1908 Renault Type AX

Renault introduced its twin-cylinder Model AX in 1908 at the London Motor Show. The French magazine Omnia described it as 'It is very much to the taste of the public, who see it as a move towards the voiturette... that car for poor people that can render so many services. I hope that they won't weigh down this nice little chassis, built to carry neat two-seater bodywork, with huge coachwork capable of carrying five people!'

The twin-cylinder Renault AX was soon put into service as a taxicab in Paris and London, and is fondly remembered for rushing reinforcements to the front in September 1914 when the advancing German Army threatened Paris. The services rendered earned it the title 'Taxi de la Marne', and one of these gallant Renault taxis was immortalized with a spot within the Les Invalides in Paris.

The 1,060cc inline 2-cylinder engine powering the Type AX had a single Updraft carburetor and produced 7 horsepower at 1,800 RPM. It had a three-speed manual transmission, two-wheel drum brakes, and a suspension comprised of semi-elliptical springs. The AX could reach a top speed in the range of 35 mph.

The Type AX was renowned for its durability and reliability. Coachwork was usually two- or four-seat configurations.

by Dan Vaughan

Roadster
Chassis number: 14525

The Model AX was introduced in 1908 to help further expand the company's market share. These vehicles were much less expensive than the larger Renaults, though still a costly sum at approximately $950. The Type AX had a top speed in the range of 35 mph and had a reputation for its reliability.

This two-seat roadster was delivered to Mr. Henry Salvesen Lathallan of Stirlingshire, Scotland on January 28th of 1909, from the Renault agency R.Y. Dickson of Renfrew Lane in Glasgow. It remained in the Lathallan family's ownership until purchased by B.J. Missmer of Santa Barbara, California, who transported it to the United States.

In 1969, ta restoration was completed. It took the following honors during that year: Most Popular Car at the June HCCA One- and Two-Cylinder National Meet, a First Junior at the AACA Cedar Rapids Spring Meet the same month, an AACA First Senior prize in the fall at the Los Gatos meet and the S.F. Edge Award for Best Restored Foreign Car at Hershey. On May 30th of 1970, the car graced the ramp at Pebble Beach after winning First in Class.

The car is powered by a 1060cc inline two-cylinder engine fitted with a Single Updraft carburetor and produces 7 horsepower. There is a three-speed manual gearbox and two-wheel drum brakes and transmission brake.

In 2011, the car was offered for sale at the Gooding & Company auction held in Scottsdale, Arizona. It was estimated to sell for $45,000 - $65,000. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $68,200 including buyer's premium.

by Dan Vaughan

The Renault Type AX was produced from 1908 through 1914. Power was from a 1060cc engine that had two cylinders and around 12 horsepower. Top speed was in the neighborhood of 55 kilometers per hour from the 750 kg vehicle.

by Dan Vaughan