For sale

1903 Renault 10HP Twin Cylinder Rear Entrance Tonneau - VCC Dated

Registration No. AF192 

Chassis No. 2318

Model/Type. U

Engine No. 910

In 1899 three brothers Marcel, Louis and Fernand joined forces to form the Renault Motor Car Company. A name that would very quickly become one that was in every conversation surrounding motorcars and particular motorsport. It was Marcels decision to promote the Renault brand name through racing, a decision which ultimately saw him showcase his skill as a driving winning the 1902 Paris - Vienna race, yet sadly die a year later on the opening day of the Paris - Madrid race aged just 31. 

Shortly after Marcels death, Renault began to produce their own engines, no longer using those of De Dion Bouton and saw a phenomenal rise that made Renault France’s biggest automobile supplier in 1908.

It was the model shown here the ‘U’ that in 1903 was the first to bear a Twin Cylinder engine by Renault of its own production. The vehicle was available with several different bodies including a Rear Entrance Tonneau and consisted of Atmospheric Inlet valves and a 3 speed gearbox. The car produced 10HP and was geared to travel at 40MPH. 

With their ‘coal scuttle bonnet’ and side radiators that were derived from the Renault racing cars, these powerful 4 seat cars have always been regarded as very high quality in engineering and design and are coveted by owners around the globe. 

‘AF192’ presents as an excellent example of a 1903 10HP Renault, with Veteran Car Club Dating Certificate, Windscreen and Electric starting. French twin cylinder cars of these quality are rare to find and this vehicle has been known to us for the past 3 custodians. Maintained with no expense spared via NP Veteran Engineering, AF192 was last serviced in December 2024 at which point a full rear axle rebuild was undertaken including new differential planet gears, halves shafts and bearings. The car was coach painted in its current Royal Blue in 2023 by Tom Parrott and presents wonderfully today. 

AF192 has also proven its pedigree over the last 35 years where it was extensively toured both in the UK (London to Brighton, 1000 Mile Trial, VCC tours in Scotland and Ireland) and Europe where it was driven in France, Belgium, Italy and Switzerland. The car was used on these events by the Bennett and Watson families, both extremely well integrated in the Veteran Car Club. 

The car is available today, ready for use in 2025, starting on the button, freshly serviced with a staggering folder of invoices, UK V5C and VCC Dating Certificate.