Hello Tom McCrory,
Unless it has changed significantly a couple of in-expensive fasteners (plastic (I think)) can easily re-attach it.
Renault has not been imported in the
USA since 1987... but as a YOUNGER I did work on them (
Dauphine)... and while my impression of them was
DEFINITELY not AMERICAN IRON... they were well engineered (even back then, circa 1964).
Meanwhile AMERICAN IRON is nearly extinct.
My opinion:
Parts are not on these (any) cars simply because an
ENGINEER had nothing better to do...
(there is a decent after market outlet... peddling splash guards).
I am twice retired from a couple of
huge CORPORATIONS... Business cases HAD TO BE FILED for EVERY REVISION, ENGINEERING CHANGE, cost reduction...& trips to the bathroom... (ought to be funny ... if it weren't so true).
My guess would be
YES ... you need it.
When you consider the millions GENERAL MOTORS (example)
saves by skimping on the PAINT THICKNESS... or using cheesy plastic parts in their ignition switches (my opinion)...
I'm thinking actually designing, engineering, fitting & shipping costs for a single PART would CONFIRM the parts purpose & presence.
Now... on the other-hand:
If a POLITICIAN had designed the vehicle... or that splash guard...
I'd IMMEDIATELY dismiss the
needed NOTION as UTTERLY ridiculous... and TOSS that PART faster than yesterday's FISH WRAPPER.
Hoping this was helpful...?
https://www.bing.com/search?q=renault+dauphine+photos&qs=AS&pq=renault+daup&sk=LS1AS3&sc=8-12&sp=5&cvid=09069397ABE04CE1A7D92C45DD1691CF&FORM=QBRE&ghc=1
https://www.bing.com/search?q=renault+scenic&qs=LS&pq=renault+s&sk=AS2&sc=8-9&sp=3&cvid=07DF2F5A0B904C59951F869DEA2B9C37&FORM=QBRE
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