- Well-preserved condition

- Interesting model with a 6-cylinder Renault engine

- Attractive interior fittings

- No reserve

The Renault TN series of buses were an integral part of Parisian life from the 1930s until the end of the 1960s, when they were still in service in the capital. Green with a white roof, they had a distinctive open platform at the rear, leaving the memory of many a mad dash to jump on board.

The first Renault TN appeared in 1931 as a replacement for the PN, and it was initially equipped with a 4-cylinder engine, hence its name ‘TN4’ (the letter that followed denoting the evolution of the model). In 1932, a more powerful version made its debut, with a 6-cylinder engine with a capacity of nearly 8 litres, which ran at the leisurely speed of 1600rpm, ensuring that it was extremely robust. It was mated to a four-speed non-synchromesh gearbox which demanded real skill on the part of the driver, who was perched above the engine at the front. The TN6 had a longer bonnet than the TN4 and with its greater power, it was used on routes with steeper inclines. All these buses were fitted with similar bodies by the Société des Transports en Commun de la Région Parisienne (STCRP), the predecessor of the RATP.

This bus is a TN6 with a closed cabin for the driver. It is in good original condition and was undoubtedly repainted during its long career. The passenger compartment is in well-preserved condition, with its seats with their wooden backrests trimmed in moleskin, handrails and slatted floor. The ceiling, covered in varnished wood panels and fitted with lights, is beautifully crafted and is in marked contrast to the utilitarian purpose of this bus. The cab, for its part, is extremely basic, with no instruments to distract the attention of the driver from operating the steering wheel and sturdy pedals.

The destination ‘Saint-Lazare’ is displayed at the back, but as the RATP archives were completely destroyed after the war, it is impossible to find out on which exact route a bus like this ran.

This example was still registered in the name of the RATP, from whom Renault bought it directly in 1966, as it had been very well preserved. In good condition and still fitted with its Renault petrol engine (whereas many vehicles were converted to diesel), the bus was recommissioned a few years ago, but now needs a service; the magneto in particular is faulty. Faithful to its original appearance, it is one of the few TN6s to have survived, from just over 1000 examples built (for all versions). A sought-after model today, it represents an interesting opportunity to acquire a historic vehicle which contributed to the glorious history of Paris public transport.