(Francia 1899)

Renault was founded in Paris by three brothers, Louis, Fernand and Marcel, in 1899. Its firs vehiclewas designed as a prototype by louis before the company was formed and a few dozens were then built in its little Billancourt workshop.

The 3e1/2 HP came next. It, too, was also equipped with a water-cooled, single-cylinder De Dion engine and soon made its name in the motoring world, one reason being the races it won, including the Paris-Ostend, in the hands of Louis and Marcel Renault.