1926 Renault 40CV

Sold for $830,000 at 2019 Gooding & Company : Pebble Beach.
In the 1920s Henri Labourdette built elaborate coachwork for both the Renault 40CV and the smaller 6CV, exhibiting the same flair as the chauffeur-driven Rolls-Royce and Hispano-Suiza automobiles of the day. This 6-cylinder 40CV model has had three owners since new and is typical of the French design style still seen at Renault in modern times.

In 1911, Renault introduced the Type CG and it would continue until 1928 through several model designations. By the time it was retired, it was known as the Type NM, and was replaced by the 7.1-liter, straight-eight Reinastella. When introduced, the Renault's 40 CV was powered by a 7541cc side-valve six and rested on a 3743mm wheelbase, and weighed 1750 KG as a chassis alone.

After World War I, the engine was enlarged to 9120cc and remained this way with its anachronistic rear-mounted radiator and coal-scuttle bonnet. By 1922, front-wheel brakes were standardized, at which time the hood line was straightened to fully conceal the radiator.

Prior to the War, Renault had participated vigorously in motorsports. Afterward, the 40 CV was the sole competitor, winning the 1925 Monte Carlo Rally and setting records at Montlhery, with both closed and open models.

By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2018