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THE HANS DURSTELER COLLECTION
For Hans Dursteler, automobiles have been a lifelong fascination. Since 1951, when he opened his own accident repair and bodyshop, they have been his livelihood. Business and collection alike have grown, the former into an important specialist restorer of collector cars and builder of specialist truck bodies, the latter into a museum quality collection meticulously built up, mainly in the fifties and sixties. Although Mr Dursteler disclaims any such theme in his collection, his automobiles include a good proportion that mark in some way a turning point, certainly of interest to the historian, if not necessarily a major one, in the automobile's history. Thus the 1908 Renault represents its sisters, "The taxis of the Marne", enlisted in 1914 to rush troops to the front line trenches to defend the city of Paris. It was the first time that motor transport had ever played a significant role in time of war. The straight-eight Duesenberg with its advenced alloys used advanced technology forged in the heat of the Great War, the pioneering Cord L29 brought front-wheel drive to wide public notice, its superbly sculpted outlines influenced high performance car designers for more than a generation. There are many others: the Lancia Dilambda, one of the first luxury cars to sport independent front suspension, the Buick convertible, the vee-12 powered Lagonda and Rolls-Royce, each made its mark in history. Even the Chevrolet pickup, with its trim styling was marketed in a way never before attempted in the commercial vehicle world. But now, after many years giving enjoyment to Mr Dursteler and those privileged to view them, the cars are to be dispersed. Christie's takes great pleasure in offering this very personal yet important private collection of fine collector's automobiles.
1907 RENAULT 20HP OPEN DRIVE LIMOUSINE
COACHWORK BY GAMETTE ET FILS, LIEGE
Swiss Registered
Car No.: 9608
Engine No.: tba
Blue with black wings and black leather upholstery
Engine: four cylinder, bi-block, L-head, 4,398cc; Gearbox: four speed manual; Suspension: semi elliptic to front and rear, with transverse rear spring; Brakes: two-wheel rear, by handbrake, and foot-operated band on transmission. Right hand drive.
When in 1898 Louis Renault took the engine from his De Dion Bouton quadricycle and built it in to a tiny voiturette with shaft drive and direct drive in top gear, he created one of the definitive designs of the early motor car era.
Production of similar cars began in 1899 and sales soon exceeded the expectations of all but the company's taciturn founder; 71 examples finding customers in the first year. Output rose steadily and by the end of 1907 over 3000 Renaults per annum were being made. Louis disliked dependence on outside suppliers and by 1903 had dispensed with the use of De Dion Bouton and Aster engines, making his own power units and buying in only such essential items as ignition systems and tyres. Unlike many car manufacturers of the day, Renault even had its own coachbilding department.
From the earliest days Renault cars were raced, and raced with outstanding success, culminating in their emphatic win in the world's first Grand Prix at Le Mans in 1906.
The last single-cylinder Renault model was made in 1904 but twins and fours from 1.2 litre capacity to a hefty 7.5 litre model offered a range that met a wide variety of customers' needs. The integrity of Renault's products, coupled with the publicity that came from motor racing achievements, saw Renault as the largest and most successful French motor car maker by 1907.
This imposing Limousine on a V1B chassis is typical of the quality motor cars that Louis Renault had built from the earliest days. All-Renault in design and construction, the model had been given 'Type Approval' by the Departement des Mines (a legal requirement in France) on the 16th June 1906. With its 4.4 litre engine and four speed gearbox the chassis can well cope with the Open Drive Limousine body fitted, by Belgian coachbuilders Gamette of Liege. Whilst the passengers sit in luxury in the enclosed rear compartment, the chauffeur is well protected (by the standards of the day) by a fold-up windscreen and roof, when conducting the car at its catalogued maximum of 70 kph.
Period brass accessories including Bleriot acetylene head lights, wing-mounted bulb horn, single scuttle side-light, and an acetylene generator complete the presentation of the Renault, which appears very correct in detail.
Restored many years ago the car now has the charm and attractive patina of age which one associates with Edwardian vehicles, however it has not been run recently and careful preparation prior to road use is recommended.
Because of their quality and history Renault cars have an enthusiastic following in Europe, being particularly well catered for in France by the Clubs des Amateurs d'Anciennes Renault and in the UK by the club Renault Freres. This car would grace events organised by such clubs, and any other old car gatherings.
Details
1907 RENAULT 20HP OPEN DRIVE LIMOUSINE
COACHWORK BY GAMETTE ET FILS, LIEGE
Swiss Registered
Car No.: 9608
Engine No.: tba
Blue with black wings and black leather upholstery
Engine: four cylinder, bi-block, L-head, 4,398cc; Gearbox: four speed manual; Suspension: semi elliptic to front and rear, with transverse rear spring; Brakes: two-wheel rear, by handbrake, and foot-operated band on transmission. Right hand drive.
When in 1898 Louis Renault took the engine from his De Dion Bouton quadricycle and built it in to a tiny voiturette with shaft drive and direct drive in top gear, he created one of the definitive designs of the early motor car era.
