In a world where the ephemeral reigns supreme, Renault stands out as an exception by celebrating its automotive heritage. Under the leadership of its former CEO, Luca de Meo, the diamond brand has shown a renewed interest in its historic models, offering a range of services dedicated to enthusiasts and restorers. While waiting for the opening of a museum in Flins, in the Yvelines, Renault unveils an arsenal of solutions for owners of classic vehicles.
Tailored services for enthusiasts
Renault has understood that owning a classic vehicle is not just a pleasure. The charms of vintage can quickly turn into a mechanical nightmare. That’s why the brand offers a valuable service for both amateur DIYers and industry professionals. More than fifty repair manuals and spare parts are now available online, covering a wide range of models and eras. From the iconic R4 and R5, recently revitalized in their electric version, to older models like the 4CV or the Frégate, not to mention “youngtimers” like the Fuego coupe, this documentation is a true treasure for anyone venturing into the restoration of these vehicles.
Renault offers an increasingly wide range of services for those who collect or restore its classic vehicles. © Renault
The Renault 21: a manual to the rescue
The latest addition to this digital library concerns the Renault 21, this family sedan with angular lines that preceded the Laguna and Talisman of the 1980s. Although the notorious R21 Turbo is the only one truly prized by collectors, the recently uploaded repair manual also addresses the more classic versions. It provides detailed information on the maintenance of all variants, allowing owners to take care of their asset with precision. The big sister, the R25, had already benefited from similar treatment last December. Even after Luca de Meo’s departure, who had placed heritage at the heart of Renault’s strategy, the brand continues to pay attention to its classic vehicles.
The repair manuals for the Renault 21 are now available online on the “classic vehicles” department website of the brand. © Renault
A range of services for collectors
The official Renault website, dedicated to historic vehicles and named “The Originals Renault Service,” does not limit itself to providing this digitized documentation. It also offers the possibility to order spare parts through an expanding network of partners, while facilitating the search for specialized garages. Users can also download certificates and attestations, essential for applying for a classic vehicle registration. Additionally, several tutorials featuring journalist François Allain and Jean-Louis Pichafroy, head of the The Originals Renault workshop, are available. The era when the brand seemed indifferent to its past is well and truly over, as evidenced by the announcement of a museum at the Flins factory site, in the Paris region.
Renault’s classic vehicle service also offers some tutorials with journalist François Allain and Jean-Louis Pichafroy, head of the The Originals Renault workshop. © Renault
A new era for automotive heritage
Renault shows that it is possible to combine innovation and respect for the past. While other manufacturers get lost in sometimes vague marketing strategies, the diamond brand chooses to invest in its history. The future looks bright for classic vehicle enthusiasts, who can now count on valuable assistance in preserving and enhancing their treasures. The promise of a museum in Flins is just a centerpiece of a larger puzzle aimed at keeping the flame of French automotive heritage alive.
In short, Renault proves that a manufacturer can be both modern and respectful of its past. For fans of historic automobiles, these new initiatives are opportunities to revive iconic models that marked their era.
