Renault Voiturette
| Industry | Automotive |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1898 |
| Founder | Louis Renault |
| Products | Automobiles (Voiturette series) |
The Renault Voiturette represents the inaugural vehicle produced by Renault, manufactured between 1898 and 1903. This designation encompassed five early models, initially fitted with engines from De Dion-Bouton and rolling on Continental tires—a brand that continues to be associated with contemporary Renault cars.
Voiturette Type A
Conceived by Renault's founder, Louis Renault, in 1898, the Type A was first offered for sale on December 24, 1898. It was recognized for its hill-climbing capabilities and economical fuel consumption. Powered by a single-cylinder De Dion-Bouton engine, the vehicle could reach a maximum speed of .
Voiturette Type B
While maintaining the original mechanical framework of the Voiturette, the Type B introduced a unique two-door sedan body complete with a roof. This 1899 model highlighted Louis Renault’s early advancement in sedan design.
Voiturette Type C
Introduced in 1900 following significant mechanical and stylistic enhancements, the Type C was Renault’s first automobile capable of seating four passengers. It made its debut at the 1900 Salon de l'Automobile in Paris, marking the formal establishment of Renault Frères as an automaker.
A Type C without coachwork participated in the 9° Trofeo Milano Italian regularity rally held in 2015.
Voiturette Type D/E
Building upon the Type C, the Types D and E were equipped with a more robust 5CV engine. The Type D closely resembled the Type C but featured a retractable roof, whereas the Type E was designed with an extended roof lacking doors. The Type G shared their chassis and body design but was fitted with an enhanced engine.
Voiturette Type G
The last and most sophisticated version of the Voiturette series, the Type G housed an 864cc single-cylinder water-cooled De Dion engine delivering 8 horsepower. It maintained the twin side-mounted radiators introduced with water-cooling on earlier models like the Type C but enlarged to boost efficiency.
With front and rear semi-elliptical springs, the Type G provided relatively comfortable suspension for its era and secured numerous victories in races throughout France and Europe. Early motor racing attracted wealthy participants who frequently reached speeds above 35 mph; notably, the motor car speed record in 1901 stood at 65.79 mph.