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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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