic small cars such as the Renault R4. The series, which entered production in 1961 and would be produced for over 30 years, was a successor to the Renault 4CV which had been produced during the war. Because of its small price tag, it was not only a hit with students and small families but was also in use by police in Spain and France for a number of years.

Another post-war model was the Renault Dauphine, a car coveted by collectors even today. The name Dauphine can be translated to “heiress to the throne,”a play on the huge international success of the Renault 4CV. The Dauphine succeeded in its mission and enjoyed great sales numbers, especially in Germany.