1964 René Bonnet Djet II Coupé

Registration no. EBY 375B Chassis no. CRB11108

Footnotes

In partnership with Charles Deutsch, René Bonnet first tried his hand at motor manufacturing in 1939 with a Citroën-based special, though further serious progress was curtailed until 1945. The duo formed Automobiles DB in 1949, turning to Panhard for engines and suspension components that would form the basis of a highly successful series of Le Mans class-winning sports prototypes and index of performance from the mid-1950s onwards. In 1961 the partnership split, Deutsch continuing with Panhard-based cars while Bonnet turned to Renault. One of Bonnet's first offerings was the stylish Djet, one of the first ever mid-engined road cars, though most examples ended up on the racetrack. A French motoring milestone, the Djet was powered by a 1,100cc Renault engine producing 70bhp in standard trim or 95bhp with Gordini tune, while beneath the typically slippery glassfibre coachwork there was a tubular backbone chassis, all round independent suspension, and four-wheel disc brakes. The René Bonnet is certainly a car for the cognoscenti, not to be confused with the later and differing Matra, Just 181 René Bonnet's were produced.

This Djet II has belonged to motoring historian and author David Blumlein since he imported the car in the early 1990s. He purchased the car from Patrick Roux in Lyon who had used the car for regional rallying. Since its arrival in the UK, the Djet has been stored, run and used by Andrew Owler of the Matra Enthusiasts' Club. Dated July 2020, Classic Assessments' report on file states the vehicle appears to be in good condition externally, with paintwork re-sprayed at some time. The interior likewise was said to be in good order, including the seats, door trims and dashboard. The report continues: "Mechanically, the original engine type has been overhauled and bored out to 1149cc and two twin choke Weber carburettors have been fitted. The engine, transmission, brakes, steering and suspension are reported as being in very good working order and having undergone considerable reconditioning and overhaul. The vehicle is considered to be a well prepared and highly useable example...".

Other noteworthy features include a close-ratio gearbox and a 'quick' steering rack. While it does not retain its original engine, the engine fitted is the correct type and benefits from a Gordini cross-flow cylinder head. Featured in Classic Car magazine's November 2007 edition (photocopy available), this delightful French rarity is offered with numerous bills for servicing work carried out over the years, a fresh MoT and a quantity of old MoTs and assorted correspondence.