Text: Tony Vos - Pictures: Peter Singhof/Artcurial
The Estafette Minibus Tropique is an extremely rare and interesting version of the first front-wheel-drive Renault. The development had already taken place before its launch in 1960 as part of a campaign demonstrating the many possibilities that the Estafette chassis cab version offered to coachbuilders. This open model was even featured in various commercial catalogues at the time, but in the end it never made it into production.
The model is an unprecedented interpretation of the beach car with a fully open platform at the rear. The designers took their inspiration from the popular beach cars of Italian origin at that time, built by Ghia and others. The passengers get in via a V-shaped opening at the rear and sit on the rattan seats and benches that can accommodate a total of seven people. In addition, there are seats for the driver and passenger.There are no doors or windows except for the windscreen.
This red example has only covered 8,321 kilometres and is in completely original condition. It is amazing how well the original rattan seats in the cabin and rear have lasted. Of all the chrome strips that were added, only one is missing, the one at the top of the bulkhead between cabin and rear. All the inner panels are also lined with rattan.
It is not known exactly how many examples of this Estafette Tropique were actually built. This particular vehicle served as a fire engine for a long time in the grounds of the Flins Renault factory but it was not originally intended for that purpose.
In archive photographs from the early sixties, this Estafette is still in its original white paint and was used for factory tours including one by former Russian president Nikita Kruschev (1960), among others. It has retained its original registration number 4978 DJ 78 all his life, issued in the department of Yvelines where the factory is located near the town of Flins.
However, the official press photos of the Renault Estafette Tropique show another example. Not only are small chrome details missing on the B-pillar, but also the roof is different. This probably first version has a roof over the passenger compartment two thirds of which is the same as the normal Estafette roof with the well-known grooves and rounded blocks on the sides. Further to the rear there is a change and the roof above the rear has a smooth finish.
In our subject vehicle, the roof from the cabin consists of one piece and is completely straight from front to rear. Therefore it is possible that at least two examples of this special Estafette were built, although it is not inconceivable that the second type of roof was fitted later, as well as the chrome decorations.
Collector André Lurton bought this Estafette in 2003 from the Renault heritage department so it is therefore very likely that he was the only private owner of this type of vehicle. The conclusion can be drawn that even if more than one was built, this is the only Estafette Tropique that is left. and the new owner recently bought a unique model.
Since this Estafette has been part of a collection for a long time, it has hardly been used meaning that recommissioning will be required as a minimum in order to be able to drive it again. Being the first type of Estafette, the front wheels are driven by the small 845 cc 4 cylinder Ventoux engine from the Dauphine and later models.
The Estafette Tropique was built in 1960 mainly as a demonstration vehicle to show the possibilities of the Estafette chassis cab which was a version designed to be built on by coachbuilders for special requirements. Normally the cabin with doors remained fully intact. Except for the rear mudguards, the entire rear was open. There is a photo of an Estafette chassis cab where the roof was extended to the usual level. In fact, a large part of this roof corresponds to the closed van. This roof is supported at the rear on two slightly inclined metal tubes which is precisely the construction found on this exotic version. The panels between the rear mudguards at the rear and those between the cabin and mudguards have been specially formed for this open version. In this case, the cabin has also been modified and the doors have disappeared.
When this red vehicle is compared to the 1960 factory pictures, many details show that the auctioned vehicle is completely original. That means with three chrome strips on top of each other on the sides and five much smaller strips on the B-pillar. As said, the latter is missing from the first press photos. They may have been added later or at least two examples have been built. The chrome bars can also be seen on the old photos, as well as the rattan seats. The floor mats and headlining are also in style.
The auction of André Lurton's collection ensures that this special Estafette will be back in the limelight exactly 60 years after its creation. Unfortunately it is not known who the Tropique ended up with, an auction house never discloses that. However, who knows, within a few years this Estafette, in fully restored condition, could reappear and impress us at exhibitions or events.
En détail...
Renault Estafette Tropique 1960
Specifications (R2130)
Engine:
Type 810 4 cylinder petrol, 8 valves, Solex 28 THIS carburettor, bore x stroke 58 x 80 mm, displacement 845 cc. Power 30 (SAE) hp at 4,400 rpm, compression ratio 8:1. Electrical system 12 Volt.
Gearbox:
Manual with 4 synchronised forward and 1 reverse gear, gear ratios 1st - 4.40, 2nd - 2.59, 3rd - 1.55, 4th - 1.00, reverse - 4.0, final drive 5.83. Independent all-round wheel suspension with coil springs and hydraulic shock absorbers. Tyres 165 x 380.
Dimensions:
Length 4,100 m, width 1,780 m (without mirrors), height 1,920 m, wheelbase 2,270 m. Track width front 1,320 m, rear 1,460 m. Turning radius 4.80/4.65 metres (right/left). Weight: 1,087 kg. Tank capacity: 35 litres.