PEDAL CAR AND A VAGABOND
This year, Motul will be offering visitors to Rétromobile two unique experiences that are sure to delight both children and adults alike! It will be organising a pedal car race for children and exhibiting a 1945 Renault AHS3 – nicknamed the “Vagabond” – in front of Hall 1.
PEDAL CAR RACES

On Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 February 2020, young enthusiasts will get to compete in fast and furious pedal car races organised by Motul. A total of eight pedal cars – resembling the brand’s famous oil drums – will be available. In each race, six competitors will go head-to-head for 30 minutes, completing three laps for each one. As well as the sheer joy in taking part in such race, the winner will go away with a gift bag, and the second and third runners-up will get medals and baseball caps. Children wishing to take part in the race will need to be outside Hall 3 15 minutes before the race starts, in front of Hall 3.
RACE SCHEDULE
- Saturday 8 February 2020 : a race every hour from 11.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m.
- Sunday 9 February 2020 : a race every hour from 11.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.
1945 RENAULT AHS3

Technical specifications
- Manufacturer: Régie Nationale des Usines Renault
- Layout: Cab forward
- Engine: inline-four
- Displacement: 2.383 litres
- Power: 52 hp
- Transmission: Four speeds + reverse
This Renault AHS3 rolled off the production line in March 1945 and was initially used as a military vehicle. Indeed, a plaque riveted to the rear axle confirms that it spent some time at the Strasbourg military airbase. In July 1955, it was sold by the state to a motorcycle dealership in France’s Eure département and was converted into a Motul lubricant transportation vehicle «for racing purposes» Various “Swan & Finch – Motul” logos from 1950s and its red paint that has been very fetchingly weathered over time are still visible as a testament to this.
«Vagabond» – the nickname given to the lorry back then – went on to spend a good twenty or so years criss-crossing the Normandy roads before being relegated to the back of a barn belonging to a scrap metal merchant for a well-deserved retirement in the 1970s.
Discovered by «Alex Brocante”, an enthusiastic second-hand goods dealer based in Vatteville (north-western France) who is highly skilled in unearthing rare and unusual items, this Renault AHS3 emerged from its long hibernation on 9 April 2018 when it was purchased by Motul. Exhibited at LeMans Classic in July 2018, it has since undergone a complete seven-month restoration in the Paint Box Industries workshops in La Chapelle Saint-Ursin, central France. This resurrection was made possible by expert coachbuilders Frédéric Gémot and Loic Michel. The challenge, which involved keeping all of the vehicle’s unique patina and 99% of its original parts, was very successfully taken up!
«Vagabond» is now raring to go for its second career. It will certainly be more peaceful than the first – henceforth, it will be paraded around various Motul-sponsored events. Chantilly Arts & Elegance, the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Goodwood Revival and obviously the Tour Auto Optic 2000 – its first official post-restoration outing – are already in its diary.