Atlas Dinky Toys No. 564 Renault Estafette Glaswagen
The Atlas Dinky Toys No. 564 Renault Estafette Glass Van "Saint-Gobain" is a meticulously crafted scale model of one of the most practical and versatile commercial vehicles of the 1960s. This Renault Estafette was specifically designed for the transport of glass plates, in collaboration with the world-famous French glass company Saint-Gobain. This model is in mint condition and comes with a Dutch brochure, a certificate of authenticity, and the original box, making it a valuable and sought-after collector's item.
The Renault Estafette, introduced in 1959, was one of the first front-wheel drive vans, which provided exceptional maneuverability and driving comfort. The Estafette quickly became a favorite commercial vehicle in France and abroad, thanks to its reliability and versatility. The variant that was specially equipped as a glass van, like the model used by Saint-Gobain, had a special rack in the middle of the vehicle's loading bed for the safe transport of large glass plates.
Founded in 1665 and one of the oldest companies in the world, Saint-Gobain was a leading glass manufacturer. They equipped these Renault Estafettes to safely transport glass sheets from their factories to their customers. Thanks to the sturdy rack in the middle of the body, the glass sheets could be placed vertically and transported safely without the risk of breakage. This specific design of the Estafette ensured that the vehicle was perfectly suited to the daily activities of glaziers and glass manufacturers.
Dinky Toys has created an accurate replica of the Renault Estafette Glass Van, model No. 564, which perfectly captures the unique design of the vehicle. The model features a glass rack in the middle of the body of the vehicle, just like the original commercial vehicle used by Saint-Gobain. The glass sheets are represented by transparent plastic parts, which underlines Dinky Toys' attention to detail. The model is finished in the characteristic colours of Saint-Gobain, making it a unique and recognisable item within the Dinky Toys collection.
This scale model shows the care with which Dinky Toys designed and produced their vehicles. Every detail, from the brand logos to the functional glass rack, has been executed with precision, making it a faithful representation of the Renault Estafette Glass Van that was seen on the road at the time.
This specific example of the Atlas Dinky Toys No. 564 Renault Estafette Glass Van "Saint-Gobain" is in mint condition and comes with, the Dutch brochure, which describes the history of the Renault Estafette and its collaboration with Saint-Gobain, a certificate of authenticity, which confirms the authenticity of this model and the original box, which increases both the protection and the collector's value of the model.
This model is a perfect example of the attention to detail and quality that Dinky Toys put into their miniatures. The Renault Estafette Glass Van "Saint-Gobain" is not only a piece of industrial history, but also a tribute to the craftsmanship of both Renault and Saint-Gobain. For Dinky Toys collectors and enthusiasts of historic commercial vehicles, this model is a wonderful addition to any collection.