1924 Renault NN Saloon

Description

Utterly charming French Light Car; the subject of a very expensive body restoration; lovely dashboard; lots to like; Autombile magazine featured

The early French history of this little gem is unknown, but probably involves life as a taxi somewhere along the way, the quirky saloon coachwork having two doors in total - both on the offside to allow passengers to alight onto the kerb - in France that is, not the UK!

It was imported into the UK in 1989 and registered DS 8895 in 1991 and was used by its owner for a family wedding. It was running and driving well at this point, but the bodywork was in a delicate state and it was eventually put up for sale at a dealer who left it outside.

Feeling sorry for it, its next owner saved the car, which by this time was sitting with a door removed, a broken windscreen and a very rotten bodyframe - although the steel panels were in good shape.

The car was duly stripped and the body sent to Sowerby Ash Framing, who carefully rebuilt the frame to exacting standards, retaining as much of the original wood as possible which allowed the easy fitting of the original steel skin.

Meanwhile, the chassis was stripped and cleaned, along with the axles and springs, steering and gearbox, although the engine, which had been described as working nicely, was left alone.

Much of it was in good condition, including the typically Renault copper header tank and side radiators. Much work ensued.

Finally it was ready for trim and Pritchard Coach Trimmers carefully repaired the front seats and retrimmed the rear (and headlining) in a type of Bedford Cord which looks virtually unworn. The dashboard looks particulary exotic - more Hispano than Renault NN which is all part of its charm.

On arrival at Brightwells, the magneto was away being sorted but it is hoped to have this fitted by the time of the sale. The head gasket may also be faulty, although there is a spare included.

It comes with an original instruction book, loads of bills, 8 old MOTs (the last of which expired in January 2021 with no advisories) and a copy of a super two-page feature from the Automobile Magazine written by Michael Ware dated October 2020. It is well-known within the VSCC Light Car Sections which offers lots of fun and games for just this type of vehicle.

This sympathetically restored Renault saloon is a quirky as they come, and all the better for it. We love it - on offer at No Reserve, it could be sitting in your garage very soon.

Contact matthew.parkin@brightwells.com