In this column we take a look at unusual Renault products.
History is a fascinating blend of verified facts and compelling narratives. Yet, when it comes to determining the precise classification of this component within a Renault Type A, absolute certainty eludes us.
What we have before us is a worn crown and pinion wheel from the very first Renault automobile. The crown wheel in question shows clear signs of wear, with several teeth having succumbed to the ravages of time. According to tradition and the experts at Renault Histoire, these are two pivotal components from the prototype of the petite voiturette that allowed Louis Renault to conquer the steep Rue Lepic in Paris multiple times on Christmas Eve in 1898.
While the successful ascent of this challenging street to the Sacre Coeur is often credited to Louis' innovative gearbox featuring gears and direct transmission, a closer examination of the interaction between the small pinion wheel and the large crown wheel reveals that these two components also played an equally significant role.
Do you have uncommon or rare Renault-products that would fit into this column? Or do you own something of which its function is a mystery to you? Send your high-resolution picture(s) to losangemagazine@gmail.com.