Renault Frégate
Renault's post-war executive saloon with American style and French comfort.
- Power
- 64 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 28.8 s
- Top speed
- 78 mph
- Est. value
- $3k–$38k
About the Renault Frégate
The Renault Frégate was launched at the 1950 Paris Motor Show as a modern executive saloon to compete with the Citroën Traction Avant. Its development was famously rushed after a last-minute decision by Renault CEO Pierre Lefaucheux to switch from a rear-engine to a front-engine layout, resulting in a spacious but underpowered car. Despite its lack of pace, it was praised for its advanced all-independent suspension and comfortable ride. The 1955 model year saw a significant update with a higher compression ratio to improve performance before the larger Étendard engine arrived in 1956.
Renault Frégate specs
The Renault Frégate produces 64 bhp (48 kW) and 131 Nm (97 lb-ft) of torque. It reaches 60 mph in 28.8 seconds and has a top speed of 78 mph (125 km/h).
| Make | Renault |
|---|---|
| Model | Frégate |
| Trim | 2.0 |
| Years | 1951–1960 |
| Type | Classic |
| Body style | Saloon |
| Country | France |
| Engine | 2.0-litre inline-four |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,996 cc (2.0 litres) |
| Induction | Naturally aspirated |
| Power | 64 bhp (48 kW) at 4,000 rpm |
| Torque | 131 Nm (97 lb-ft) |
| 0–60 mph | 28.8 s |
| Top speed | 78 mph (125 km/h) |
| Transmission | 4-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
| Weight | 1,230 kg (2,712 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 52 bhp per tonne |
Typical figures for the standard car; options, markets and model years vary. Where our specs come from
How much is a Renault Frégate worth?
A typical Renault Frégate is estimated to be worth $3,000 – $38,000 (about £2,200 – £28,000).
Values are directional estimates for a typical example, not appraisals. Condition, mileage, history and specification all change what a real car is worth. Pound figures use the exchange rate of 3 November 2026. How values are estimated
Renault Frégate rarity in CarSpot
The Renault Frégate is an Uncommon card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 25 out of 100. Hot hatches and premium sporty cars. An Uncommon card is worth 20 XP.
Each model's tier starts from a 0–100 score based on its value plus its power or production numbers. Once enough players have spotted a model, how often it is spotted can move it up or down one tier. How CarSpot rarity works
Rarity is a collectible game mechanic, not an assessment of real-world scarcity or value.
Renault Frégate fun facts
- The car's name is the French word for 'Frigate', a type of naval warship, and many examples featured a three-masted ship on their badges.
- Renault CEO Pierre Lefaucheux, who championed the car, tragically died in a single-car accident while driving a Frégate in 1955.
- The Frégate was one of the few European cars of its era to feature fully independent suspension on all four wheels.