Renault 1¾hp

Key facts

Year

1899
Country

France
Capacity

273cc
Cylinders

1
Output

1.75hp at 1,500rpm
Performance

31mph
Price new

£160
Owner

Private Collection
Manufacturer

Renault Frères, Billancourt, Paris

This Type A production model is believed to be the oldest Renault in existence. Renault were among the pioneers of the front engine, rear-wheel drive layout with propeller shaft and rear differential that would dominate car design for much of the 20th Century. The patented three-speed gearbox has reverse gear, an unusual feature at the time.

Louis Renault built his first car in a shed in the garden of the family home in1898. It was based around a De Dion Bouton tricycle. A number of friends requested that he build replicas for them and in the following year Louis started the Renault Company with his brothers, Marcel and Fernand. Like many others, at first Renault used engines made by De Dion Bouton, going on to produce their own designs in 1902. The Renault company remained family-owned until 1945.