Renault Nervasport
| Industry | Automotive |
|---|---|
| Founded | February 25, 1899 in France |
| Founder | Louis Renault |
| Headquarters | France |
| Products | Automobiles |
The Renault Nervasport was a luxury sports automobile equipped with a straight-eight engine, launched by Renault in March 1932 and manufactured until 1935. It derived from the larger Renault Nervastella. Its streamlined successor, the Nerva Grand Sport, was introduced in 1935 and remained available until mid-1937. Renault models of this period frequently underwent type revisions and aesthetic enhancements.
Concept
The "sport" label represented Renault's "superpuissance" approach: installing a large engine from a higher-end model—in this instance, the Nervastella—onto a shorter wheelbase combined with a lighter body. This configuration delivered enhanced performance at a more accessible price by reducing standard fittings. The smaller Vivasport adopted a comparable concept.
1932 launch (TG 5)
The TG 5 Nervasport was first unveiled in March 1932, featuring a 4241 cc flathead straight-eight engine that generated . The vehicle weighed around , making it considerably quicker than the Nervastella. Its wheelbase measured , and it was classified as a 24CV under French taxation rules.
Notable design elements included a continuous single-piece front bumper, five identical ventilation flaps on the bonnet, and an upright radiator grille. While the car earned accolades for its robustness and speed, its braking system—despite servo assistance—was relatively weak. Unlike the four-speed transmission fitted to the Nervastella, the TG 5 utilized a three-speed gearbox with synchromesh on the top two gears.
A total production volume of 540 TG 5 units was achieved. The last 40 vehicles incorporated Suspendu Amorti rubber engine mounts, inspired by Citroën’s Moteur Flottant concept. The TG 5 briefly overlapped with the newer ZC 2 model; to reduce remaining stock, some later TG cars were refitted with aerodynamic bodies resembling those of the ZC 2 and ZD 2, creating an intermediate variant.
ZC 2 and ZC 4
Debuting at the 27th Paris Motor Show in October 1933, the ZC 2 showcased streamlined styling influenced by Chrysler designs. Its counterpart in the Nervastella range was named "ZD 2". The body featured a slanted grille and windshield, rounded contours with deeply skirted fenders, and an integrated trunk. Enlarged rear vent flaps and a front bumper with a central dip further improved aerodynamics. The side-valve engine maintained its stroke but increased bore to , resulting in a displacement of and a tax rating of 28CV. Power output stayed constant, limiting its competitiveness as market demands grew, though low-end torque saw improvement. The wheelbase was extended to . Eight bare chassis were delivered to coachbuilders.
At the Paris Show in October 1934, the ZC 4 was introduced with even more rounded bodywork and an approximately longer wheelbase. The bonnet displayed four elongated chrome-capped vents accentuating its length, while the front bumper adopted a split design featuring a central opening for the license plate. Engine upgrades included an automatic choke and an optional starter activated through the throttle.
ACN 1
The ACN 1 succeeded the ZC 4 swiftly in March 1935. Engine bore was enlarged to , increasing displacement to , and power rose to at 2800 rpm under the new "type 450" engine code. Production numbers were limited to eight units, including two strict two-seater roadsters equipped with folding windscreens. Manufacturing of the ACN 1 ceased by September 1935 as attention shifted toward the hyper profilée ("ultra-streamlined") Nerva Grand Sport.
Nerva Grand Sport
Launched in March 1935, the Nerva Grand Sport (ABM 3) showcased a highly aerodynamic design and was marketed concurrently with the Nervasport for a short period. Prior to this, an earlier model known as the Nervastella Grand Sport (ZD 4) had been available. Both models were distinguished by their integrated headlamp design and pronouncedly flowing body contours. Following the phase-out of the Nervasport, the Nerva Grand Sport continued exclusively in its ABM 5 and ABM 7 variants. Although production ceased in July 1937, it remained listed in sales catalogs until 1938.