1954 Rosier Rogue Roadster

French born Louis Rosier was an avid racer and an owner of a Renault dealership. Beginning in the 1950s, he created a series of specially prepared cars with the help of Motto of Turin. The bodies were constructed of lightweight aluminum and formed into two-seater coupes based on the 4CV platform. The coupes were expensive to produce so only a few were ever constructed. One example, the Rosier 4CV Barquette, was raced in the 1953 LeMans 24 Hour race, finishing in 23rd position.

In 1953 a second iteration was begun and the result was dubbed, the 'Rogue'. The prototype example was on display at the 1954 new York International Motor Show and featured a fiberglass body. The body was created with the help of Plasticar Inc. of Doylestown, PA. Plasticar Inc. made a deal to purchase 150 chassis from Renault of France, but the deal fell apart. At this point, the Rogue was equipped with a five-speed manual gearbox and a motor. The mid-engine placement had overheating issues, which were later resolved. In the care of Jean Redele the car became a road racing special, though its excessive weight meant it was never a contender for top honors. The car passed through several owners throughout the years, being raced in a variety of events including hill climbs.

Currently, the owner of this car keeps it active in vintage events. Its body is unique, elegant, and smooth, that flows gently from the front to the rear, without any doors to impede its flow.

By Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2007