King, emperor, admiral, a rhyme from a children's song, but it turns out that the target group of cars like this 1934 Nervastella ZD2 is very appropriate.  Yes, it is a real eight-cylinder model, to which the first five letters of the type name refer.  Without exception, all Renaults with eight cylinders are extremely rare.  

The production archives show that exactly two hundred and forty-five ZD2 examples were produced between October 1933 and September 1934.  Renault itself alone built the model in two bodywork variants.  Plain chassis for coachbuilders were added.  All the Renault-built examples had a four-door body with either two (berline) or three (conduite intérieure) side windows.  On the same, but shortened, chassis there was also the Nervasport, to be precise the ZC2 for the 1934 model year.  This model was available as a two- or four-door berline, as a two-door coach, as a coach décapotable (with a single, covered bench seat) and as a cabriolet décapotable (two bench seats under the hood).  A total of exactly two hundred and fifty of these Nervasports were produced.  In the same model year, the Reinastella ended its relatively short career, the only difference being the larger engine with a capacity of 7.1 litres.

But now, back to the Nervastella ZD2, of which this is one of the few survivors.  The car is in a completely original condition, which means that the body, the paintwork, the chrome and the interior are still exactly as they were, when it left the factory.  Of course, the car can stand the test of time, but this patina is highly appreciated by collectors and  by enthusiasts these days.  Immediately, these matters raise the question as to whether a car like this needs to be restored completely or should be preserved in this state.  The latter appears to be most sensible, because restoration is possible at any time.  Furthermore, some details, which are difficult to restore, simply disappear.  A good example of this is the Nerva mark on the right rear mudguard, right next to the rear light.  Based on the well-known diamond shape with the ‘Stella’ star on top of it, the name Nerva appears.  Currently, it is clearly legible, but it has faded.

The ZD2 turned out to be an extremely powerful car, but, according to common Renault practice in the ‘Thirties, the bodywork from the windscreen back to the rear closely matched that of the large Viva four-cylinder and the Viva six-cylinder models.  There seems to be no end to the bonnet, in which there are five separately opening air flaps on each side.  The bonnet consists of two halves, which are hinged down the centre line, and each half folds again into two elements, one on top of the other, which then rest on the unopened half.  The large grille leans slightly backwards and carries the legendary Stella star on top of a spur, which looks like the tail of a falling star.  On the bumper, which has a dip in the centre, two Renault-manufactured horns stand in a casing, as if they were fog lights.  On the bumper, with its diamond-shaped logos, the refined detailing of this top-of-the-range model catches the eye.

The engine is one of the main attractions of this car. The eight-cylinder in-line unit has a capacity of 4,825 ccs.  On the left side of the block is a rectangular copper plate with the indication of the bore x stroke (80 x 120 mms), the type number 407 and the fact that this is the 119th built engine of this type.  Compared to current norms, everything around the engine comes across as simple and straightforward.  A foot-operated starter motor can be found at the back on the right. Furthermore, on the left side, there is an alternator and the inlet manifold with the carburettor.  Of course, this is a side-valve engine with one intake manifold per four cylinders and, in between, the letters ‘LR’ (for Louis Renault) are cast on the engine block.

Since 2005, this Nerva has been standing in its place in a large hangar, driven there by its deceased owner.  What a pleasure it must be to hear this engine running.  This prestige vehicle was the first Renault to receive a four-speed gearbox in 1934.  On this Nervastella, the third and fourth gears are neatly synchronised.  That is why third and top gear are on the same vertical plane as each other in the H-shift pattern.  Only from a complete standstill are first and second gears used or possibly after double de-clutching.  The reverse has a place next to the traditional H.

Simplicity is typical of the ‘Thirties, a time when many brands followed the example of the Americans.  The difference between a compact and a large model was mainly the size.  That sounds very logical, but, nowadays, it is common for larger models to have many more features available.  In the mid-‘Thirties things were different.  This 5.25-metre long conduite intérieure version of the Nervastella is a real seven-seater.  This meant that, between the front and rear seats there were two folding seats (strapontins), which could easily be folded away and taken out and replaced later.

