No, the iconic flat-floored cab is not due for a comeback, Renault Trucks have refurbished an old one to celebrate the ‘Concorde’ moment of launching such a futuristic truck – maybe ahead of its time. The Magnum every driver wanted was the top-powered 500hp Mack-powered AE500 that saw the light of day for the first time in 1990. However, since these are very hard to come by, Renault Trucks has decided to make their 1997 AE 380.19 4×2 Magnum look like the 1990 AE500 launch show truck.
The Renault Magnum Refurb
After stripping down the Magnum to its bare components, the highly skilled team at RH Commercials meticulously cleaned and replaced parts, and undertook a full chassis refurbishment ready for a respray in Renault Red paint on the shell and glossy black on the chassis. Paying close attention to period detail, new alloy wheels, tyres and air horns finish off the classic look. In an almost identical livery to the vehicle that made its debut at the 1990 Motor Show held at the NEC, the finished truck is a homage to the iconic launch AE 500s fitted with a Mack V8 Turbo Intercooler 503 hp engine, the first truck in Europe to be offered with such a high level of power. Inside the cab, the Magnum’s original ErgoVision instrument panel and dashboard have been painstakingly cleaned and restored. Continuing the striking black and red colour theme, the custom interior refit by Doncaster Trimmers includes new black carpet, the CommandAIR driver and Passenger seats reupholstered in black leather with red stitching, and refurbished beds. The 3900 wheelbase tractor is powered by Renault’s 6 cylinder Turbo Intercooler engine which produces 374 hp and 1650 Nm of torque. Behind this is Renault’s B 18 gearbox, offering 18 speeds, including 16 synchronised gears and 2 crawler gears, and two reverse speeds.
Equipped to top the original ‘Magnum’ package specification, the vehicle also features 12 volt power outlet in cab, independent night heater, electrically operated cab tilt, second bunk and fridge.
The Renault Trucks’ View
Alex Williams, Head of Brand & Communications, Renault Trucks UK & Ireland, says: “The Renault Trucks Magnum transformed the truck market when it arrived on the scene 30 years ago, and restoring this Magnum back to its original glory is the perfect tribute to a legendary vehicle. It has been a labour of love for all involved, and the painstaking transformation into the show-stopping vehicle it is today is an incredible achievement by Neulla Hughes at Renault Trucks UK and the team at RH Commercials and Doncaster Trimmers. Although we are forward-looking organisation, we do take great pride in our past and we are very pleased to mark Magnum’s 30th anniversary in classic style.”
This show-stopping truck is expected to make its show debut at Truckfest 2021.