| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1959 |
| Production Years: | 1962 - 1981 discontinued in 1981 |
The Renault Estafette, produced from 1962 to 1981, is a distinguished classic minivan that stands out for its compact and practical design. Originating from the 1959 model year, the Estafette was Renault’s answer to the growing demand for versatile commercial vans and family-oriented minivans during the post-war economic boom in Europe. It was engineered to serve various purposes — from cargo transport to passenger shuttle — making it a highly adaptable vehicle in its era. Thanks to its compact dimensions, it fit perfectly into narrow European streets while still offering a spacious interior. Although precise official size figures vary across model years, the Estafette generally measured approximately 4100 mm (161 in) in length, around 1900 mm (75 in) in width, and 2000 mm (79 in) in height. Its mid-engine, front-wheel-drive layout allowed for a low flat floor, optimizing interior space and ease of loading compared to rear-wheel-drive competitors. This design choice resulted in a stable handling experience even when fully loaded. The vehicle's chassis and body were designed to offer cargo flexibility, with various configurations including panel vans, minibuses, and chassis cabs. The Estafette became a hallmark of French commercial transport, remembered for its reliability and ingenious use of space. Today, it remains popular among vintage van enthusiasts and collectors due to its unique styling and historical significance. In size comparisons, it is smaller than modern full-size vans yet sizeable compared to city minivans, making it a versatile vehicle in mid-20th century automotive history.
Discover the standout features that make the 1959 Renault Estafette a leader in its class
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The Renault Estafette, produced between 1962 and 1981, measures approximately 4,340 mm (170.9 inches) in length, 1,870 mm (73.6 inches) in width, and 2,045 mm (80.5 inches) in height. These dimensions made it relatively compact and maneuverable for a minivan of its time, allowing it to navigate urban and rural environments effectively while providing sufficient cargo and passenger space.
The wheelbase of the Renault Estafette is about 2,500 mm (98.4 inches). This relatively long wheelbase for a van of its era allowed for a spacious interior cabin suited for passengers and cargo. Additionally, the extended wheelbase contributed to better driving stability and comfort on the road, making the Estafette suitable for urban deliveries and family transport alike.
The curb weight of the Renault Estafette typically ranges between 1,100 kg to 1,300 kg (2,425 lbs to 2,866 lbs), depending on the specific model and equipment. This relatively light weight for a minivan helped enhance its fuel efficiency and made it easier to handle on narrow streets and in congested city areas while still providing robust utility and load-carrying capabilities.
The Renault Estafette was designed primarily as a utility vehicle, offering a flexible cargo area. It has an estimated load volume of around 4 to 6 cubic meters (141 to 212 cubic feet), depending on the configuration and seating arrangement. This capacity made it a favored choice for small businesses, delivery services, and tradespeople throughout its production run.
Typically, the Renault Estafette could seat between 6 to 8 passengers, depending on the interior layout. It featured a front bench or individual seats and a flexible rear seating arrangement that allowed for both passenger transport and cargo space optimization. This versatility enhanced its appeal as a multi-purpose vehicle, suitable for families and commercial use.
Yes, the Renault Estafette usually fits into a standard residential garage. Its length of approximately 4.34 meters (170.9 inches) and width under 1.9 meters (73.6 inches) mean it can be parked comfortably inside a typical garage space, which generally exceeds 5 meters in length and around 2.4 meters in width. The height of around 2.045 meters (80.5 inches) should also accommodate most garage door openings, though clearance should be verified individually.
The Renault Estafette replaced older models like the Renault Colorale and earlier commercial vans that were generally bulkier and less optimized for cargo transport efficiency. Dimensionally, the Estafette was more compact compared to its predecessors, yet offered a better cargo volume and easier maneuverability. Functionally, the Estafette was more modern with features such as front-wheel drive and a versatile interior layout, positioning it ahead of older Renault commercial vehicles in both usability and design.
During the 1960s and 1970s, the Renault Estafette competed with vehicles like the Volkswagen Type 2 (Transporter) and the Ford Transit. Dimensionally, it was somewhat smaller in length and width compared to these rivals, making it more maneuverable in tight urban environments. However, its load volume and seating flexibility were competitive. The Estafette’s front-wheel-drive layout was a unique advantage, providing improved interior space efficiency over the rear-wheel-drive competitors.
The Renault Estafette was notable for being one of the first front-wheel-drive vans introduced in Europe, which allowed for a flat loading floor and better space utilization. It featured a low floor height and sliding side doors, making access easier for loading cargo and passengers. Throughout its production, it received incremental updates such as improved engines and mechanical parts but maintained its practical and modular design focus.
With a width of 1,870 mm (73.6 inches) excluding mirrors, and a height of approximately 2,045 mm (80.5 inches), the Renault Estafette is considered a moderately sized minivan. Drivers need to be aware of low clearance areas such as parking garages, low bridges, and narrow streets. Its dimensions are well suited for most urban and suburban environments but may require attention in very tight parking spaces or areas with low vertical clearance.
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