Renault Type C Voiturette 1900

In 1900, 4100 automobiles were manufactured in France. Renault completed 179 automobiles mainly C Type voiturettes. In 1899 the Renault Freres Company had "hardly" built 80 automobiles.

Annouced in the press as early as November 1899, the Renault C Type is presented in April 1900 at the Vincennes Car Show, the latter organized within the frame of the World Exhibition.

The main change proposed by the C Type when compared to the previous A and B Type is the adoption of an innovative cooling system using water. The engine cover of the car becomes therefore in square shape, with cut sections, on which are fixed the elements that enable the cooling mechanism or radiators. The chassis, designed the same way as the A and B types, is both longer and larger and presented in three forms: convertible with 2/3 seats with removable backseats, "barrel" 4 seats and coupe 2/3 seats.

At the time, the success in the famous city to city races has a major influence on the purchase orders as there are many automobile manufacturers and it is the best way to differentiate one from another. After its first victories in 1899 during the Paris-Trouville, Paris-Ostende and Paris-Rambouillet races, the young Renault Frères Company claims its legitimacy in the automobile competitions by finishing first with the Renault C Type in two additional races that are Paris-Bordeaux and Paris-Toulouse, in 1900. The latter victories are one of the reason behind this car's commercial success, with 350 purchase orders linked to these victories.

text photos P. Damiens autoconcept-reviews.com

Renault Type C Technical Specifications
Engine	3 HP - 450 cc - 1 cylinder
Dimensions	Length 240 cm (94.5 inches), width 120 cm (47 inches),wheelbase 150 cm (59 inches)
Weight	400 kg (882 lb.)
Claimed top speed	40 kph (25 mph)