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Details
1908 RENAULT AX TWO SEAT COUPE TRANSFORMABLE
Registration No. Not UK registered
Chassis No. 1697
Engine No. 3154
Green with black wings.
Engine: twin cylinder, monobloc, magneto ignition, mechanical valves, 6.9hp, 1,060cc; Gearbox: three speed and reverse; Suspension: semi-elliptic leaf springs all round; Brakes: two wheel drum plus transmission. Right hand drive.
In 1902 Renault began to make their own four cylinder engines, and later single cylinders and twins, although De Dion units were also used until the end of 1903. Production had reached 2,100 cars per annum by 1905 and the factory area had grown from 80,000 sq.ft. in 1902 to 298,000sq.ft. in 1905. In 1904 the radiator moved to behind the coal scuttle bonnet and although it was a feature copied by many other manufacturers at the time, none of them retained it for as long as Renault who kept this distinguishing feature until 1928.
1905 saw the introduction of the first of the 1,060cc twin cylinder models, the most famous being the AG and AX. These popular vehicles were the company's best sellers right up until the Great War in 1914 and were used widely as light commercial vehicles and taxi cabs all over the world. 1,100 taxis were ordered for London in 1907 alone, as well as 750 by the Companie Francaise de Fiacres Automobiles.
This charming and unusual 'Coupe Transformable' has resided with the present family in Switzerland since 1953. The detachable coupe roof has ensured that the original upholstery has survived well, and in most respects the car appears very intact with original undertrays, all of the roof mountings and details such as the 'Continental' detachable rim wheels and matching spare. In 1970 some sympathetic restoration work was undertaken with the coachwork being repainted, and some of the wood - bulkhead and bonnet surround renewed, it seems that at this stage a 'boot' was also added to the back of the car. The brass fittings also appear to have been restored then, with equipment comprising a coil horn, scuttle mounted headlights and a tail lamp.
At the time of writing Christie's had not seen the car running although the owner reports that it all works and had been used on the road in Switzerland. Consequently it is Swiss registered and import VAT at the 2.5 preferential rate will be payable by an EU buyer.
A rare example of the ever-popular AX, offered for sale in the centennial year of its company's manufacture, which with basic recommissioning will make a welcome entry to Veteran Car Club and Renault Freres club events.
Registration No. Not UK registered
Chassis No. 1697
Engine No. 3154
Green with black wings.
Engine: twin cylinder, monobloc, magneto ignition, mechanical valves, 6.9hp, 1,060cc; Gearbox: three speed and reverse; Suspension: semi-elliptic leaf springs all round; Brakes: two wheel drum plus transmission. Right hand drive.
In 1902 Renault began to make their own four cylinder engines, and later single cylinders and twins, although De Dion units were also used until the end of 1903. Production had reached 2,100 cars per annum by 1905 and the factory area had grown from 80,000 sq.ft. in 1902 to 298,000sq.ft. in 1905. In 1904 the radiator moved to behind the coal scuttle bonnet and although it was a feature copied by many other manufacturers at the time, none of them retained it for as long as Renault who kept this distinguishing feature until 1928.
1905 saw the introduction of the first of the 1,060cc twin cylinder models, the most famous being the AG and AX. These popular vehicles were the company's best sellers right up until the Great War in 1914 and were used widely as light commercial vehicles and taxi cabs all over the world. 1,100 taxis were ordered for London in 1907 alone, as well as 750 by the Companie Francaise de Fiacres Automobiles.
This charming and unusual 'Coupe Transformable' has resided with the present family in Switzerland since 1953. The detachable coupe roof has ensured that the original upholstery has survived well, and in most respects the car appears very intact with original undertrays, all of the roof mountings and details such as the 'Continental' detachable rim wheels and matching spare. In 1970 some sympathetic restoration work was undertaken with the coachwork being repainted, and some of the wood - bulkhead and bonnet surround renewed, it seems that at this stage a 'boot' was also added to the back of the car. The brass fittings also appear to have been restored then, with equipment comprising a coil horn, scuttle mounted headlights and a tail lamp.
At the time of writing Christie's had not seen the car running although the owner reports that it all works and had been used on the road in Switzerland. Consequently it is Swiss registered and import VAT at the 2.5 preferential rate will be payable by an EU buyer.
A rare example of the ever-popular AX, offered for sale in the centennial year of its company's manufacture, which with basic recommissioning will make a welcome entry to Veteran Car Club and Renault Freres club events.