A 50s SUV
Colorale pick-up
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AHEAD OF
ITS TIME
AHEAD OF
ITS TIME
In 1950, Renault launched what was undoubtedly the first SUV in modern motoring history, with the Renault Colorale range. This new model from Régie Renault took its name from its initial vocation, as a contraction of colonial and rural (to put things into context, the routes where an SUV was most needed were often in the former French colonies).
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spirit
FOR EVERYONE,
EVERYWHERE
FOR EVERYONE,
EVERYWHERE
Renault Colorale Pick-up had elevated ground clearance so could go anywhere, carrying anything. One version could carry up to eight people (the estate) while another offered optimal loading space (the pick-up). In addition, Renault had fitted it with simple, tried-and-tested mechanics, for use on any kind of road. With its modular concept, Renault Colorale Pick-up had a firm eye on the international markets.
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original soundtrack
LISTEN TO
THIS PLAYLIST
LISTEN TO
THIS PLAYLIST
Renault Colorale Pick-Up goes with country music, wide open spaces, nature and adventure. Listen as you take to the dirt tracks or the urban jungle.
style
DESIGNED FOR
ADVENTURE
DESIGNED FOR
ADVENTURE
Renault Colorale Pick-up came in several versions, some with names to evoke adventure, like the a 2-seater estate Savane and the 4-seater estate Prairie. Renault also marketed commercial and taxi versions. In 1952, Renault Colorale was fitted with the engine from the Renault Frégate, the marque’s latest high-end model. A new four-wheel drive version also gave Renault Colorale Pick-up real cross-country capability, opening the way for even more adventures.
exploits
SOLID AS
A ROCK
SOLID AS
A ROCK
Several adventurers chose Renault Colorale Pick-up for expeditions in Africa or America. Their exploits were a boon for Renault and the promotion of its cars. In an unprecedented publicity stunt in 1951, the Marquette team of writer Jean Raspail and five scouts set off from Tierre del Fuego to Alaska, on board two Renault Colorales (a pick-up and the Savane). When they arrived in Fairbanks (USA) on 8 May 1952, after covering 42,000 km across 17 countries, they completed the first Transamerican motor vehicle link in history!
technical features
A FORERUNNER
OF THE SUV
A FORERUNNER
OF THE SUV
- Performance and engine
4 cylinders from 1,996 cm3 to 2,383 cm3, depending on version
from 48 hp to 58 hp depending on version
100-110 kph depending on version
- dimensionsLength 4,38 mWidth 1.82 mHeight 2,20 m
- architecture
two-box body or pick-up
front engine
rear-wheel drive or 4x4
The Originals Store
THE STYLISH
ADVENTURER
THE STYLISH
ADVENTURER
To revive your pioneering spirit, choose from our Renault Colorale Pick-up range and follow in Jean Raspail’s footsteps ... in style!
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