Production of similar cars began in 1899 and sales soon exceeded the expectations of all but the company's taciturn founder; 71 examples finding customers in the first year. Output rose steadily and by the end of 1907 over 3000 Renaults per annum were being made. Louis disliked dependence on outside suppliers and by 1903 had dispensed with the use of De Dion Bouton and Aster engines, making his own power units and buying in only such essential items as ignition systems and tyres. Unlike many car manufacturers of the day, Renault even had its own coachbilding department.
From the earliest days Renault cars were raced, and raced with outstanding success, culminating in their emphatic win in the world's first Grand Prix at Le Mans in 1906.
The last single-cylinder Renault model was made in 1904 but twins and fours from 1.2 litre capacity to a hefty 7.5 litre model offered a range that met a wide variety of customers' needs. The integrity of Renault's products, coupled with the publicity that came from motor racing achievements, saw Renault as the largest and most successful French motor car maker by 1907.
This imposing Limousine on a V1B chassis is typical of the quality motor cars that Louis Renault had built from the earliest days. All-Renault in design and construction, the model had been given 'Type Approval' by the Departement des Mines (a legal requirement in France) on the 16th June 1906. With its 4.4 litre engine and four speed gearbox the chassis can well cope with the Open Drive Limousine body fitted, by Belgian coachbuilders Gamette of Liege. Whilst the passengers sit in luxury in the enclosed rear compartment, the chauffeur is well protected (by the standards of the day) by a fold-up windscreen and roof, when conducting the car at its catalogued maximum of 70 kph.
Period brass accessories including Bleriot acetylene head lights, wing-mounted bulb horn, single scuttle side-light, and an acetylene generator complete the presentation of the Renault, which appears very correct in detail.
Restored many years ago the car now has the charm and attractive patina of age which one associates with Edwardian vehicles, however it has not been run recently and careful preparation prior to road use is recommended.
Because of their quality and history Renault cars have an enthusiastic following in Europe, being particularly well catered for in France by the Clubs des Amateurs d'Anciennes Renault and in the UK by the club Renault Freres. This car would grace events organised by such clubs, and any other old car gatherings.
COACHWORK BY GAMETTE ET FILS, LIEGE
Swiss Registered
Car No.: 9608
Engine No.: tba
Blue with black wings and black leather upholstery
Engine: four cylinder, bi-block, L-head, 4,398cc; Gearbox: four speed manual; Suspension: semi elliptic to front and rear, with transverse rear spring; Brakes: two-wheel rear, by handbrake, and foot-operated band on transmission. Right hand drive.
When in 1898 Louis Renault took the engine from his De Dion Bouton quadricycle and built it in to a tiny voiturette with shaft drive and direct drive in top gear, he created one of the definitive designs of the early motor car era.
Production of similar cars began in 1899 and sales soon exceeded the expectations of all but the company's taciturn founder; 71 examples finding customers in the first year. Output rose steadily and by the end of 1907 over 3000 Renaults per annum were being made. Louis disliked dependence on outside suppliers and by 1903 had dispensed with the use of De Dion Bouton and Aster engines, making his own power units and buying in only such essential items as ignition systems and tyres. Unlike many car manufacturers of the day, Renault even had its own coachbilding department.
From the earliest days Renault cars were raced, and raced with outstanding success, culminating in their emphatic win in the world's first Grand Prix at Le Mans in 1906.
The last single-cylinder Renault model was made in 1904 but twins and fours from 1.2 litre capacity to a hefty 7.5 litre model offered a range that met a wide variety of customers' needs. The integrity of Renault's products, coupled with the publicity that came from motor racing achievements, saw Renault as the largest and most successful French motor car maker by 1907.
This imposing Limousine on a V1B chassis is typical of the quality motor cars that Louis Renault had built from the earliest days. All-Renault in design and construction, the model had been given 'Type Approval' by the Departement des Mines (a legal requirement in France) on the 16th June 1906. With its 4.4 litre engine and four speed gearbox the chassis can well cope with the Open Drive Limousine body fitted, by Belgian coachbuilders Gamette of Liege. Whilst the passengers sit in luxury in the enclosed rear compartment, the chauffeur is well protected (by the standards of the day) by a fold-up windscreen and roof, when conducting the car at its catalogued maximum of 70 kph.
Period brass accessories including Bleriot acetylene head lights, wing-mounted bulb horn, single scuttle side-light, and an acetylene generator complete the presentation of the Renault, which appears very correct in detail.
Restored many years ago the car now has the charm and attractive patina of age which one associates with Edwardian vehicles, however it has not been run recently and careful preparation prior to road use is recommended.
Because of their quality and history Renault cars have an enthusiastic following in Europe, being particularly well catered for in France by the Clubs des Amateurs d'Anciennes Renault and in the UK by the club Renault Freres. This car would grace events organised by such clubs, and any other old car gatherings.
Sale room notice
The Renault has Willock Bottin headlights and not Bleriot as stated.