1931 Renault Primaquatre is available now at auction from Dorset Vintage & Classic Auctions

From a Private Collection
1931 Renault Primaquatre

Make: Renault
Model: Primaquatre
Year: 1931
Registration Number: NV 352
Chassis Number: 217978
Transmission: Manual
Steering: Right Hand Drive
MOT Test Expiry: Exempt
Mileage: 20519
Price: £10750
Road Tax Exempt

The last model offered by Renault before the death of founder Louis Renault in 1944 and produced from 1931 to 1941, the Primaquatre was powered by a four cylinder side valved engine of 2120cc, driving the rear wheels via a three speed manual gearbox, giving a maximum speed quoted at 62mph. The solidly built coachwork offered four doors and a spacious interior in right hand drive form with a smart peaked roof and disc wheels.

Renault’s ‘coal scuttle’ bonnet came to an end when the 1930 range featured motor cars with the radiator located in the front of the engine behind a large, deep metal grille sloping gently backwards. The distinctive front was in the fashion of the earlier ‘coal scuttle’ cars, but featured only on 1930 and ’31 models; from 1932 onwards, the grille was mounted vertically.

This 1931 Primaquatre was supplied new to a well-heeled Surrey family but stationed at their Isle of Wight home up until 1983. It was initially used around the island during family holiday visits but spent most of its life parked up on blocks in a warm and dry garage. At some point, the family ceased to use the Renault and it became surrounded by the inevitable bric-a-brac that tends to accumulate garages! In 1983, the owner responded to the current custodian’s, then a Renault dealer,  advertisement offering an apple green Renault 5 for sale, which he hoped to purchase for his grandson. In the negotiations, it was agreed that the Primaquatre was taken in part exchange, despite the fact that it needed to be recovered from the Isle of Wight and only a small photograph of the 1931 motor car was offered as evidence of its existence. On collection of the Renault, the current custodian discovered that although the garaging had ensured minimal corrosion, it had not prevented considerable rodent activity and damage to the cloth interior, leaving virtually stripped seat frames and upholstery springs. All mechanics appeared to be sound but the engine had seized.

After its arrival at its new home, the engine was freed after a good soaking in lubricant, and with fresh petrol, a new battery and a refreshed ignition system, the motor car started and ran sweetly, even moving around under its own steam. A restoration followed; only minor repairs to the body were required before a professional repaint was carried out, and the interior was superbly reupholstered by local trimmers, themselves vintage car enthusiasts. A new set of tyres and tubes were also sourced. The mechanical components were in good condition and required just recommissioning.

By the mid-eighties, the Primaquatre was in regular use for shows, special events and a few weddings. It had pride of place at the Renault dealership and attracted great interest from the garage’s customers up until 2003 when the business was sold. The motor car has remained in the same ownership ever since, kept warm and dry in its own retirement with the engine regularly turned but the car not actually driven - a new battery and fresh tank of fuel should see it running again.

What an opportunity then to purchase a 1931 Renault with just two owners from new and still in beautiful condition from its restoration some forty years ago.  The history file contains a driver’s handbook, a spare parts catalogue, thirteen old MOT test certificates, a part RF60 registration book, an older V5C and the current V5C registration certificate.

NB - The vendor is offering FREE transportation of this vehicle to any address in ENGLAND or WALES 

FOR SALE