Renault is one of those brands that diecast beginners overlook and veterans quietly treasure. It is deeply French, it has a wild rally past, and unlike the American muscle that fills most pegs, you have to know where to look to collect it. The good news is that once you do, there is a lot to love, and one or two genuine hidden gems.
A quick history of Renault
Renault started in 1898, founded by Louis Renault along with his brothers. Louis was an engineer at heart, obsessed with both the machines and the factories that built them. By 1905 the company had moved into mass production to fill a large order of taxis, and Louis brought assembly-line thinking into his plants to push output higher.
Renault also has deep roots in hard times. During the First World War it built trucks, ambulances and the revolutionary FT tank, and its taxis famously helped move troops to the front. After the war it kept growing, and under Pierre Dreyfus from 1955 it became a serious exporter. Two cars defined the modern era: the Renault 16 of the mid-1960s, an early hatchback that sold driving pleasure, and the Renault 5 of 1972, an economical, practical runaround that became a genuine best seller, sold in the United States as “Le Car.”
The 1980s brought the upmarket Renault 25 and, more importantly, the Espace in 1984, which more or less created the modern people-mover in Europe. Renault also brought turbo power to Formula 1 at the end of the 1970s, a technology that would reshape the sport. The 1990s gave us the Clio and the Mégane, and in 1999 Renault formed its landmark alliance with Nissan and took over Dacia, setting up the global group it runs today.
Why Renault is a European diecast staple
Here is the key thing for collectors: because Renault is French, the brands that cover it best are French too. Majorette, the great French diecast maker, has Renaults running all through its range, and Norev produces some beautifully detailed 1/64 versions. If your shelf is all Hot Wheels, Renault is exactly the kind of brand that pushes you to explore the wider hobby. Our beginner’s guide to collecting diecast cars covers how to branch out without overspending.
The best Renault diecast models
A few Renaults are worth seeking out in any collection:
- The Renault 5 Turbo. This is the hero. A wide-bodied, mid-engined Group B rally icon, it has been immortalized by Majorette (including the classic Maxi 5 Turbo Rallye), by Norev, and by Hot Wheels. If you buy one Renault, make it this.
- The Alpine A110. Both the original rally legend and the modern revival are Majorette favorites, and they look fantastic in 1:64.
- The Clio, Twingo, Mégane and Captur. Majorette’s everyday Renault range covers the real cars you see on European streets, the kind of honest models the big brands never bother to make.
Renault in Hot Wheels (the surprise)
Most collectors assume Hot Wheels ignores Renault. Not quite. There was a Renault Le Car casting back in 1983, and a Renault 5 Turbo in 1991 that is now genuinely rare and sought after, since only a couple of variations were ever made. More recently Hot Wheels brought the R5 Turbo back, including a version in the Car Culture Modern Classics line with Real Rider tires that premium collectors chased hard. It is not a big Renault lineup, but the ones that exist are special. If you are wondering whether the rare ones are a smart buy, we get into that in are Hot Wheels a good investment.
Rare and collectible Renault diecast
The standouts on the value side are the vintage ones. That 1991 Hot Wheels Renault 5 Turbo is a rare bird that collectors pay up for, and Majorette’s original 1985 Maxi 5 Turbo Rallye is a lovely cross-collectible for anyone into Renault, rally cars or Majorette history. As always, condition and packaging drive the price, so mint and boxed beats loose and worn.
Frequently asked questions
Does Hot Wheels make Renault cars?
Yes, but rarely. Notable ones include the Le Car from 1983, a rare Renault 5 Turbo from 1991, and a modern R5 Turbo in the Car Culture Modern Classics line.
Who makes the best Renault diecast?
The French brands. Majorette has the widest Renault range, and Norev makes some of the most detailed 1/64 versions.
Is the Renault 5 Turbo a good diecast to collect?
Absolutely. As a Group B rally icon it is a hero car, and it has been made by Majorette, Norev and Hot Wheels, so there is a version for every budget.
What Renaults does Majorette make?
Plenty, including the Alpine A110, Renault 5, Clio, Twingo, Mégane and Captur.
New to the hobby? Start with our beginner’s guide, and browse more coverage of underrated brands in our Majorette section.
