Renault Dauphine Coupé Frua

Vehicle Overview

The Renault Dauphine Coupé Sport of 1956 is a unique, one-off creation designed by Pietro Frua. Originally, it was based on the standard Renault Dauphine (R-1190), a compact and economical vehicle produced by Renault. However, under the guidance of Jean Rédélé, a prominent Renault dealer and the founder of Alpine, the Dauphine was transformed into a stylish, sporty coupé by the renowned Italian coachbuilder, Frua. In 1955, Jean Rédélé ordered the conversion of the Renault Dauphine, initially commissioning Ghia S.A. to design the new bodywork. However, due to an overwhelming workload and an exclusivity agreement with Karmann, Ghia outsourced the design to Pietro Frua, who was tasked with crafting a distinctive coupé body. The result was a beautifully executed and sporty two-door coupé that captured the essence of the era’s automotive design, with sleek lines and an attractive overall shape. The car was first exhibited at the 38th Salone Internazionale dell’Automobile in Turin, Italy, from April 21 to May 2, 1956, where it received considerable attention for its elegant yet sporty design. This one-off coupé, featuring a self-supporting steel body with aluminum front and engine hoods mounted on a steel tube frame, was the epitome of 1950s design innovation. After its debut, the car was purchased by Jean Rédélé in 1956, financed by Régie Renault. It was registered in Paris under the plate 4553 JD 75. Rédélé, known for his work with Alpine, kept the car as part of his personal collection, showcasing it as a prototype for potential future sports models. In the 1960s, the car was exported to the Ivory Coast, where it disappeared from the public eye for several years. Its last known illustration appeared in 2009, when Jean-Luc Delvaux featured it in the comic series Gazafond. The Renault Dauphine Coupé Sport is powered by a 4-cylinder rear-engine with a capacity of 845 cm³, delivering 30 SAE horsepower at 4,250 rpm. Its transmission is a 3-speed manual, paired with a dry single-plate clutch, offering smooth shifts and a responsive driving experience. The car’s suspension system includes independent front suspension with trapezoidal wishbones and coil springs, while the rear features a pendulum axle with coil springs. The car’s braking system consists of hydraulic Bendix brakes for efficient stopping power. This unique coupé stands as a testament to the craftsmanship of Pietro Frua and the innovative thinking of Jean Rédélé, making it a rare and valuable piece of automotive history.