Motul, partnering Rétromobile 2020

A major player on the classic car market, Motul is partnering the 2020 edition of Rétromobile, to be held from 5 to 9 February at the Porte de Versailles Exhibition Centre. The high-performance lubricant specialist will be at stand 1F023 in Hall 1, and its experts will be on hand to chat with enthusiastic collectors. They’ll be able to get expert advice and information about the brand’s products – particularly about the lubricants available in its classic range, the formulations of which are designed for the specific features of classic car engines and gearboxes.

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

Motul Pedal Car

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

Renault AHS 3 de 1945

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.