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The Principality of Monaco has always been linked to the world of cars, taking every opportunity to celebrate the best four-wheel vehicles on the planet. The Historic Grand Prix and the F1 Grand Prix, together with elegant contests and special events have been marking the glamorous Monegasque lifestyle throughout the whole year, attracting the most prestigious car companies, Formula 1 pilots and many VIPs. An everlasting success story was exemplified in 2018 by Daniel Ricciardo’ s recent victory( Red Bull team) over Sebastian Vettel( Ferrari team) and Lewis Hamilton( Mercedes team) after a breath-taking 2018 Grand Prix race which warmed the hearts all over the world. In this context, the modern district of Fontvieille hosts a unique exhibition space, increasingly visited and entirely devoted to the automotive, Rally and F1 sector. This represents a milestone, an important step in preserving our heritage: The cars collection of H. S. H. The Prince of Monaco. This is the just result of the fondness for vehicles of the Grimaldi family, and in particular of H. S. H. Prince Rainier III who had been collecting historic car models since the 1950s. Originally stored in the Palais Princier and in a few additional princely residencies, twenty-five years ago H. S. H. Prince Rainier III decided to show the public his private collection of vehicles of every age. They are mainly derived from his exquisite personal choice. But what does this exclusive showroom really mean both for Monegasque citizens and tourists? We had the chance to interview Mr Philippe Renzini, director of The cars collection of H. S. H. The Prince of Monaco who gave HelloMonaco some stimulating feedback. HelloMonaco: Mr Renzini, what inspired founding this collection? Ph. R.: It reflects the gracious will of the founder, H. S. H. Prince Rainier III. This space was not conceived as a classical museum
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© Palais Princier de Monaco
© Palais Princier de Monaco
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Mr Philippe Renzini
© Palais Princier de Monaco
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but as a selection of a hundred exclusive and luxury cars which had drawn the Prince’ s attention. Each one is linked to a specific journey or a special occasion in his Highness’ life. Something very special! Some models, moreover, have always belonged to the Grimaldi family and have been preserved right until the present time. A family tradition continued by his Highness’ successor H. S. H. Prince Albert II who has added a couple of dozen significant models since he took over the throne, showing his own devotion to this constantly evolving exhibition.
HM: How does it feel to manage this toplevel collection? Ph. R.: When someone asks me what my job is, I am most comfortable with the definition « curator » of historic vehicles and cars. This is my responsibility and passion; also having a professional background as a mechanic. I strongly believe that preserving models in the way they originally looked like is fundamental. In fact, particular care has to be taken in restoring any flaws in order to prevent diluting the « vintage » charm of a car, since its emotional and symbolic value is what matters most. Indeed, the most valuable four-wheel automobiles on display are not necessarily the most expensive ones. Maybe, in the near future, the world of cars will not exist anymore; therefore this showroom can represent a piece history for the next generations of humankind.
HM: Can you describe something about the most meaningful models kept in these areas? Ph. R.: Of course, I can. There is a great deal that could be said. I will focus on some of them which are particularly noteworthy. Starting from the origins of luxury transport in vehicles, the Dormeuse Coupé de Poste used by Prince Charles III, dating before 1889, and some other official models used until the early 1900s, are extraordinary specimens of luxury horse-drawn carriages. They keep the original shape, mechanical structure and interior design conceived to guarantee a pleasant journey and also thanks to a clever brake
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