The materials used in the interior remained virtually unchanged the for a long time.  The furniture and a significant part of the door panels carry a thick, dark brown velour fabric.  This is nicely pleated with beautiful buttons on the seat and on seat back in beige.  The headlining is of a beige material and therefore contributes to the mood of the whole.  The seats are large and soft, so Renault was able to offer superior comfort even back then.  The brown theme continues in several details.  For example, the interior window frames around and the entire dashboard are painted in wood grain.  The dark wood is modelled on rosewood. Chrome edges adorn the instruments themselves, and the panel is a surrounded by a beautiful chromium ornamentation, which is also repeated around the glove compartment lid. The chromium-plated window winding handles and door handles were used in identical form on all Renaults until the Second World War. Suspended from the ceiling, the first owner stretched a net, for storing cards, documents and other small items.

What is particularly striking is the enormous interior space, although, given the car’s length, this should be no surprise.  A seven-seater would appear to cater for large families, but, given the new price for a car of this type (for the price of one Nervastella, one could buy three Celtaquatres in 1934), it is conceivable that the strapontins mainly served in the car when folded up.  The furniture and the ceiling coverings are completely original on this car. Of course, there is some wear and tear and signs of animal activity, but, overall, it is good enough to continue in this state for a long time to come.  The armrests in the back appear to have collapsed slightly, but that should not spoil the fun. Behind the doors on both sides, there is an upholstered, looped handle, in which passengers can comfortably rest their hand or pull themselves up, when leaving the car.  What also stands out, which is exactly the same with other contemporary models, is that the floor in the front has rubber mats only, whereas one would have thought that deep pile luxury carpets would have been more appropriate.

At the rear, the bodywork has no openings.  Where, then, does the owner of such a stylish limousine stow the luggage?  For this operation, the backrest of the rear seats has to be pulled upwads from the bottom, which gives access to the space behind the rear bench seat. The spare wheel is located outside at the back, with a metal cover hiding the tyre only. The actual wheel and its chromed cente plate are visible.  Only here, can it be clearly seen that the wheels are dark red to contrast with the black body.

Exclusive limousines like this have had rich, distinguished customers.  It is a pity that the history of this example is not known at all.  In the ‘Fifties or ‘Sixties, the car was saved from an early demise, stored in a shed and used to a limited extent.  The current license plate bears the letter W, which denotes a garage license plate in France.  So which king, emperor or admiral himself drove or was driven in this Renault, history, unfortunately, does not tell us.

En détail...

Renault Nervastella  ZD2 Conduite Intérieure

Specifications

Engine:

Type 407, four-stroke, eight-cylinder, 4.827 ccs capacity (80 x 120 mms bore x stroke). Compression ratio 5.5:1.  Stromberg twin downdraught carburettor.  Power: 28 CV (fiscal), 120 hp (actual) at 3,400 rpm. Thermosyphon cooling with water pump.  Cooling system  capacity 22 litres.  Battery 6 volts, 120 Ah. Top speed 135 km/h.

Dimensions:

Length 5.25 metres, width 1.85 metres. Wheelbase: 3,587 metres. Track width (front) 1.440 metres, (rear) 1.454 metres. Tyres: 15 x 45.  Fuel tank (rear) capacity : 100 litres. Oil sump capacity : 13 litres.  Weight : 2,400 kg.

Suspension:

Banjo rear axle. Final drive 10 x 41. Two longitudinal leaf springs in the front and one transverse leaf spring at the rear.  Double-acting hydraulic shock absorbers all round. Drum brakes all round, with mechanical brake booster, driven off the gearbox.

Bodywork with running boards. Steering wheel 470 mm with horn control in the centre.