Trade-in car. It is Christmas Eve 1898 when Louis Renault stands with his brothers looking at his first creation, a Voiturette (converted the Dion-Bouton 3-wheeler). This vehicle would form the basis of the automobile company Renault Freres, founded in 1899, and the beginning of Louis' careerère in the automobile industry. Interest in his creations was high and after a visit to the FORD factories in 1911, Louis decided that his company should become one of the largest industriële companies in France. It was the elite who showed interest and Renault was therefore at that time synonymous with Luxury and quality. Anno 2022 there are very few Renaults ‘known’ from that early period, we realize that the vehicle we offer you here, very unique, Namely a PI 18, built by carrossier Felber et Fils (a big name in the noisy 1920s). This example with its first registration in 1926, was equipped with a 4.8 liter inline six cylinder with 24 hp, 'Les 6 cylindres de luxe'. The gearbox was manual and provided 4 gears. Renault installed drum brakes on all four wheels as part of safety but also ‘luxury’ fairly unique for the time. Little is known about the early history of this unique example until it was offered for sale at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale auction in 1986. It was Frank Spain who added the car to his already extensive collection. At the time, word spread that this specimen remained untouched a complete original. For the past 35 years the car was stored and displayed (Tupelo museum) never was there any intention to use or restore this time capsule, why, such a unique specimen in a unique original condition! The PI 18 looks very complete by the way, and that almost 100 years after the car was first registered. Some documents related to the 1986 auction accompany our Renault, including the US registration from the state of Mississippi (of course, the import and other taxes have already been paid by us). This is your chance to purchase a very rare pre-war Renault, do nothing about it, just put it down and enjoy almost 100 years of automobile history.
