Renault introduced its twin-cylinder Model AX in 1908 at the London Motor Show. Although intended for two-seater coachwork, it was often outfitted with larger and heavier bodywork.

Two cylinder Renaults, including the Type AG of 1905 to 1910 and the Type AX of 1908 to 1914, were put into service as a taxicab in Paris and London. They are famously remembered for rushing reinforcements to the front in September 1914 when the advancing German Army threatened Paris. This heroic act earned the Renault taxi the title of 'Taxi de la Marne', meaning Marne Taxi.

Styling features of the twin-cylinder Renault were the 'coal scuttle' bonnet and rear-mounted.

The Renault Type AG was equipped with a 1,205cc two-cylinder engine producing 8 CV. Over 3,000 examples of the Type AG had been sold by 1907, including many examples being sold to the United States, United Kingdom, and Argentina. Approximately 1,100 examples of the Type AG were serving as taxi cabs in London.

The Renault Type AX was powered by a 1,205cc two-cylinder engine producing approximately 12 horsepower and paired with a three-speed manual transmission. Its chassis had a wheelbase size of 94 inches, and the front was suspended by semi-elliptic leaf springs and the rear relied on three-quarter elliptic leaf springs. Braking was courtesy of internal expanding drums.

The Renault AX and AG had a simple design; it was easy to operate and easy to maintain. The water-cooled, vertical twin-cylinder engine had mechanically operated valves, and was known for its durability. The longevity of the twin-cylinder Renault is validated by its long production run, which continued until the outbreak of hostilities in 1914.

by Dan Vaughan