The emergence of ceremonial luxury cars
Starting in 1904, Renault vehicles were characterised by their “crocodile” bonnet with the radiator mounted behind the engine. As the range developed, the classic voiturettes would also evolve, ushering in luxury and, with it, the ceremonial car, just like this magnificent Victoria.
For this range of vehicles, the coachwork was usually outsourced to a specialist workshop often dating back to the days of horse-drawn carriages. For this model, the task was entrusted to Rothschild.
Exceptional workshops build exceptional cars
Rotschild’s expertise was rooted in a century-long tradition of fine coachwork for hackneys, carriages and, of course, victorias. This would explain the influence of the horse-drawn carriage on its style: like a rooster, the driver is perched on the front seat while the passenger is snuggled comfortably in the cushions at the rear, off for a leisurely jaunt through the Bois de Boulogne. The low chassis provided easier access.
This model was built on a 1913 chassis for the high-ranking Egyptian dignitary Abou Shanab Fadah. An exquisite vehicle for a prominent passenger.
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RENAULT ROAD SWEEPER TYPE DM