• Typical early single-cylinder Renault
• 'Barn find' discovery in 1970
• Rebuilt in the mid/late 1970s
• Present family ownership for some 50 years
• Past London-Brighton Run participant

Founded in 1898 by Louis Renault and his brothers Marcel and Fernand, the company that would become France's biggest automobile manufacturer started humbly enough, with a solitary 1¾hp De Dion-engined prototype, the sprung rear axle of which would soon be copied by many contemporaries. At a time when automobile design had yet to crystallise, Renault's front-engined, rear-drive design presaged that of the modern car, while other advanced features included wire-spoked wheels shod with the newly invented Dunlop inflatable tyre. Few changes were found necessary before the Type A was ready for presentation to the public in 1899. Production at the Billancourt factory was soon under way on a large scale, demand for its products being enhanced by the performance of Renault cars in the great inter-city races so popular in France at the turn of the 19th Century.

The single-cylinder Renault was updated annually, the Type G of 1902 featuring an 864cc water-cooled De Dion motor rated at 6hp. Twin, side-mounted radiators had been adopted when water-cooling arrived in 1900 on the Type C and these were enlarged for the Type G, which was the first model to feature Renault's so-called 'coal scuttle' bonnet, a style widely copied by other manufacturers. The largest Renault model so far, the Type G was built on a longer and wider chassis, made from heavier gauge tubing, which now relied on semi-elliptic springing instead of the fully elliptical springs favoured hitherto. By this time a circular steering wheel on an inclined column had been standardised, replacing the semi-circular control and vertical column used since production began. Six alternative final drive ratios were available, giving the car a top speed of anywhere between 19 and 33mph approximately. 1902 is also particularly noteworthy as the year the company began making its own engines, one of which powered Marcel Renault to a remarkable victory in that year's Paris-Vienna Race, defeating the larger Panhard-Levassor opposition to achieve worldwide acclaim and recognition for Renault products.

From the outset Renault engineering was of the highest quality, as exemplified by this single-cylinder Type T, which is typical of the first generation of Renault automobiles. A copy of the factory despatch sheet shows that '3151' left the factory on 14th March 1904 destined for a customer called 'Soisel'. Decades later the Renault was found in 1970 in a barn in the south of France, and for the next five years remained 'as found'. The chassis and mechanicals were complete and good condition, but the woodwork and upholstery were non-existent having been damaged over the passage of time. In 1975 the chassis and engine were restored and much of the bodywork rebuilt to the original specification, the restoration being carried out with passion and great concern for authenticity. The car has been in the vendor's family's possession since the 1970s, carefully preserved as a minor but nevertheless important part of the history of the automobile. It has participated in many prestigious rallies, including the London-Brighton Run and the 2022 Circuit des Ramparts at Angoulême.

Ready to use, this delightful smaller Renault is well catered for by both the UK's Veteran Car Club and the Renault Frères, and, of course, is eligible for the London-Brighton Run.

Please note that this vehicle is from outside the UK. Our customs agents, CARS UK, will manage all post sale customs administration. A fee of £350+VAT will be charged on the buyer's invoice to administer both import or export customs movements. If the buyer also chooses to ship with CARS UK, this will be quoted separately. If this vehicle is to remain in the UK, it will be subject to Import VAT at the reduced rate of 5% on the hammer price. This vehicle will not be available for immediate collection after the sale and will only be released on completion of customs clearance formalities. If you have any questions regarding customs clearance, please contact the Bonhams Motorcar Department.