Chassis No.: SABTVR03639114424

Engine No.: 1072

Registration: DS9 048

Sold £130,180 | Sold

In the early years of the twentieth century the development of Renault as a make of motorcars was significantly enhanced by its successful participation in motor racing that culminated in a Renault winning the first ever Grand Prix race. From then on until the Great War, whilst the public most frequently encountered the make in the form of the ubiquitous twin cylinder models that were available as both private cars and taxicabs, there were always cars of substantial engine capacity and horsepower in the Renault range, even after the largest, the 9½ litre six-cylinder 50-60hp was discontinued in 1910.

Its place as the largest model was first taken by the 8½ litre four cylinder 35hp Type CI and by 1913 this had evolved into the Type DQ with identical engine dimensions but with an increased output of 40-45hp. Because of its horsepower rating the DQ has sometimes been compared with the better-known Vintage period 'Renault 45' (40CV in France), but this was a six-cylinder car developed from the pre-Great War Type ES. The lineage of the DG is traceable back to the 1906 Type AI four-cylinder 7½ litre 'Vanderbilt Cup' model, a number of which survive.

Having spent many years in the United States, this rare large capacity DQ was brought back to Europe in the early 1990’s at which time a restoration was carried out. Sherwood Restorations of Nottingham rebuilt the car along with a raceabout coachwork body built by E.J. Wakefield and Son of Byfleet. The accompanying history file shows many receipts for work done on the car by Sherwood’s at the time. The car was then sold in 1992, by auction, to a new owner who owned it up until 2006 following a lengthy period of storage. The car had been sent to Keith Bowley's Ashton Keynes restoration shop for an engine rebuild shortly before the sale.

The current vendor purchased the car himself in 2012 and committed to a thorough mechanical restoration including another full engine rebuild with vintage car specialist Jim Stokes. An avid collector, with an eclectic collection, the vendor insists all of his vehicles are ready to drive at any time. No expense was spared and the cars history file shows over £30,000 was spent with Jim Stokes between 2012 and 2016 to get the car in to the good mechanical order we find it today. During this period a new body was also built for the car with a beautifully crafted, distinctive ‘boattail’ rear. The car is able to cruise happily at 60mph and reported to both run and drive very well by the vendor.

Whilst the lack of any front brakes makes for an exciting drive, the early open seater experience is something to behold. Believed to be one of only two chassis imported to the UK and believed to be the only one remaining in the UK, this incredible automobile is a rare sight to behold.

https://www.historics.co.uk/auction/lot/?lot=4344&au=77