Renault to Auction 100 Classic Cars and Racing Legends Ahead of New Museum Opening

French automaker Renault has announced an ambitious plan to reshape its extensive heritage collection as it prepares to open a brand-new museum in 2027. As part of this transformation, the company will host a spectacular auction on December 7, organized in collaboration with the prestigious auction house Artcurial.

At this event, Renault will place around 100 rare cars and dozens of racing machines under the hammer, along with a treasure trove of engines, design models, and historic artifacts. For automotive collectors, motorsport enthusiasts, and brand loyalists, this represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to acquire pieces of Renault’s legacy.

What Will Be Sold?

While the complete auction catalog has yet to be revealed, Renault has confirmed that the sale will include both road classics and track icons from different decades. Notable highlights include:

Renault RE40 (1983) – A Formula 1 chassis that once competed against legends like Ferrari and McLaren during the turbocharged F1 era.

Alpine A442 (1975 prototype) – The car that paved the way for Alpine’s eventual triumph at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1978.

Renault-Lotus 95T (1984) – A Formula 1 machine co-developed during Renault’s partnership with Lotus, showcasing pioneering turbocharged technology.

Renault RE30 B9 – Another iconic F1 chassis, representing the peak of Renault’s engineering innovation in the early 1980s.

In total, about 20 racing cars will go up for auction, alongside classic road cars spanning much of Renault’s history. Collectors can also expect approximately 100 artifacts, including engines, designer scale models, and concept-related memorabilia.

Why Renault Is Selling Its Classics

At first glance, auctioning off priceless historic cars may seem unusual for an automaker so deeply rooted in tradition. However, Renault’s strategy is carefully thought out.

The company has committed to preserving at least one example of every model and variant since 1898 in its permanent collection. By selling duplicate vehicles and prototypes, Renault ensures its museum remains comprehensive while making room for fresh curation and storytelling.

This approach mirrors what other heritage-rich brands, such as Mercedes-Benz and Ferrari, have done to balance heritage with sustainability and global outreach.

The New Renault Museum in Flins

The centerpiece of this strategy will be the new Renault museum, scheduled to open in 2027 in Flins, near Paris. This site is steeped in history—it is where Renault developed some of its most important cars, including the Dauphine, the legendary Renault 5, and several generations of the Clio.

The Flins facility will become more than just a showroom for old cars. Renault envisions it as a cultural and technological hub, celebrating both heritage and innovation. Visitors will be able to experience over a century of automotive progress while seeing how Renault is adapting to the electric era.

Technical Icons Going Under the Hammer

Some of the cars expected at the auction are not only valuable historically but also technically fascinating:

Renault RE40 – Powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged V6 producing over 650 hp, this F1 car competed in the 1983 season with Alain Prost at the wheel, scoring multiple victories.

Alpine A442 – A 2.0-liter turbocharged racing prototype that led directly to Alpine’s dominance at Le Mans in the late 1970s.

Renault-Lotus 95T – Equipped with Renault’s EF4 turbo engine, capable of more than 700 hp in qualifying trim.

Renault RE30B – Known for its ground-effect aerodynamics and turbocharged power unit, this car represented a crucial step in Renault’s F1 journey.

These vehicles symbolize Renault’s role as a pioneer in turbo technology and aerodynamic experimentation, areas that later influenced mainstream production cars.

Cultural Significance of the Auction

Beyond the technical appeal, this auction demonstrates how Renault is bridging its past with its future. By placing rare machines in the hands of collectors, museums, and private enthusiasts, Renault is ensuring that its cars will continue to be showcased globally, rather than remaining hidden in storage.

The sale also reflects the growing trend of automotive heritage as investment. Classic racing cars and prototypes have seen skyrocketing value in recent years, and Renault’s curated offering is expected to attract bidders from around the world.

Bugatti Joins the Stage

Interestingly, this Renault auction isn’t the only major European sale this year. Another high-profile auction will feature the Bugatti La Voiture Noire, a one-off hypercar unveiled in 2019 as the world’s most expensive new car. Although already owned, its appearance on the auction block underscores the strength of the collector car market.

Why It Matters for UAE Collectors

In the UAE, where passion for rare cars runs deep, this auction is bound to attract attention from private collectors and luxury car enthusiasts. With Dubai and Abu Dhabi already home to some of the world’s most exclusive car collections, it would not be surprising if several Renault racing legends make their way to the Middle East.

For car rental companies, while these models are not destined for fleets, the heritage storytelling potential is significant. Imagine offering customers a drive in a modern Renault, while showcasing the brand’s racing lineage in marketing campaigns—it enhances prestige and customer appeal.

Renault’s decision to auction 100 rare cars and artifacts is more than a sale—it’s a bold cultural statement. By refining its collection and focusing on one representative of every model, Renault ensures its future museum in Flins will be both authentic and inspiring. At the same time, collectors worldwide gain the opportunity to own a piece of history, from Formula 1 legends to road-going icons.

The December 7 auction will therefore not just move cars—it will reshape Renault’s heritage for decades to come.