1898 Renault Voiturette rear left

The Renault Voiturette (Renault Little Car) was Renault's first ever produced automobile, and was manufactured between 1898 and 1903. The name was used for five models.The first Voiturettes mounted De Dion-Bouton engines, which were used until the mid seventies for several Renault automobiles. Continental tires were used for the car, and curiosly, several modern Renaults still use Continental.

The first Voiturette was designed by the maker's creator Louis Renault in 1898. The first Voiturette was sold to a friend of Louis' father after going for a ride with Louis through Lepic street on December 24, 1898. Twelve more cars were sold that night. The main reason for the man to buy the car was the incredible ability of the car to climb streets without any difficulty and its fuel economy. The car mounted a De Dion-Bouton 1 cylinder engine, which allowed it to reach a top speed of 32 km/h (20 mph).

Production 1898-1903 Predecessor None Class (Type A/B) SuperminiEngine(s) (Type A/B) De Dion-Bouton 1 cylinder, 273 cc, 1.75 CVTransmission(s) Manual, 3-gear Length 1,900 mm (74.8 in) Width 1,150 mm (45.3 in) Height 1,400 mm (55.1 in)

Curb weight (Type A) 200 kg (441 lb)(Type B) 350 kg (772 lb)

Designer Louis Renault

 

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