History
Introduced in 1910, the Renault CB is based on a heavy long-wheelbase ladder-frame chassis equipped with semi-elliptic leaf springs, a shaft drive with transmission brake and hand-lever operated rear-wheel brakes.
Powered by a 12 HP four-cylinder side-valve engine, it features magneto ignition and thermo-siphon cooling. It can cruise at 60 kph, but not a lot faster and has a severe dislike for any sort of hill.
This particular car was one of a special order by the Brisbane agent with the large Rudge-Whitworth wire wheels. It left the Paris factory in May 1912. Nothing is known of its ownership until a Victorian farmer acquired it during the 1930’s. It was subsequently dismantled and stored but many of the parts were burnt in a fire. The remains were purchased in 2011 and provided an interesting challenge for the six-year restoration.
Modifications
As much as possible of the original was retained but a replacement ignition, fuel and carburettor system was fitted, along with brake lights and indicators.
