Light van and bus
In 1959, Renault launched a new class of utility vehicle between passenger car-based vans and heavier vehicles such as the Voltigeur and Gôelette. Estafette was built as 500/600, 800 and 1000 kg payload. The cars with a payload of 500 kg were made due to statutory weight requirements. The relay with a payload of 800 kg was called Relay 800.
Several variants
The Estafette was made with an extended wheelbase and with a raised roof, pick-up truck, camper van with and without sleeping alcove and mobile fast food kitchen. The version with windows all around was called Lark. They had seats that could be removed so that you could combine seating arrangements with cargo space - an early MPV.
Engines
Like other van projects, the vans got engines from the passenger cars. When the Estafette appeared in 1959, it was with Dauphine engines. From 1962, the vans were equipped with the then new 1100 engine. Later, at the end of the 60s, the 1300 engine came, which was later used in the Renault 12. Seen with today's eyes, one could say that this was flimsy motorisation of vans. The Estafette could not offer a diesel engine until 1973. The drivetrain was a front-mounted engine with front-wheel drive.
Estafette and Alouette as a hobby car?
Renault collaborated with its own caravan manufacturers to make Estafette motorhomes. One of them had a sleeping alcove above the driver's seat - another was based on a regular version with a raised roof. Estafette equipped as a camping car, will be perfect for nostalgia camping. The Alouette – the bus variant – is a competitor to Volkswagen buses, although the inventory is rather simple in today's eyes. Several have retrofitted lavish seats and more high-quality furnishings. Especially versions with a high roof can make great buses.
About the pictures
The white car in the main window, the white over blue and the blue pick-up are photographed at the same car meet in Perpignan 2023. The denim-blue car with a white roof is pictured outside a car repair shop in Maureillas-las-Illas. The black car with a high white roof was photographed in Copenhagen. It has the grill from before 1973, but converted into a coffee station for a sightseeing boat company. Hopefully it will be able to hit the road again sometime in the future.
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