- Replica of the first ‘production’ Renault, built by Renault

- Sole example with an electric motor

- Created by the manufacturer, regardless of cost

- No reserve

For Renault, the Type A is an especially important model, as it enabled Louis Renault to become a car maker. Simple yet ingenious, this small open two-seater with a De Dion engine demonstrated its capability in front of Louis’ friends when it climbed the rue Lepic in Montmartre on Christmas Eve 1898. Following this, he began production of a small series of cars in the workshops built at the same time at Billancourt, displayed his car at the Automotive Exhibition in June 1899 and took part with his brother Marcel in sporting events which contributed to the reputation of the emerging marque.

A century later, to mark the company’s centenary, the decision was taken to build a replica of this remarkable Type A. Starting from a surviving example, which was complete but well worn, and a list of parts, scale drawings were created, parts remanufactured and eight replicas built. One of them was fitted with an electric motor so that it could be driven in locations where exhaust emissions were forbidden, in particular during the centenary celebrations. It is this interesting example which is presented here. Except for the De Dion engine, it is identical to the other replicas and is extremely true to the original Type A, a historic car whose lineage continues to this day.