- Decently preserved, worthwhile restoration project

- A classic Renault utility vehicle

- Body with side windows, 9 rear seats

- No reserve

With its cab-forward design, separate chassis, rear-wheel drive with a solid axle, and a four-cylinder engine based on the Primaquatre, the Renault 1000kg was introduced in 1945 (followed by a 1400kg version) and was a mix of the modern and traditional. Its sturdy construction helped make it the best-selling van in France in the 1950s. Used by craftsmen and traders, it also saw service with many public authorities and even filled the bill for more intrepid users with a 4WD version better suited for going off-road. At the end of its career, the two models were rebranded the Voltigeur and Goélette, and they remained on sale until the mid-1960s, when they made way for another bestseller, the Estafette.

The 1000kg van from the collection has quite an extensive history. We know from a copy of its old French title that from 1977 it belonged to the village of Fresneaux-Montchevreuil in the Oise. It was noted that it could carry 17 passengers, 15 of them children. It appears that it was formerly a hearse with side windows used by the undertakers PFG and was later converted into a minibus to carry children. In 1985, it was acquired by a Renault enthusiasts’ club, before joining the collection as a restoration project. It has three rows of seats (not attached to the floor), as well as two seats in the front. It appears to be in decently preserved condition, both outside and in, and asks only to be given a good restoration before being driven along country roads once again.