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The Renault Colorale were large family cars lauched in 1950 and considered a foolhardy project. They included 3 versions: Prairie, Taxi, Savane, and a few utility trucks. The name came from the association of the syllables COLOniale and ruRALE, these vehicles being intended for both city and countryside use. They were equipped with a robust 4 cylinder side valve engine originally mounted on the Renault Primaquatre before the war in 1936 and offering 2,383 cc and a power output of 48 hp (36 kW). The Colorale were heavy with 1,640 kg (3,616 lb), had a high petrol consumption and could hardly reach 100 km per hour. In 1953, the Colorale received the engine of the Renault Frégate, that is 1,996 cc – 58 hp (43 kW) but performances remained unchanged due to a reduction in torque. It was as wide as high 182 x 182 cm for a length of 437 cm. Steering was quite hard and as a whole driving a Colorale was closer to driving a truck rather than a car. The most popular version was the Prairie and this is mainly this name that has been retained. It is a 4 door station wagon with 2 doors at the rear where the seats can be folded down. The Colorale Taxi with a sun roof at the back, resembled a London taxi but turned out to be a flop, and production soon stopped in 1952. The third version, a three door, is the Savane, designed for tropical countries and equally able to accommodate 6 to 7 persons or 800 kg cargo. The windscreen could open to ensure better ventilation. Its side windows without glass were fitted with foldable thick canvas. A 4 WD version also existed and was quite high. Taking its wheel required a certain experience. The price of a Colorale was the equivalent to 2 Renault 4 CV with which it shared the same front design, thus creating a family look. Until 1957, 43 000 Colorale were manufactured by Renault.
About the Renault 4 CV and Frégate, please check out my related articles:
http://quazen.com/recreation/autos/fascinating-french-classic-cars-the-popular-renault-4cv/
http://athingforcars.com/autos/fascinating-french-classic-cars-renault-fregate-and-domaine/
Renault Prairie 1950, a foolhardy project.
http://s3.amazonaws.com/readers/2010/02/16/renaultcoloraledc3a9panneuse_1.jpg
The Renault Primaquatre, 1936. Its engine was re-used on the Colorale series.
http://s3.amazonaws.com/readers/2010/02/16/renaultprimaquatreberline1936_1.jpg
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February 16, 2010
Hi Francois,
I enjoyed reading your article. It is too bad that Triond place an ad right smack in the middle of your first paragraph. I love history including anything to do with speed.
Blessings,
Chris
February 16, 2010
Great article. Thanks for the info.
February 16, 2010
I enjoyed reading this. I have my auto article on the new honda crosstour coming out soon. Hope you will enjoy reading…
February 16, 2010
What I like about watching movies whose theme was during the 50s is looking at the old cars used. I thik I’ve seen Renault Parrie used in several movies. Before, these cars only have a V4 engine and now we have a V8 engine, but I like the look of classic cars than those we have today because classic cars are so elegant looking.
You’ve got a wonderful trivia here about the Colorale’s name… “came from the association of the syllables COLOniale and ruRALE, these vehicles being intended for both city and countryside use.” So this car is double purpose then. ^_^
When I was 21 (after college), I worked in an automotive industry (Ford Philippines) and all of their vehicles has this moonroof. Now reading your article, you mentioned a sunroof I didn’t know that they already have that feature in the 50s. So Ford’s moonroof came from then’s “sunroof”… The purpose of a moonroof and sunroof’s the same, now I wonder why Ford changed it and popularized it to a moonroof and cars manufactured today all call it a moonroof…
Excellent article Francois! What I love about your articles is that there’s always something new to learn. There’s always a new trivia in it. It was very interesting! Thank you for sharing this ^_^
February 16, 2010
Hi Francois loved the article, as you know i love cars and love your work too, my poor 206cc has been in the bodyshop for 4weeks after someone smashed the side and front end in with a van! I was devastated but finally got her back now, cant wait for the summer with plenty of fun in the sun with the top off
Great work as always my friend,
very best wishes,
your friend Aaron x
February 16, 2010
This made great reading Francois!
Thanks for the ride my friend.
February 16, 2010
Thank you for such nice comments. Glad you enjoyed the ride. 43000 Renault Prairie were manufactured until 1957.
Very best wishes to all.
François
February 16, 2010
Renault has established herself a good name and history in the car/automobile industry. Another well presented post my friend.
February 16, 2010
Renault vehicles seem to stand out when it comes to driving enjoyment, travelling comfort and safety ~ nice to learn a thing or two about the history of this make and some of the models Francois
xoxo
February 16, 2010
kevin rose stepped down as ceo today
February 16, 2010
Thanks for your interest and comments.
February 16, 2010
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