The Corgi Toys Gift Set 13, the Renault R16 Tour De France Paramount Film Unit, is a remarkable collectible that pays tribute to both the world-renowned cycling event, the Tour de France, and the significant role of media coverage in its history. This exceptional set, produced in 1968 by the British toy manufacturer Corgi Toys, demonstrates their unyielding commitment to crafting high-quality, detailed miniatures that capture the spirit and essence of their real-life counterparts. We take a look at the Corgi Toys Gift Set 13 set and include some prices of sold items.
The centerpiece of this unique set is the black and white Renault 16 die-cast car with a striking red interior. The Renault 16, first introduced in 1965, was a revolutionary mid-sized family car that garnered widespread acclaim for its innovative hatchback design and front-wheel drive, ultimately winning the “Car of the Year” award in 1966. Corgi Toys has meticulously recreated the car’s distinctive lines, contours, and colors, imbuing it with the unmistakable character of the original.
The car features a Paramount Pictures sign to its roof (normally in black but also found in a rarer red colour), the words TOUR DE FRANCE in white on a red background to its sides, and a Tour de France logo to the bonnet.
DIE-CAST SCALE MODEL WITH OPENING BONNET * SPRING SUSPENSION
ROTATING CAMERA ON TRIPOD * CAMERA MAN * BICYCLE WITH RIDER
In this rendition, the Renault 16 has undergone an imaginative conversion, with its hatchback completely removed and an extended floor added. This modification is designed to accommodate a cameraman and a beautifully detailed camera, capturing the spirit of the Tour de France and the media’s dedication to documenting the event.
The extended floor provides a stable platform for the cameraman to record the race in motion, immortalizing the breathtaking scenes of athletic prowess and endurance. Finally the set has a Tour de France cyclist for the film team to shoot, dressed in yellow top and black shorts, riding a yellow framed bike with silver wheels. The set comes with a pictorial insert showing the lovely French countryside.
The Corgi Toys Gift Set 13, the Renault R16 Tour De France Paramount Film Unit, serves as a nostalgic tribute to the golden era of the Tour de France and the indispensable role of media coverage in preserving its legacy. This set is an essential addition to the collections of die-cast toy enthusiasts and Tour de France aficionados alike, showcasing Corgi Toys’ masterful craftsmanship and their ability to create tangible pieces of history that evoke the excitement and passion of the world’s most celebrated cycling race.
The set was discontinued in 1972.
Price Guide / Value Guide
Loose Renault R16 film car in very good condition £60-£80 / $75-$100
Loose Renault R16 film car with red Paramount Pictures sign £120-£150 / $130-$170
Box sets vary greatly in price with examples being sold for £70-£280 depending on completeness and condition of the box. A complete mint example in a near mint box is estimated at £400 / $500.
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