The Renault Dauphine, built from 1956 to 1967, was a groundbreaking small car from the French car manufacturer Renault. As the successor to the Renault 4CV, it was designed to meet the requirements of an affordable and functional city car. The design was by Fernand Picard, while Robert Barthaud played a significant role in the technical development. The distinctive features of the Renault Dauphine were the four-door body, rear engine, and easy-to-handle chassis, making it an ideal vehicle for urban areas. Some technical data included an 845cc four-cylinder engine producing 30PS (29 hp) that allowed a top speed of about 115 km/h (71 mph). To put it in context: in 1956, when the Renault Dauphine was first produced, Elvis Presley released his hit song "Heartbreak Hotel." Additionally, the Olympic Games were held in Melbourne, and the Treaty of Rome establishing the European Economic Community was signed in that year.
The Renault Dauphine was based on a rear-wheel-drive concept and featured all-wheel drum brakes, ensuring safe and effective braking performance. Another innovation was the three-speed manual gearbox with a steering column shift, considered advanced for that era. The interior of the vehicle was relatively spacious for its class, accommodating up to four persons. Another remarkable point was the car's light weight of around 650 kilograms (1433 pounds), contributing to its agility and handling in urban traffic. The Renault Dauphine came in various paint finishes and offered some customization options for buyers.
The 1/43 scale model car, made by Solido, represents a detailed replica of the Renault Dauphine. This particular model, found in the collection of Modelly member "Fred," impresses with its intricate design and precise proportions. It was crafted from die-cast material, providing high detail accuracy and robustness. The model showcases a light pastel blue paint finish with a glossy surface. Noteworthy are the realistically designed white sidewall tires on chrome rims, capturing the elegant yet compact style of the original perfectly. The front of the model features the typical round headlights and stylized grille of the Renault Dauphine, while the rear includes the characteristic taillights and a numbered license plate.
A standout feature of the 1/43 scale model is the high level of detail seen in all elements of the vehicle. While the doors, hood, and trunk are non-functional, they are very accurately represented. The interior of the model showcases the steering wheel-mounted gear shift and detailed seat recreations. This replica by Solido allows collectors to own the Renault Dauphine in a miniature form that can serve as a display piece or part of a diorama. The miniature Renault Dauphine is an impressive addition to any model car collection, bringing the classic design features of the original into a compact yet detailed form. Since the Renault Dauphine was extremely popular in the 1950s and 1960s, this model offers a journey back in time and highlights the significant role this vehicle played in automotive history.