Following Rétromobile, the Tour Auto, Sport & Collection, Renault’s Losange Passion International and Air Legend, the Epoqu’Auto show, organized since 1979, will mark a new milestone in Renault’s 2026 heritage season.
Epoqu’Auto 2026: Dauphine and Renault 14 in the Spotlight
There will be a host of prestige models filling the manufacturer’s stand this weekend in Lyon. First, the Dauphine will celebrate its 70-year career. Introduced in 1956 to replace the 4CV, it accompanied Renault’s international expansion just after World War II and, with more than 2.1 million units produced, ranks among the brand’s greatest successes. On the racing front, the Dauphine also made its mark, winning the Tour de Corse in 1956 and 1959, as well as the Monte-Carlo in 1958. Four examples will trace its career: Dauphine Monte-Carlo 1958, Henney Kilowatt, Dauphine Ondine and Dauphine 1093, plus the CX-15 project and the Dauphine Gordini of 1968, shown in the space The Originals Renault Garage.
Another milestone expected: the 50th anniversary of the 14, the first Renault with a transverse engine unveiled in 1976. Produced from 1976 to 1983 in over a million units, it is today highly sought after by collectors. At Epoqu’Auto, two vehicles will let visitors rediscover it: the 14 TL of 1977 and a shooting brake prototype built by Ligier in 1976.
Epoqu’Auto 2026: Renault 21 Times 4, and the R26 from F1!
Another model on display: the Renault 21, marking its 40th anniversary. Debuted in 1985 to replace the Renault 18, it became one of the brand’s major commercial successes, with over 2 million units produced from 1986 to 1995, before giving way to the Laguna. Four versions will be shown in Lyon: the Renault 21 Superproduction (1988), the Renault 21 Record on ice (1988), the Renault 21 Super Tourisme (1989) and the Renault 21 Europacup (1989).
Twenty years after the world titles won in Formula 1 by Fernando Alonso and Giancarlo Fisichella, the R26-03 chassis of the Renault F1 Team’s R26 will be one of the show’s highlights. Powered by the 2.4-liter Renault RS26 V8, the R26 won eight of the 18 Grands Prix that season, a campaign that entered legend thanks to the duel between the Spaniard and Michael Schumacher.
Finally, Renault will also celebrate its rally achievements with the Renault 5 Maxi Turbo, designed in 1985 for Group B. Its most famous victory remains the Tour de Corse, where the duo Jean Ragnotti–Pierre Thimonier faced the Peugeot 205 T16 and Porsche 911. Julien Saunier, Renault’s ambassador-driver, will also be on hand to meet fans.
Renault at Epoqu’Auto 2026: which vehicles are on display?
Dauphine, 70 years
- Dauphine Monte-Carlo (1958)
- Henney Kilowatt (1959)
- Dauphine Ondine (1962)
- Dauphine 1093 (1962)
- Projet CX-15, aerodynamic demonstrator based on Dauphine 1093 (1962)
Renault 14, 50 years
- Prototype shooting-brake project 121, Ligier (1976)
- Renault 14 TL (1977)
Renault 21, 40 years
- Renault 21 Superproduction (1988)
- Renault 21 Record on ice (1988)
- Renault 21 Super Tourisme (1989)
- Renault 21 Europacup (1989)
Formula 1 and rally
- R26, chassis 03 (2006)
- Renault 5 Maxi Turbo, Tour de Corse
Genesis of Twingo
- VBG, study 1571 (1976)
- Maquette Piccola (1984)
- Twingo (1993)
- New Twingo E-Tech electric
The Originals Renault Garage
- Dauphine Gordini (1968), Tour Auto 2026
